High humidity during monsoons, poses a problem, especially for those with oily or combination skins. Oily skin looks even more oily and dull, due to sweat and oil secretions being deposited on the skin. A sweaty skin also attracts dirt and pollutants from the air.
Deep pore cleansing with facial scrubs is important, in order to keep the pores free of clogged oil and dirt. So, one should use a facial scrub twice a week. Apply it on the face and rub gently on the skin, using a circular motion. Then, rinse off with plenty of plain water.
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For a homemade facial scrub, mix rice flour, or ground almonds with curd and pinch of turmeric. Do not apply scrub on pimples, acne or rash. Wash the face several times with plain water. Night time cleansing is a must, to remove the impurities that have collected on the skin during the day.
A flower-based skin tonic or freshener is a boon in humid weather. Rose water is a natural toner. Keep skin tonic or rose water in the fridge and wipe the face with it, using cotton wool pads. It is extremely refreshing and also tightens the pores.
In humid weather, the skin can be prone to blackheads and eruptions. A facial scrub should be used on the blackhead-prone areas. The scrub can also be applied on open pores and the marks left by acne. Mix oats with egg white and apply on the face twice a week.
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If there is a rash, pimple or acne, wash the face with a medicated cleanser. Wipe with a skin tonic, or buy an astringent lotion and mix it with rose water in equal quantities. Keep in an airtight bottle in the fridge. Add a little rose water to sandalwood paste and apply on the rashes and eruptions. A handful of neem leaves can be simmered on very low fire in 4 cups of water for one hour. Leave it overnight. Strain and use the water to wash the face, the next morning. Make a paste of the leaves and apply on the affected areas.
If your skin is very oily, multani mitti may help to reduce the oiliness. Mix it with rose water into a paste and apply on the face, washing it off when it dries. For a monsoon face mask, mix 3 teaspoons oatmeal with egg white and one teaspoon each of honey and curd. If you don’t want to use egg white, add rose water or orange juice. Apply it on the face and wash it off after half an hour. Use it twice a week. Dry and powdered lemon and orange peels can also be added to face packs.
During the monsoons, the body loses fluids through sweat. Remember to drink more fluids to keep the system flushed. Drink plenty of lemonade and fresh fruit juices, apart from water. Avoid heavy starchy meals. Include salads, fruits, sprouts and yoghurt in your daily diet.
Inputs by Shahnaz Husain, beauty and skincare expert