Watching the tiny drops of water pour down on the surface is a delight to the eyes, but what those waters bring to our skin might not be as favorable as the photographic scenes. Monsoon and skin might seem like the rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo. But there is nothing to worry about when we have a game plan handy.
Exfoliation is an essential part of one’s skincare routine. The process removes dead skin cells and brightens up the face with lively cells. Exfoliation removes pores and cleanses the skin, paving way for a bright and healthy derma.
SIMPLE HACKS TO POWER UP THE SKIN FOR THE MONSOON COMBAT
SKIN INFLAMMATION
Skin inflammation is common trouble during monsoon. This occurs due to the mild temperature with high humidity level, giving way to an ideal growth environment for bacteria. The remedy for this is not anything complicated, but just simple steps that can be added to our day-to-day activities.
REMEDY
Oatmeal, rose water, orange peel, and red lentil powder are stored airtight, and occasionally mixing rose water to produce a paste is an excellent cleanser and exfoliation. This paste can be used as a scrub and is later to be cleansed with cold water. Repeating this process on alternate days removes all the dirt from deep within the skin.
BENEFITS
Oatmeal is rich in protein, and more importantly, it contains Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant, that enhances exfoliation. Oatmeal is also a rich source of flavonoids. Flavonoids are substances that protect the skin from UVB, acting as sunscreen. Saponin, a group of carbohydrates present in oatmeal, makes it a natural cleanser.
Rose water reduces skin redness, prevents swelling, and soothes acne discomforts. Orange skin peel removes tan, replenishes dead cells, hydrates the skin, and protects it from radical damage.
Red lentil powder removes the dead cells and gives a glow to the skin. Ultimately, the scrub is a powerful magical cure that can immensely increase your love for your skin.
FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
A mixture of brown sugar, honey, olive oil, and lemon juice is an ideal face pack for sensitive skin.
BENEFITS
Honey and brown sugar eliminate dry and dead skin cells, while olive oil moisturizes the skin, and reduces aging effects. It promotes wound healing and fights oxidative stress.
Lemon juice possesses anti-fungal properties, which cure acne and inflammation and lightens the skin tone. Hence this mixture is a complete package to rejuvenate the skin.
STICKY SKIN
The humidity in monsoon makes the skin oily and greasy. The season causes increased sebum production resulting in acne, pigmentation, and uneven skin tone. Applications of honey, oatmeal, egg whites, lemon juice, and almond paste mixed with honey are simple remedies for sticky skin.
REMEDY
200ml of rose water, 1 teaspoon of camphor with 1 teaspoon of dried mint powder mixed together are to be refrigerated in an airtight container. The application of this paste twice or thrice a day heals sticky skin.
BENEFITS
Camphor is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, while mint retains the moisture of the skin by tightening the pores.
BREAKOUTS AND PORES
Aloe Vera is another agent that comes of great use when it comes to skincare. Its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties prevent breakouts in the skin. It acts as a shield and keeps the skin moisturized.
IMMUNITY OF THE SKIN
Tea tree oil is widely used in the treatment of various skin problems. It triggers the activity of white blood cells that maintain the immunity of our body. Direct application of this oil might cause side effects. Hence, mixing a few drops of tea tree oil with coconut oil or any other moisturizer and applying it twice a day brings evident results. It is best advised to apply this mixture after a shower.
It is quite challenging for the skin to adapt to changing seasons, and it is very important to plan our skincare routine accordingly. With these simple remedies in hand, there is no need to worry about the effects of monsoon on our skin.
-M.Narayani for ARDRA