How To Take Care Of Your Skin This Monsoon?

If you’ve read our blog on the striking relation between Ayurvedic Doshas and Skincare Regimens, you’d know how important it is to personalize your skincare regime as per your lifestyle. The Ayurvedic approach to health and skincare embraces all aspects of a person’s lifestyle and individual needs, and highlights that your lifestyle is also impacted by the seasons of the year. Therefore, Ayurveda also recommends that you must change your skincare routine every season, to protect and take care of the skin in a holistic, effective manner. What may work for the skin during the Winter, for instance heavy, nourishing creams and butters, may not work in the Summer where more light textures of creams and gels are recommended. There may also be variations in the recommended skincare for the various skin types and concerns, in each season.

In India, we are currently stepping into the Monsoon season, also known as Varsha Ritu. We are bound to see changes in the skin and thus, it is essential to reconsider your Monsoon Skincare Routine!

How Does Monsoon Damage Your Skin?

While we all enjoy the heavy rains of the Monsoon, as they mark the end of the sweltering Summer heat wave, the season comes with its own set of challenges for the skin. The season is extremely high-on-humidity and polluted air all around us. This polluted air and rain water can act as bacteria carriers and when these come in contact with the skin or hair, they can lead to infections. As the bacteria stays on the surface of the skin, it can irritate the natural pH levels of the skin, by producing excess sebum (oil produced by the skin’s sebaceous glands) which, in most cases can lead to acne and breakouts.

Keeping all of this in mind, how do you filter which Monsoon skincare products are the best picks? To answer this, the Forest Essentials Beauty Experts have shared the top picks for every skin type.

Also Read – Monsoon Skincare Do’s & Don’ts as per your Skin Type

During the Monsoon, it is important to switch to natural skincare products with more cooling, soothing and purifying ingredients including Aloe Vera, Turmeric, Sandalwood, and Neem, as these are enriched with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These naturally purifying ingredients are suitable for all skin types as they deeply cleanse the skin, and maintain the balance in oil production especially during the rainy season. We recommend using the Delicate Facial Cleanser Kashmiri Saffron & Neem as it gently cleanses the face to remove surface toxins and impurities, while it balances the pH of the skin. This sulphate free cleanser keeps the skin’s natural moisture content intact and revives the skin from looking dull to more luminous and fresh. Spritz a chilled toner to instantly replenish the skin for a boost of hydration with a refreshing and cooling effect; try the alcohol free Facial Tonic Mist Vetiver by Forest Essentials.

For this season, it is also recommended to opt for light, gel-based textures to moisturize, as they help mattify the skin while keeping it well hydrated all season long. Made with a base of organic Aloe Vera gel and pure herbal extracts, the Forest Essentials Light Hydrating Facial Gel Pure Aloe Vera has cooling, soothing and healing properties for all skin types. Another essential tip to beat the excess oiliness that your skin may be prone to during Monsoon, is to mattify the skin by dabbing some natural baby powder on your face and body. Here, our experts recommend sprinkling a Cornstarch based Dusting Powder which absorbs excess moisture without drying out the skin. The Forest Essentials range of Silken Dusting Powders are completely Talc free and are infused with a rich emollient, Kokum Butter, which provides its silken texture to the powder. Your skin will feel free of excess oil, smooth as silk, and lightly scented.

People often contemplate how often should you wear a sunscreen when its cloudy, or if at all? Even during the rainy season, it is important to wear a sunscreen daily, as the rays coming through the clouds are more concentrated with harmful UV A and B rays. Our Experts recommend using a light textured, natural sunscreen which protects and soothes the skin without leaving a white cast on the skin. Try the Sun Fluid Tender Coconut Water with Turmeric & Basil Leaf SPF 50|PA + +, a sheer fluid formulation infused with Yashada Bhasma, which nourishes, hydrates and protects the skin from environmental stressors and is suitable for all skin types.

Check out Forest Essentials Environmental damage Skincare product range.

Well this is not it – the Forest Essentials Beauty Experts have also curated a skincare regime specifically for every skin type! Read on to discover the regime best suited for you this Monsoon.

