The rainy weather may bring relief from the summer heat, but it can also cause trouble for your skin. From oily breakouts to itchy rashes and fungal infections, monsoon season can be tough on your skin if you are not careful.
To help you deal with these common skin problems, News24 spoke to Dr. Ranjan Upadhyay, senior consultant dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon at Max Hospital (Panchsheel & Saket) and director of Desmoderm Skin & Laser Clinic, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.
With 20 years of experience, Dr. Ranjan shares must-know skincare tips to protect your skin during the rainy season, whether you have oily, dry, or sensitive skin.
Expert Tips You Shouldn’t Miss
Question: Why is it important to adjust your skin care routine during monsoon?
Answer: Adjusting your skin care routine is extremely important during monsoon as high humidity with high temperature can significantly affect skin conditions. It may lead to excess sebum production (oiliness on skin), more chances of developing acne, fungal and bacterial infections .
Adjustments are specially needed if you have oily or acne prone skin,
- Use face wash ( oil control salicylic acid / benzoyl peroxide )not more than twice a day , if needed use plain water to wash otherwise
- Use light mineral make up
- Use oil-controlling, lightweight moisturisers or creams containing niacinamide and salicylic acid to prevent acneiform lesions.
- Retinol based creams nightly application is recommended. Start with twice a week, then gradually increase to alternate nights.
- Exfoliate skin once a week
- Oil control/ water / gel based sunscreens spf 30 for regular use and spf 50 or above for heavy outdoor activities.
- Keep hydrated
If you have normal to dry skin:
Use gentle face cleansers, avoid salicylic acid based products
- Use light water / ceramides / hyaluronic acid based moisturising lotions ( avoid heavy creams in monsoon)
- For normal skin use light exfoliating creams weekly followed by moisturisation
Water based sunscreens spf 30 or above should be used whenever going out
Question: How can you protect your skin from fungal infections that are common during monsoon season?
Answer: To protect skin from fungal infections here are a few tips :
- Take bath daily especially after outdoor activities
- Use antifungal powder on infection prone areas or fold areas of body daily post taking bath
- Dab dry the fold areas before applying antifungal powders
- Use antifungal soaps ( clotrimazole or ketoconazole based ) for bathing if you are prone to develop fungal infections
- Wear loose cotton clothes , avoid tight fitting or synthetic garments
- Have a nutritious diet ,including seasonal vegetables , fruits and age appropriate water intake.
- Always dry your clothes in sunlight or iron and wear to avoid recurrent infections from clothings.
See a specialist for resistant or active infections
