The pitter-patter of the raindrops during monsoon is something we all relish, but this season may bring a lot of challenges for your skin. The rainy season impacts your skin in numerous ways and can cause your skin to produce more sebum, which is the substance that protects and keeps your skin hydrated. However, too much sebum can make your skin look oily and lead to clogged pores, adult acne, and breakouts. The risk increases further when you use the wrong skincare products. So, it is vital to choose the right skincare products for monsoon season as choosing the wrong ones could lead to skin problems. Here’s a quick breakdown for you.

How does monsoon affect your skin?

Monsoon may be a relief from the harsh summer days, but not so much for your skin. It increases the humidity in the atmosphere, which causes your skin to produce more sebum and leads to oily and clogged pores. This increases the chances of adult acne and breakouts. “The moisture in the air creates a perfect environment for bacteria and pollutants to thrive, causing fungal infections such as ringworms, athlete’s foot, jock itch, and fungal nail infections. It can also trigger various skin concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, adult acne, skin breakouts, rashes, inflammation, eczema, dermatitis, and oily skin,” explains dermatologist Dr Rinky Kapoor.

Skincare products for monsoon: What to avoid?

While we all know the basics that using a heavy moisturiser or makeup during monsoon is not a good idea, here are some of the other skincare products you should avoid during monsoon.

1. Harsh cleansers and alcohol-based products

Avoid using skincare products with harsh, toxic ingredients such as parabens, alcohol, triclosan, formaldehyde, sulfates, and phenoxyethanol as they can easily interfere with your skin’s pH levels causing frequent skin breakouts and pimples. “Using harsh soapy-based cleanser and alcohol-based products can strip out of your skin’s natural oil and moisture barrier. Making it more susceptible for individuals to experience skin problems like skin infections, allergies, eczema, psoriasis, hives, and rosacea,” explains Dr Kapoor.

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2. Heavy oils and creams

Skincare enthusiasts are advised to avoid heavy oils, alcohol-based products, heavy creams, creams, or moisturizers with fragrances and dyes. Using heavy creams and oils can make your skin feel sticky and greasy during monsoon, causing discomfort in the humid weather. Choose moisturizers or creams according to your skin type and try to pick one that keeps your skin hydrated.

3. Harsh exfoliants

Exfoliation like physical scrubs often contains harsh ingredients and rough particles which can significantly hamper your skin health resulting in micro tears and sensitive skin. The presence of micro-tears on the skin can increase your chance of getting skin infections and allergies during monsoons.

4. Products with fragrances and dyes

Using skincare products with fragrances and dyes can irritation, and itching while triggering increased sensitivity. It is better to avoid these products and make sure you are choosing lightweight, non-fragrant skincare products for the monsoon.

Tip: Avoid too much makeup

It is better to avoid heavy layers of makeup during monsoon. Makeup can act as a breeding ground for growing bacteria or microbes, which can lead to breakouts. It can be worse for people with sensitive skin.

Skincare products for monsoon: What to choose?

Here are some skincare products that can help you avoid skin problems during monsoon, as suggested by the expert:

• Use light skincare products and go easy on your skin for a glowing look.
• Pick a water-based or gel-based skincare product that contains hyaluronic acid to reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.
• If you are struggling with frequent skin breakouts and adult acne, using skincare products with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide can help.
• Skincare ingredients like tea tree oil, or neem extract are considered antifungal ingredients, which can potentially shield your skin from the risk of fungal infection during monsoon.