Eesha Kulkarni

The monsoon season brings relief from scorching heat, but it also poses unique challenges for our hair and skin. To help us navigate these challenges and maintain healthy, glowing hair and skin, we turned to Dr. Jamuna Pai, a renowned cosmetic physician, author, and founder of SkinLab.

Ahead, Dr. Pai shares valuable insights and expert tips on common skincare concerns, dietary considerations, effective skincare routines, hair care maintenance, and DIY treatments to make the most of the rainy season.

The Impact of Monsoon on Skin

During the monsoon season, the high humidity levels can lead to skin concerns such as sweating, excess oil production, clogged pores, and acne breakouts. Dr. Pai says, “Because of the dust and dirt sticking to the skin more, the clogging of the pores increases giving rise to acne. The presence of high humidity in the air is also favourable for the growth of microbes like fungus and bacteria. Another reason that fungal infections are rampant during monsoon, is due to the friction of skin against damp clothing.”

“To effectively address these concerns, it is crucial to hydrate the skin with a light water-based moisturiser. Despite the humidity, the skin still requires proper moisturisation.The overcast skies might make you want to skip the sun block. However, a good matte sunscreen is as important for the skin even during the monsoon,” she advises.

Dietary Considerations

While we may crave indulgent monsoon snacks, Dr. Pai advises caution. “While occasional indulgence in oily, fried foods is fine, it’s best to avoid them for the care of your skin. The increased humidity stimulates sebum production, leading to oily skin and clogged pores,” explains Dr. Pai. Instead, she recommends incorporating foods rich in antioxidants into our diets. Spinach, Beans, Kale, Dry Fruits, and berries such as Strawberries and Raspberries are excellent choices that help keep the skin healthy and glowing.

Combating Excessive Oiliness and Breakouts

The monsoon’s humidity often leads to excessive oiliness and breakouts. Dr. Pai suggests a few simple yet effective skincare routines. “Regular cleansing is a must to remove any build-up of dead skin cells, keeping the pores open and the skin looking fresh,” she emphasises.

“Exfoliation with mild granulated scrubs once a week helps eliminate the dead skin cell layer.” Dr. Pai further advises using moisturisers containing hyaluronic acid to keep the skin well hydrated and help it retain its natural moisture. To combat excessive sebum production, she recommends using gel-based or matte sunscreens.

Haircare in Humid Weather

The humid monsoon season often results in frizzy and unmanageable hair. Dr. Pai shares her expert tips to keep locks smooth and shiny. “Oiling the hair once a week at least helps control frizz,” she suggests. However, she advises avoiding applying oil directly to the scalp and limiting the application to the shaft and ends of the hair. Dr. Pai also recommends using hydrating conditioners and hair masks to moisturise the hair shafts.

“Care has to be taken even while washing the hair post oil application. A double round of shampoo would cleanse the hair well off any remnants of oil. Along with using hydrating conditioners and/or hair masks to keep the hair shafts well moisturised, leave-on conditioners aid in keeping the hair frizz-free,” she adds.

Fun DIY Skincare and Haircare Treatments

Staying indoors during rainy days provides an excellent opportunity for some self-care. Dr. Pai suggests a few fun DIY treatments for both skin and hair. “Using lemon juice mixed with milk and gram flour can serve as a paste to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and rejuvenating it,” she shares.

Additionally, she recommends a homemade cleanser made from fuller’s earth, powdered camphor, crushed mint leaves, and rose water to reduce oiliness, improve blood circulation, prevent acne, and bring an instant glow. For managing frizzy hair, Dr. Pai suggests a hair mask made of curd, honey, and eggs (optional) once every 15 days.

Here are the step-by-step recipes:

1. Lemon and Gram Flour Exfoliating Paste

Ingredients

Juice of 1 Lemon

2 tbsp Milk

2 tbsp Gram Flour

Steps:

1. In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, milk, and gram flour to create a paste-like consistency.
2. Apply the paste on your face, gently massaging it in circular motions.
3. Leave the paste on for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Rinse it off with water, pat your skin dry, and follow up with a moisturiser.
5. This exfoliating paste helps remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin refreshed and rejuvenated.

2. Homemade Cleanser for Oil Control and Glow

Ingredients

4 tbsp Fuller’s Earth

½ tsp Powdered Camphor

10 Crushed Mint Leaves

Rose Water (as needed)

Steps:

1. In a bowl, mix the fuller’s earth, powdered camphor, and crushed mint leaves.
2. Gradually add rose water to the mixture, stirring well, until you achieve a smooth paste-like consistency.
3. Transfer the mixture to a container and store it in the refrigerator.
4. After returning home on a rainy day, take a small amount of the paste and gently massage it onto your face.
5. Leave it on for a few minutes to allow the ingredients to work their magic.
6. Rinse off the cleanser with cold water and pat your skin dry.
7. This homemade cleanser helps control excessive oiliness, improves blood circulation, prevents acne, and imparts an instant glow to your skin.

3. Curd, Honey, and Egg Hair Mask for Frizz Control

Ingredients

1 cup Curd (plain yoghurt)

2 tbsp Honey

1 Egg (optional, for added nourishment)

Steps:

1. In a bowl, combine the curd, honey, and egg (if using).
2. Mix the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
3. Apply the hair mask evenly to your hair, focusing on the lengths and ends.
4. Leave the mask on for approximately 30 minutes to allow it to deeply nourish your hair.
5. Rinse off the mask with a mild shampoo and cool water.
6. Enjoy smoother, shinier, and more manageable hair with this natural hair mask.

By incorporating these simple and effective DIY treatments into your monsoon self-care routine, you can enhance the health and radiance of your skin and hair, all from the comfort of your home.

Skincare Precautions for Outdoor Activities

For those who enjoy spending time outdoors even when it’s raining cats and dogs, Dr. Pai emphasises the importance of a daily skincare routine. “Cleansing and weekly exfoliation is an absolute must to remove dirt and impurities,” she advises.

Furthermore, Dr. Pai stresses the significance of applying sunscreen, even during periods of limited sunlight. “Exposure to UV rays is harmful, even for a short period, so using a gel-based or matte sunscreen can control excessive sebum production and provide protection,” she concludes.

And, there you have it, the secret to gorgeous skin and hair, even in this dreary weather.