Monsoon skin SOS: Why your skin's acting out, and how to bring back the balance

The monsoon in India brings a refreshing respite from the heat but it often brings a host of skin troubles too The increased humidity fluctuating temperatures and dampness can throw your skins balance completely offkilter leading to breakouts fungal infections and irritationTo understand why your skins acting out and how to restore its calm midday spoke to Dr Mikki Singh dermatologist and cosmetologist founder and medical director at Bodycraft Clinics and Dr Prachi B Bodkhe dermatologist at Envi AestheticsThe humidity huddle Why monsoon triggers breakoutsEven if you dont typically battle acne the monsoons high humidity can unleash a wave of breakouts Mikki Singh explains the science behind this phenomenon Increased humidity during the monsoon season causes your skinrsquos sebaceous oil glands to become overactiverdquoShe outlines two major issuesOcclusion of pores Sweat and humidity mix with sebum dirt and dead skin cells clogging poresAltered skin microbiome The moist environment encourages overgrowth of cutibacterium acnes formerly P acnes leading to inflammation and breakoutsldquoEven dry or normal skin types may start overproducing oil as a compensatory mechanism especially when indoor air alternates between dampness and airconditioning Individuals who normally donrsquot struggle with acne can suddenly experience breakouts during this seasonrdquo Singh explains Monsoon skincare pitfalls Steer clear for healthy skinWhile proper care needs to be paid during the monsoon one must also not overdo it Prachi B Bodkhe lists key pitfalls to steer clear of1 Over washing the face Stick to washing twice a day with a mild cleanser2 Skipping moisturiser Use a lightweight nongreasy moisturizer Alternatively you can use hyaluronic acidbased serums and cover it with hydrating sunscreens3 Heavy makeup Use breathable noncomedogenic makeup or skip it when possible Alternatively you can use tinted sunscreens4 Linen care Not changing towels and pillowcases often5 Ignoring footwearrelated hygiene Use open footwear whenever possible Dry your feet thoroughly and use antifungal powders wherever neededYour monsoon skincare arsenal A daily routine for oily and acneprone skinTo combat oiliness and prevent breakouts a targeted skincare routine is crucialSingh recommends the following daily regimenMorningCleanser Use a gentle foaming cleanser with salicylic acid 1 to 2 per cent or tea tree oil to unclog pores and reduce oilSerum Lightweight noncomedogenic serum with niacinamide 5 per cent or azelaic acid 10 per centMoisturiser Gelbased noncomedogenic oilfree moisturiser with hyaluronic acidSunscreen Mattefinish gelbased broadspectrum sunscreen SPF 30EveningDouble cleanse Use micellar water or a gentle oil cleanser followed by a foaming salicylic acid face washTreatment Spot treat with benzoyl peroxide 25 per cent or a retinoid like adapalene 01 per cent at night It is recommended to consult a doctor before starting a retinoidMoisturise Noncomedogenic moisturiser with ingredients like ceramides or centella asiaticaIngredients to avoidHeavy creams petroleumbased products and alcoholbased toners Avoid layering too many actives eg AHA retinoid without guidancemdashit can increase sensitivityThe fungal factor Preventing and recognising monsoon infectionsFungal infections like ringworm and athletes foot flourish in the humid monsoon climate Singh outlines key preventative measures and early warning signsPreventative measures1 Keep skin dry especially in folds groin underarms toes2 Change wet clothes and socks immediately after exposure to rain3 Use antifungal powders clotrimazole or ketoconazolebased in highsweat areas4 Avoid synthetic or tight clothingmdashopt for breathable cotton5 Footwear hygiene Use opentoed sandals when possible and disinfect shoes regularlyEarly signs to watch1 Ringworm Red circular itchy rashes with raised edgesmdashtypically on groin thighs or chest2 Athletersquos foot Scaling peeling or itching between the toes often with a foul odourAlways consult a dermat especially if the itch worsens spreads or doesnt improve in 5ndash7 days of over thecounter treatment Singh advisesBeyond hygiene Lesserknown triggers for monsoon rashesIts not just about cleanliness Several environmental and lifestyle factors contribute to monsoonrelated skin rashes Singh sheds light on these oftenoverlooked culpritsEnvironmental triggers1 Wearing damp clothes and shoes for prolonged hours may lead to frictional dermatitis2 Allergens in rainwater pollutants bacteria may trigger eczema or contact dermatitis3 Increased indoor mould from moisture may cause flares in atopic or sensitive skinLifestyle habits1 Overcleansing due to the sticky feeling strips skin barrier causing irritation2 Skipping moisturisers paradoxically worsens oil production and sensitivity3 Using hot water baths frequently exacerbates dryness and inflammationHome treatments for mild irritation1 Calamine lotion for soothing irritation2 Cold compresses and fragrancefree moisturizersProfessional intervention is required if1 Rash spreads rapidly or becomes painful2 There is oozing crusting or fever3 No improvement within 3 to 5 days of home careAs always consult a dermatologist before the condition gets worseTackling excessive sweating Hyperhidrosis in monsoonFor those experiencing excessive sweating the monsoon can be particularly challenging Bodkhe offers strategies to manage hyperhidrosis and prevent associated skin issues saying During the monsoon many people experience excessive sweating especially in areas like the underarms back and groin This along with tight clothing can lead to clogged pores sweat rashes and infections folliculitisrdquoBodkhe recommends1 Antiperspirants over deodorants Switching to antiperspirants from deodorants helps by reducing sweat output Apply them at night for best results2 Antibacterial cleansers Shower daily with antibacterial cleansers Benzoyl peroxidebased soaps and cleansers work best to keep odour in check3 Professional treatments Botulinum toxin works wonders for axillary and palmoplantar hyperhidrosis sweating over palms and soles Iontophoresis is one more easily available and less invasive approachThe sunscreen imperative Dont skip it on cloudy daysA common misconception is that sunscreen isnt needed on cloudy or rainy days Bodkhe clarifies why broadspectrum sunscreen remains nonnegotiable during monsoon UV rays are present yearround and up to 80 per cent of UV rays can penetrate clouds so sunscreen is a mustrdquo1 Look for sunscreens labelled SPF 30 or higher with broadspectrum protection2 Opt for gelbased mineral or hybrid sunscreens that are oilfree lightweight and wonrsquot clog pores3 Remember to reapply every 2 to 3 hours if outdoorsNurturing sensitive skin during monsoons fluctuationsSensitive skin can be particularly prone to irritation and flareups due to the fluctuating monsoon weatherBodkhe advises on protecting and caring for delicate skin1 Avoid experimenting with new products during this season2 Stick to gentle fragrancefree cleansers and moisturisers3 Use ceramidebased creams to strengthen the skin barrier and protect against environmental irritants4 Dry properly after getting wet as rainwater can be slightly acidic and full of pollutants5 Use light hydrating serums then seal in with a nongreasy moisturizer6 Keep indoor areas ventilated and use organic air purifiers if needed