Glam skin in gloomy season

SHOWERING HEALTH

Ishika Taneja advises on the right kind of care for the different types of skin, specifically for monsoons.

Pollution, dirt, grime, harmful UV rays of the sun, and excessive wetness are the main reasons why your skin is prone to damage during the rainy season. Mild though it might seem, the sunrays during monsoon can be harmful too. 

Dry skin

During monsoon, people with dry skin may experience an increase in dryness of skin because wetting in the rains have a dehydrating effect on the skin. Dehydration is also caused due to the lack of skin repairing vitamins.

*  Keep your face clean with soap-free face cleanser as it doesn’t dry out the skin and keeps if supple.

*  Make your own skin toner by adding a few drops of honey to 2 tablespoons of thick milk. Apply it as a face mask and wash it off after half an hour. It not only tones but hydrates the skin as well.

*  Pick a light weight sunscreen with SPF 15 for dry skin that protects and hydrates the skin.

*  In a food processor, grind 2 tablespoons of pomegranate seeds and 1 cup uncooked oatmeal. Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 tablespoons of buttermilk. Apply it as a face mask for half an hour and rinse. It helps remove dead skin cells for smooth, soft skin. The crunchy seeds of pomegranate are loaded with anti-aging compounds, like antioxidants and vitamin C, and provide great nourishment for dry skin.

*  Recommended Facial: Chocolate

[Tip - Never leave home without applying sun block.]

Oily skin

For oily skin, monsoon makes the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for oil secretion, hyperactive. The oil secretion and sweat are deposited on the skin and trap dirt and bacteria, giving rise to blackheads, whiteheads, breakouts and sometimes painful pimples.

*  An oil-controlling deep cleanser that cleans the pores and controls the oil secretion is good for oily skin. Use an alcohol-free toner to retain pH balance of the skin.

*  For sun protection, pick a gel-based sunscreen with SPF 15 that adds moisture but isn’t too creamy for the skin.

*  Take 2 tablespoons of papaya pulp, 1 tablespoon of curd, an ounce of aloe vera gel and mix it. Now add a few drops of lavender oil to this mixture. Apply it as a mask for 30 minutes and wash off. Papaya works as a great de-tanner, curd clears blemishes, aloe vera soothes the skin, and lavender boosts rejuvenation.

*  Recommended Facial: Aloe vera

[Tip – If you spot an unwanted zit, apply toothpaste on it and let it dry overnight. It dries out the puss and takes away the inflation.]

Combination skin

This type of skin is characterized by an oily T-zone, while the cheeks are usually normal or dry in condition. During the rainy season, due to excessive humidity the T-zone becomes oilier, shinier and attracts dirt. This can sometime leads to unwanted breakouts.

* Anti-bacterial cleanser is perfect for this skin type.

*  For toning, use cool water with two drops of lemon juice. Lemon is not only refreshing but also acts as deep cleanser, giving you a squeaky clean feel after every wash. You may use this natural toner on your hair as well. Because monsoon aggravates the problem of dandruff, which can lead to acne outburst. So it’s equally important to keep your mane squeaky clean and protected as well.

*  Before stepping out, apply a hydrating sunscreen with SPF 15, as the skin loses moisture due to sweating.

*  A strawberry face mask is a straight answer to all your skin woes. With a blender, blend 1/2 cup frozen or fresh strawberries and mix it with 1 cup yogurt, and 1 1/2 tablespoons honey. Regularly apply it on face for a soft, supple and smooth skin.

* Recommended Facial: Fruit + milk

[Tip – Always keep a blotting paper handy to wipe the oil off the T-zone. Rub ice on it to minimize pores and decrease the secretion of sebum.]

Normal skin

Although there are no major problems that a normal skin faces, you still need
to be cautious of greasiness, dust, and dirt.

* Clean your face at least twice a day with non-soapy anti-bacterial face wash. It cleanses and moisturizes the skin.

*  Use a light weight sunscreen with SPF 15 to shield your skin against harmful sun rays.

*  To rejuvenate your tired skin after a stressful day, make a paste of one custard apple and blend it well. Now add 1 tablespoon of sugar and ½ cup milk and a few drops of chamomile to the mixture and apply as a mask. Leave it on for half an hour and wash it off. It hydrates as well as deeply nourishes the skin, giving back its lost sheen and radiance.

* Recommended Facial: AHA facial (Alpha Hydroxy Acid)
[Tip – Add extra vitamin C to your diet, which helps boost immunity.]

(The writer is a skincare expert)