Protect your skin, hair from monsoon showers

The rainy season brings with it an increase in humidity, grime and pollution, which can intensify your skin and hair woes. But a little care here and there can ensure a smooth transition from one season to another for you.

Acne, pimples, dryness of skin and frizzy tresses are some of the common problems that one can face when the season changes from the scorching summer to the muggy monsoon.

It is imperative to keep the skin clean and dry at all times, says Simal Soin, director and chief cosmetic dermatologist of the Aayna beauty and wellness clinic.

"Pores tend to get clogged with oil and dirt, especially in people with oily skin, more so during the monsoon, which makes your daily cleansing and exfoliating even more important," Soin told us.

"People with dry skin will notice their skin feel even more dehydrated during this change in season. You must use a good moisturiser that helps hold the water in the outer layers of your skin to give it a soft and supple look. Also, don't clog your pores with heavy make-up," Soin added.

Don't hassle over how to follow the three-step process of cleansing, toning and moisturizing for skincare. Even washing the face with a mild face wash can give wonderful results, suggested Sushma Khan, national skin and make-up trainer, Lakme Salons.

"Use water-based products and serums as they are highly concentrated, non-sticky and get absorbed into the skin very easily without clogging the pores," Khan told us.

To play safer, try home-made mixtures on skin for successful results.

"For cleansing and exfoliating the dry skin, you may use a mixture of crushed almond paste and honey to be washed off after massaging the concoction on your face for five to seven minutes. For oily skin, you may use plain oatmeal scrub or ripe pulp of papaya.

"For moisturizing the dry skin, you can apply a mixture of one tablespoon each of honey, fresh curd and jojoba oil to your skin and rinse off with water after 10 minutes. For oily skin, you can apply a mixture of two tablespoon rose water/glycerin and some strawberry pulp which is to be washed off in 10 minutes," said Soin.

Just like skin, hair too needs care as it can get dehydrated in the monsoon season.

V. Karpagambigai, national trainer of Natural Hair and Beauty Salon, suggested washing the hair at least thrice a week using a shampoo suitable to one's hair type.

"Conditioning is a must as it adds bounce to your hair. A regular indulgence in a hair spa service and a head massage will keep your hair in condition and also stimulate the scalp and hair growth," Karpagambigai told IANS.

A tip - towel dry hair gently not just during the monsoon, but at all times.

"Use of a wide toothed comb to untangle the knots makes sure hair doesn't break while being combed," added Karpagambigai.

Also, if you get wet in a shower, quickly change out of your soiled clothes to avoid rashes.