The monsoons are here but contrary to what we may believe the moisture in the air does not translate into moisture in our skin and hair. We all love to enjoy the gloomy clouds and days-off during the monsoons, but absolutely hate it when it comes to the rain damaging our hair or skin. When was the last time you did something to save your hair or skin from the rains in your busy schedule? Here are a few tips that may help you cope up with the monsoons without making you look all washed out.

Monsoon is that time of year when one’s skin behaves a little strangely and is often unstable. It may become either oily or dry and dehydrated. The skin tends to become more prone to fungal infections and acne.

Some of the common hair problems range from greasiness to dandruff and hair fall. The heightened moisture makes your hair flat and its texture, dull. The result: your tresses look limp!

The chlorine content in water during the monsoons is also very high; this can damage your skin and hair.

Before you begin to worry, though, let us tell you that you can still have great-looking hair and skin this monsoon. All you need to do is practice these few mantras.

Skin care

*One of the common problems the skin faces in this weather is that it may get wet in the rain a lot, making it dehydrated. Make sure you wipe your face with a tissue or just splash some cold water and apply moisturizer after that.

*Skin also tends to perspire a lot in this weather. You can dab your face with ice cold water 2-3 times a day to lower the perspiration.

*In case you have an oily skin it will just become oilier in this weather.You must use a face wash with an oil control formula. It will work best for your skin if the face wash has tea tree oil, neem and chamomile, as they would soothe, cleanse and will give immediate freshness to your skin.

*However, if you have a dry skin, you must use a cream-based face wash with fruit extracts to give a natural glow to your skin and keep it fresh in such humid conditions, because dry skin will just become drier.

*During monsoon, a lot of airborne and waterborne microbes are let loose. So a good anti-bacterial toner can prevent skin infections and eruptions. It is a good idea to get an anti-bacterial face wash too.

*It can be summers, winters or the monsoons — using a sunscreen is an absolute must in any season! Make sure you use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to give the skin protection against the UV rays! Using a dermatologically tested product helps as they also give you a range for different skin types.

*Moisturizers should be water based to avoid oily and greasy skin, acne and dehydration.

Hair care

*First and foremost it is most important to keep your scalp absolutely clean. Use mild shampoos and light conditioners and keep the wash routine simple.

*Avoid over coating the hair with too much styling product as a product build up will just aggravate dandruff.

*Use of anti-frizz products and leave-in serums will also help a lot to keep the texture soft, smooth and silky.

*Wash your hair every time it gets wet in the rain with shampoo and conditioner. If you get wet two times a day wash it both times to stay away from scalp infections.

*Avoid chemical treatments like perming and rebonding around this period because the process in these goes on for at least two days post the procedure, hence the effect will get ruined by the humidity in the air or rains.

*Also avoid frequent blow drying and ironing as the extreme heat will only have an adverse effect on the hair.

*Since monsoon is a time for scalp infections, dryness, itchiness and hair fall, it is helpful to do regular spa treatments around this time which will help in keeping these problems in control.

*Brushes and fine tooth combs are a big no-no this season. Use just fingers to detangle your hair or if you really have to then go for a wide tooth comb. Since, the hair tends to get frizzy easily avoid combing too often and don’t comb wet hair.

*Try and maintain your hair short this season as it looks chic and stylish and is also easy to maintain in this humidity.

YOUR QUESTIONS

Beauty expert Manjul Gupta answers queries on style  and grooming. Write to her at Living c/o Deccan Herald,  No. 75, M G Road, B’lore -1 or email: styletips@ rediffmail.com