India 17 August 2016: Monsoon is here, and so is the time for getting drenched in the cold showers and having a warm tea with crisp Pakoras. Monsoon is a time to enjoy the rain, but it's also a time when our skin becomes vulnerable. Rains create the perfect climate for harmful bacteria to flourish and stay suspended in air for longer periods. And because of the overcast skies, the pollution levels also increase. Both these things sound trouble for our skin.
As it is with all other health related aspects, there a lot of myths in the air related to skin care. When it comes to skin care it's very essential to separate fact from fiction, and even more so during monsoon. So, we try to debunk some of the common skin care myths for you and provide you with a list of Do’s and Don’ts during this monsoon.
Myth: You don’t need a moisturizer
Most people skip the moisturizer during rains because they either believe that it’d make their skin oily or they simply don't feel the need. It might sound strange at first, but not using a moisturizer will actually make your skin more oily. This is because when the skin is left dry, it produces more oil to counteract the dryness. This adds to the problems related with oily skin. So, you're better off using the wrong moisturizer than using none at all.
Myth: You don't need a sunscreen
You don't need a sunscreen when the sun is hiding behind the clouds, right? Wrong! You should stop believing this right now! The truth is that the clouds are unable to stop the UVA and UVB rays from the sun that cause actual harm. Technically speaking, it’s not actually the sunlight that causes damage to your skin, but the not-visible-by-naked-eyes Ultraviolet Rays. UVA rays penetrate deep into skin and cause serious conditions like skin cancer, even when it's overcast. So, to be on the safer side, you should always carry a sunscreen lotion with you, whether it’s sunny or not.
Myth: Drenching in the rain is good for your skin
No water is as pure as rain water! This statement might have been true two-three hundred years ago, but with our cities pumping millions of litres of harmful gases into the air every second, we should be grateful that it's still water. The rainwater today can do you more harm than good; it can trigger allergies or cause other skin-related problems. So, next time you get drenched in the rain, intentionally or unintentionally, try to get cleaned up, as soon as possible.
Do’s and Don’ts for your skin in the Monsoon
• Use an antibacterial face wash or soap. This would keep your skin bacteria-free, meaning, less chance of acne breakout.
• Take Vitamin C supplements. Vitamin C boosts your immune system which will keep skin infections at bay.
• Use Aloe Vera or any other gel-based moisturizer. This is especially helpful if you’ve got an oily skin. Aloe Vera also has anti-bacterial properties.
• Increase frequency of exfoliation. If you exfoliate once or twice a week, bring that up to four; but not more than four or you would scrub off healthy cells. If you never felt the need to exfoliate before, now’s the time to start.
• Don't touch your face. Resist touching your face; if you really have to, wash your hands first.
• Use disposable wipes or tissues to wipe your face in place of a cloth/towel, whenever you can. During rains, sweat drenched towels take longer to dry and become breeding grounds for bacteria.
• Cover your face with a pollution mask while going out. Because of overcast skies, pollution levels increase; this pollution penetrates in the pores and causes problems like clogged pores and blackheads.
• Avoid fried and oily foods. This goes without saying.
KANCHAN MEHRA, BEAUTY & MAKEOVER EXPERT
As it is with all other health related aspects, there a lot of myths in the air related to skin care. When it comes to skin care it's very essential to separate fact from fiction, and even more so during monsoon. So, we try to debunk some of the common skin care myths for you and provide you with a list of Do’s and Don’ts during this monsoon.
Myth: You don’t need a moisturizer
Most people skip the moisturizer during rains because they either believe that it’d make their skin oily or they simply don't feel the need. It might sound strange at first, but not using a moisturizer will actually make your skin more oily. This is because when the skin is left dry, it produces more oil to counteract the dryness. This adds to the problems related with oily skin. So, you're better off using the wrong moisturizer than using none at all.
Myth: You don't need a sunscreen
You don't need a sunscreen when the sun is hiding behind the clouds, right? Wrong! You should stop believing this right now! The truth is that the clouds are unable to stop the UVA and UVB rays from the sun that cause actual harm. Technically speaking, it’s not actually the sunlight that causes damage to your skin, but the not-visible-by-naked-eyes Ultraviolet Rays. UVA rays penetrate deep into skin and cause serious conditions like skin cancer, even when it's overcast. So, to be on the safer side, you should always carry a sunscreen lotion with you, whether it’s sunny or not.
Myth: Drenching in the rain is good for your skin
No water is as pure as rain water! This statement might have been true two-three hundred years ago, but with our cities pumping millions of litres of harmful gases into the air every second, we should be grateful that it's still water. The rainwater today can do you more harm than good; it can trigger allergies or cause other skin-related problems. So, next time you get drenched in the rain, intentionally or unintentionally, try to get cleaned up, as soon as possible.
Do’s and Don’ts for your skin in the Monsoon
• Use an antibacterial face wash or soap. This would keep your skin bacteria-free, meaning, less chance of acne breakout.
• Take Vitamin C supplements. Vitamin C boosts your immune system which will keep skin infections at bay.
• Use Aloe Vera or any other gel-based moisturizer. This is especially helpful if you’ve got an oily skin. Aloe Vera also has anti-bacterial properties.
• Increase frequency of exfoliation. If you exfoliate once or twice a week, bring that up to four; but not more than four or you would scrub off healthy cells. If you never felt the need to exfoliate before, now’s the time to start.
• Don't touch your face. Resist touching your face; if you really have to, wash your hands first.
• Use disposable wipes or tissues to wipe your face in place of a cloth/towel, whenever you can. During rains, sweat drenched towels take longer to dry and become breeding grounds for bacteria.
• Cover your face with a pollution mask while going out. Because of overcast skies, pollution levels increase; this pollution penetrates in the pores and causes problems like clogged pores and blackheads.
• Avoid fried and oily foods. This goes without saying.
KANCHAN MEHRA, BEAUTY & MAKEOVER EXPERT