Tips To Take Care of Your Skin This Monsoon
MONSOON SKINCARE ESSENTIALS
With the monsoon season currently at its peak, evening chai and pakoras are becoming a routine. While these rains have provided a much needed relief from the scorching heat of the past few months, the accompanying humidity can wreak havoc on our skin. The air is filled with harmful pollutants, allergens and bacteria, not to mention the almost instant build-up of sweat as soon as we step out. These factors can cause severe acne, sensitive and enlarged pores, fungal infections, and even dehydration (YES!!, you are more prone to dehydration during the monsoons). There is no cause for alarm however, as we have come up with the best steps you can take to protect your skin and enjoy all that the monsoon has to offer. So make yourself a hot cup of chai and leave your skincare worries to us. Follow the steps mentioned below to achieve the glowing, acne-free skin of your dreams.
Wash your face at least twice a day
Excess moisture during the monsoon is a breeding ground for dust, bacteria, oil, grime and allergens. Therefore, it is very important to wash your face at least twice a day, to avoid breakouts, and greasy irritated skin. Look for ingredients such as Neem, Haldi and Tulsi, which have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties to keep breakouts at bay. VLCC Ayurveda Double Power Double Neem Face Wash purifies the skin and prevents infections and acne and Haldi & Tulsi Face Wash gives your pores a deep cleanse and has a brightening effect.
Exfoliate 2-3 times a week
In addition to cleansing, it is essential to exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells that build up on the surface. Did you know that exfoliation has considerable anti-ageing benefits in addition to helping your skincare penetrate deeper, improving skin pigmentation and texture, and combatting acne and blackheads. Make sure to not over-exfoliate though as this could damage your skin barrier, and remember to use a gentle exfoliator with small, smooth grains as opposed to homemade recipes. Opt for a scrub with ingredients like charcoal, walnut, papaya and clay, as these are suitable for most skin types. VLCC’s Charcoal & Moroccan Clay Scrub or Papaya & Apricot Face Scrub have ingredients to help soothe, brighten and gently exfoliate your skin without damaging the skin barrier.
Toner is more important than ever!
Toners help to remove any excess traces of dirt, grime and impurities stuck deep in your pores. Used over time, they also diminish the appearance of pores on your skin, and can help your skin regulate oil production. Open pores can hold impurities, which can result in acne, blackheads, and even skin infections and allergies, more so in humid weather. Use a gentle hydrating toner to prevent drying out your skin like VLCC’s Rose Water Toner.
Don’t forget sunscreen
Sunscreen is just as important on sunny days as it is on the cloudiest day. Remember to apply sunscreen liberally (follow the 2 finger rule or the teaspoon rule) even if you are working from home. Re-apply every 2-3 hours or as often as you can. It is important to apply your sunscreen 15-20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen acts as a protective shield for your skin from harmful UV rays, and blue rays from screens, which accelerate collagen breakdown (causes ageing) and hyper-pigmentation. Switch to a more lightweight water and sweat resistant sunscreen during the rainy season to combat stickiness. VLCC De-Tan SPF 50 PA+++ Sunscreen Gel Crème is a unique formulation enriched with Carrot and Cucumber extracts, which delivers a powerful de-tanning action while protecting your skin from sun’s harmful UVA and UVB Rays. It effectively fades tan revealing brighter skin tone, helps fade dark patches leaving skin looking even, radiant and moisturized. Following sun exposure soothe burns or insensitivities with VLCC Aloe Vera Gel or Multani Mitti Face Pack which can help treat tanning and pigmentation while also evening out skin tone and brightening complexion
Use this with your regular fitness regimen and watch your stomach melt away in a matter of happy weeks!
Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
Hydration is extremely important for both our body and for our skin. Dehydration can accelerate signs of ageing and lead to lacklustre skin. The accumulation of toxins in our body can cause hormonal imbalances which are the leading cause of acne. With rising humidity levels, we often skip moisturiser and drink less water, which are both essential for our skin’s overall health. Humidity also further dries out your skin, thereby necessitating the moisture barrier provided by a lightweight but nourishing moisturiser. VLCC’s Lavang Moisturiser has a non-greasy formula. Lavang (Clove) is very effective in the treatment of acne, acne scars, and has anti-bacterial, antiseptic and anti-ageing properties.
Make sure to regularly treat yourself to a home spa day with DIY Facial kits. VLCC Papaya Fruit Facial kit removes dead skin cells, dirt and grime while reducing pigmentation and provides salon like results from the comfort of your home. VLCC Activated Bamboo Charcoal Facial Kit is the ultimate choice for detox with the benefit of two powerhouse ingredients for purified, balanced and glowing skin.