Monsoon Skincare for Oily & Sensitive Skin

Monsoon is probably the worst enemy for people with oily and sensitive skin, as skin concerns like excess oil accumulation and break outs become more frequent. Hence, the Monsoon skincare for oily & sensitive skin must incorporate a weekly regime to deeply cleanse and purify the skin without being too abrasive on the skin.

Steps to follow:

• Cleanse your face using the Forest Essentials Delicate Facial Cleanser Kashmiri Saffron & Neem;
• Using the Vitamin rich, Walnut Gel Scrub by Forest Essentials, gently exfoliate with light hand pressure in circular motion for 5 minutes, to remove dead cells and restore the skin’s elasticity.
• After cleaning skin, apply the Forest Essentials Sandalwood & Nagkesar Facial Masque to deeply nourish, soothe and rejuvenate the skin while minimizing the skin’s pores.
• Lastly, apply the Forest Essentials Light Hydrating Facial Gel Pure Aloe Vera to seal in the moisture! Pro Tip: Store the gel in the fridge and use it chilled!

In case of active acne, we recommend using a milder exfoliator than even the Walnut Gel Scrub. Concoct a mixture of the Facial Ubtan Multani Mitti along with a few drops of the pure Aloe Vera Juice as a mixer, to deeply yet gently exfoliate and purify the skin. Alternatively, use this concoction as a ‘spot treatment’ over any active acne to soothe and heal the break out.

Also Read – An Ideal Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

Monsoon Skincare for Normal to Dry Skin

While people with dry skin often enjoy the Monsoon with relatively less skin concerns, they equally need to prep and protect the skin against the changing weather conditions. It is KEY to exfoliate and replenish moisture as otherwise the skin can experience inflammation, redness and dullness.

Follow the steps to rejuvenate flaky, dry skin in the Monsoon.

• Cleanse your face using the Forest Essentials Delicate Facial Cleanser Mashobra Wild Honey & Rosewater to gently cleanse and rehydrate the skin.
• Using the Forest Essentials Hand Pounded Organic Fruit Scrub, gently exfoliate with light hand pressure for 5 minutes, to revive dull skin cells, flaky skin and accumulated impurities.
• Apply the Forest Essentials Sundari Sheet Mask to deeply hydrate and rejuvenate the skin. Gently rub two ice cubes over the mask for a refreshing effect and instant skin lifting.
• Seal in the moisture with the Forest Essentials Hydrating Pure Rosewater Gel to deeply hydrate the skin.

Monsoon Skincare for Combination Skin

People with Combination skin type, might find it tricky to adapt to seasonal changes as the skin could either turn more towards oily or dry dispositions. Curate a skincare regime for yourself which helps to balance out the oils, whilst keeping the skin adequately moisturised as well. Hence, the Monsoon skincare for combination skin must include a weekly regime to hydrate, soothe and purify the skin.

Steps to follow:

• Cleanse your face using the Forest Essentials Delicate Facial Cleanser Kashmiri Saffron & Neem;
• Using the Forest Essentials Hand Pounded Organic Fruit Scrub, gently exfoliate with light hand pressure for 5 minutes, to revive dull, dead skin cells and accumulated impurities.
• Apply the Forest Essentials Sundari Sheet Mask to deeply hydrate and rejuvenate the skin. Gently rub two ice cubes over the mask for a refreshing effect and instant skin lifting.
• Spritz the Forest Essentials Bela Facial Tonic Mist to replenish the skin’s moisture and minimize the pores. Pro Tip: Store it in the fridge, and used chilled for a cooling and refreshing effect!

Each of the rituals mentioned above are weekly rituals that should be practiced at least twice in a week. For daily use, we suggested adding the following regime for all skin types during the Monsoon:

Step 1 – Cleanse with a Delicate Facial Cleanser.

Step 2 – Apply the Rasa Activating Serum to activate the skin like the first drink of water in the morning.

Step 3 – Next, use the Tejal Balancing Water to tone and balance the skin.

Step 4 – End with a moisturizer of your choice and as per your skin type.

This regime, also known as the First Beauty Ritual by Forest Essentials acts as the first drink of water for your skin (known as Ushapana in Ayurveda) to enhance luminosity, and prevent dullness and dehydration that often come with the Monsoon.

Also Read – Monsoon Hair Care by Ayurvedic Experts

While you take care of your skin, don’t forget to enjoy the pleasures of the Monsoon!