At the first sign of cool monsoon air, most of us tend to relax our rigid skincare regime. While summer can certainly be harsh on the skin and the hair, the monsoons bring their own share of skin problems. Here are 10 rules to follow to during the rainy season.
Avoid harsh soaps and astringents that dry out the skin.
Avoid spraying air-fresheners or chemical aerosols.
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Be aware of allergy triggers. For instance, you might deal with the mosquito menace with mosquito coils, but they can trigger rashes and allergies.
Avoid using olive oil on the face. It may be good in winter, but definitely not in humid weather.
Don't leave your skin, feet, hair or clothes wet for too long. Fungal infections are rampant during the monsoon.
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Do not get deceived by the clouds as the sun can still wreak havoc. Use sunscreen even on cloudy days to prevent allergies caused by ultraviolet rays.
Makeup is best avoided during wet days. Avoid using foundation; if you have to, make sure it is water-proof. Also avoid liquid eye liners and mascaras as they may smudge and enter your eyes. Instead use a pencil liner or waterproof mascara. Manicure and pedicure that involves pushing cuticles inside may allow easy access to bacteria.
Do not wear body-hugging clothes. Wear clothes that are light, skin-friendly and made of natural fibres like cotton.
Do not eat fruits and vegetables without washing thoroughly. Avoid heavy, salty food as it promotes water retention and bloating. Avoid too much meat, fish and fried foods as they decrease digestive efficiency
Do not drink plain water. Boiling water is very important to protect oneself from seasonal infections.
The writer is a Senior Cosmetic Surgeon based in New Delhi.