Oily Skin During Monsoon: The monsoon season brings relief from scorching heat and sweltering temperatures, but it also brings along skin-related issues. If you have oily skin, the humidity and moisture in the air can make your face look greasy, sticky, and dull. Excessive sweating and sebum production during this season lead to breakouts, acne, and clogged pores. The stickiness associated with oily skin during the monsoon not only affects your appearance but can also dent your self-confidence. Let’s explore how to manage oily skin effectively during this season.

Why does the problem of oily skin worsen during the monsoon?
Humidity levels in the atmosphere rise significantly during the monsoon. This increased moisture in the air stimulates the skin's sebaceous glands, causing sebum (natural oil) production to exceed normal levels. When this excess oil mixes with sweat, dust, dirt, and dead skin cells, the skin's tiny pores get clogged.

When this excess oil mixes with sweat, dust, dirt, and dead skin cells, the skin's tiny pores get clogged. (Canva)
This leads to the rapid emergence of the following problems:

Acne and Pimples: Clogged pores suffer from a lack of oxygen, allowing bacteria (such as *P. acnes*) to thrive and leading to acne or pimples. Blackheads and Whiteheads: When oil and dirt accumulated in the pores come into contact with air, they turn black (blackheads) or form whiteheads beneath the skin's surface.
Greasy and Dull Face: Oil constantly sits on the face throughout the day, causing the natural glow to fade and making the face look tired.

What should an oily skin care routine look like?
To keep your skin fresh, oil-free, and radiant during the monsoon, following a balanced daily skincare routine is essential:

1. Gentle Cleansing: Wash your face at least twice a day using a foaming face wash containing Salicylic Acid or Tea Tree Oil. This deeply cleanses excess oil and dirt without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.

2. Proper Use of Toner: Use an alcohol-free toner immediately after washing your face. Toners based on rose water, green tea, or witch hazel help balance the skin's pH levels and tighten enlarged pores.

3. Water-based Moisturizer: Oily skin needs hydration too. If you skip moisturizer, the skin may produce even more oil to hydrate itself. Therefore, use a lightweight, water-based, or gel-based moisturizer during the monsoon.

4. Gel-based Sunscreen: Cloudy skies do not mean UV rays have disappeared. For oily skin, choose a non-comedogenic, matte-finish gel sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

5. Deep Cleansing Face Pack (Clay Mask): Apply a Multani Mitti (Fuller's Earth) or charcoal clay mask once or twice a week. It deeply cleanses pores by absorbing excess sebum and dirt accumulated within the skin.

Which skincare mistakes should be avoided?
Certain mistakes made—knowingly or unknowingly—during the monsoon can harm your complexion. It is crucial to avoid them:

Washing your face too often: Do not use a face wash more than twice a day. Excessive washing causes the skin to lose its natural moisture, prompting oil glands to produce even more sebum.

Avoid heavy makeup: During the rainy season, heavy foundations and cream-based makeup can completely clog your pores. Opt for minimal makeup or a light BB powder instead.

Touching your face frequently: Repeatedly touching your face with dirty hands transfers germs and bacteria to the skin, aggravating acne issues.

Consuming too much fried food: Avoid eating fritters (*pakoras*) and spicy foods during the monsoon. An excessively oily and processed diet disrupts the body's internal balance, leading to increased sebum production on the skin.

Instead of worrying about oily skin during the monsoon, simply adopt a light, gel-based, and consistent skincare routine. Drink plenty of water, eat a nutritious diet, and let your skin glow naturally!

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