By Dr. Kiran Joshy
The monsoons have been playing truant for a while now in some parts of the country, while in others it has been pouring mercilessly. This rainy season, just like the many before it, brings with it a host of skin care issues that you will need to deal with.
Humid and damp weather often takes a toll on your skin. Irrespective of the kind of skin you have, there are certain tips that you must keep in mind, for that clear and healthy complexion that you seek:
• Use soap-free cleansers for the face and a mild scrub for your body.
• Most people stop using sunscreen once the climate becomes cool and cloudy. Using a sunscreen is a habit that should hold all through the year. It is vital to prevent photo damage that may be caused due to 3 types of UV rays: UVA, UVB and UVC.
• Opt for waterproof makeup to avoid disasters in the rain. Removal of makeup with a good cleanser is equally important before bedtime.
• Apply moisturizer to your whole body immediately after your bath to retain the thin film of moisture on the skin.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure, smoking and alcohol. Maintain a daily intake of anti-oxidants such as Vitamin A, C, E and minerals like Selenium, Manganese and Magnesium. Foods and supplements rich in carotenoids like Lycopene, Lutin, and Polyphenols play a vital role in neutralizing free radicals.
• Make sure to follow the 4 Es: Everyday, Exfoliate, Eat Healthy & Exercise!
The rainy season is often a time when you end up in damp clothes and skin. Such exposure to moisture may lead to skin infections and other ailments that are common to this season. It is best to wear cotton clothes and change out of wet ones as soon as you can. Bathing twice a day may also help keep infections at bay.
This is also the season when you should avoid going in for bleaching and deep skin cleansing facials. The pores of your skin don’t respond well during this season. They may absorb more of the dust floating in the air, resulting in acne.
Staying hydrated during the rains is important for your skin. The monsoons is when the feeling of thirst is not too strong. Hence our intake of water is reduced. Keeping your skin hydrated from within can make a world of difference to your complexion.
It is also important to maintain a healthy diet, which is seasonal. Cleaning fruits and vegetables vigorously is essential since they can carry a large number of infection-laden pests. A good diet, coupled with a healthy lifestyle will also help you maintain great-looking skin.
(The author is a consultant dermatologist and Cosmetic surgeon at St Martha’s hospital)
