Humidity, sweat, and sudden weather changes—monsoon can be a tricky time for your skin. But with the right care, you can enjoy the rains without a skincare woe in sight.
As the monsoon clouds roll in, bringing much-needed relief from the summer heat, they also usher in a host of skin concerns—clogged pores, fungal infections, excess oil, breakouts, and dullness. The high humidity, fluctuating temperatures, and damp conditions during the rainy season can throw your skin completely off balance. But fear not! With a few smart changes to your skincare routine, you can keep your skin clean, hydrated, and radiant. Here are five expert-backed tips to take care of your skin during monsoon.
1. Cleanse Twice Daily to Prevent Breakouts
During monsoon, your skin tends to accumulate sweat, sebum, and pollutants more quickly, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Use a gentle, soap-free cleanser twice a day to remove grime without stripping the skin of essential moisture. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, opt for a face wash with salicylic acid or tea tree oil for added protection against pimples.
Pro Tip: Avoid overwashing, as that can lead to excess oil production—balance is key.
2. Exfoliate Once or Twice a Week to Unclog Pores
Humidity and dead skin buildup are a dangerous combo. Exfoliating once or twice a week helps slough off dead cells, unclogs pores, and boosts skin radiance. Use a mild scrub or a chemical exfoliant (like lactic acid or glycolic acid) based on your skin type. Be gentle—over-exfoliation can cause irritation, especially during this season.
Avoid harsh physical scrubs with large granules, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
3. Hydrate Without the Grease: Use Lightweight Moisturizers
Just because it’s humid doesn’t mean your skin doesn’t need moisture. Switch to a water-based, non-comedogenic moisturizer that hydrates your skin without making it oily. Gel or lotion-based moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or aloe vera are great choices.
Even oily skin needs hydration—skipping moisturizer can actually lead to more oil production.
4. Don’t Skip Sunscreen—Even on Cloudy Days
Cloud cover doesn’t block UV rays. In fact, up to 80% of UV radiation can penetrate clouds, making sunscreen a year-round essential. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) even when the sun is hiding. Go for gel-based or matte-finish sunscreens that don’t feel greasy in humid weather.
Reapply every 3-4 hours if you’re outdoors or traveling.
5. Stay Dry & Fungal-Free: Choose the Right Clothes and Products
The constant dampness during monsoon creates the perfect environment for fungal infections, especially around folds of the skin. Keep your skin dry, wear breathable cotton clothes, and use antifungal powders or creams in vulnerable areas. Shower after getting wet in the rain and avoid staying in wet clothes for long.
Areas like underarms, inner thighs, and feet need special attention to avoid rashes or infections.