Embracing the monsoon? Why not! But let’s not forget the effect the damp and humid environments are making on your skin and hair. In the previous blog, we explored some of the skin and hair problems you might encounter in the monsoon. Now, let’s explore how you can deal with them. If you look up the word ‘Detox’, it basically means to rid yourself of harmful things. That’s exactly what you need to do for your skin and hair in the monsoon. Let’s learn how.
WHY IS DETOX IMPORTANT?
Is it really important? Yes, let’s understand why. The increased humidity creates havoc by increasing oil production and causing oil scalp and skin, and clogged pores. Dandruff, hair breakage, oily skin, and acne are mostly likely to develop in such conditions. You sure would want to avoid all these. That’s why hair and skin detox is important. Let’s explore how you can do it.
HAIR DETOX
CLEANSING SHAMPOO
Opt for a cleansing shampoo that is sulfate-free. Sulfate strips the hair of essential oils, and hence you need to avoid it. Massage your scalp gently, and focus on scalp areas that are often greasy. While rinsing off the shampoo, use lukewarm water as it is gentle on your hair. Rinse your hair until the dirt is washed away.
CONDITIONING
After rinsing and cleaning your hair, it takes away a lot of moisture from it. That’s where the conditioner comes in. While applying conditioner, make sure you cover the entire length and ends. The most important thing, leave out your scalp. Look for the recommended time mentioned by the product to leave the conditioner on your hair. Rinse it later. A good conditioner will ensure a good amount of hydration.
AVOID HEAVY PRODUCTS
Avoid or limit the use of hair and styling products. The reason being they’re likely to attract dirt and allergens to your hair. To avoid this, use products that are light on your hair and don’t contain toxic chemicals. This prevents excessive buildup on your hair.
HAIR OIL
Hair oils like coconut oil or almond oil work wonders for your hair. Apply these oils once a week, or if required twice a week. The oil nourishes your hair and scalp and replenishes them if they’re stripped of natural oils.
DRY YOUR HAIR
Got drained in the rain? It’s going to happen a lot of times. Dry your hair thoroughly. This does not mean you rub your hair vigorously with a towel. That’s only going to break your hair and cause more damage. Dab your hair lightly to remove water and dry it.
SKIN DETOX
GENTLE CLEANSER
You need to use a cleanser that won’t clog your pores and cause irritation. Cleanse your face with a gentle and non-comedogenic cleanser. It’s recommended to wash your face with a cleanser twice a day to remove pollutants, oil, sweat, and dirt. Irrelevant to your skin type, opt for a zero-dryness cleanser that does not leave your skin dry.
EXFOLIATION
Allow your skin to breathe! Exfoliate 1-2 times a week using a mild exfoliator. When you exfoliate regularly, it removes the dead cells and unclogs the pores. In addition to this, exfoliation also has benefits like optimized absorption of skin care products and enhanced blood circulation. Opt for one that has natural ingredients. Your skin is delicate, so avoid scrubbing aggressively. Aggressive scrubbing will damage the skin’s barrier.
HYDRATION
Regardless of the weather, your skin needs to be hydrated. Use a moisturizer to hydrate your skin. Make sure the moisturizer is lightweight and non-comedogenic as it won’t clog your pores. It’s a plus point if it has ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides that lock in the moisture.
FACE MASKS
Nourish and detox your skin using face masks. They draw out the impurities and pollutants from the skin and cleanse it. Clay masks and hydrating masks work wonders. Clay masks absorb the excess oil and deep clean the pores. Hydrating masks restore moisture and improve skin texture.
AVOID HEAVY MAKEUP
If you apply light-weight and minimal makeup, it will help your skin to breathe. Heavy makeup will interfere and mix with the sweat and oil. This will clog the pores and lead to breakouts.
SUN PROTECTION
Monsoon season does not mean you’re safe from the sun. Even on cloudy days, there’s a risk of getting sun damage. Hence, you need to apply broad-spectrum physical sunscreen daily to shield your skin from UV rays.
TIPS
- Flush out the toxins and hydrate your skin by drinking plenty of water.
- A lot of bacteria reside on your hands. So, don’t touch your face to avoid getting dirt and bacteria on it.
- Stay healthy by incorporating fresh fruits and veggies into your diet.
- Use natural and sulfate-free products to avoid build-up on your skin.
- Support your body’s detox process by getting adequate rest and sleep.
Though amazing, monsoons can be very harsh on one’s skin and hair. It’s important to understand the detox methods and practice them in the daily routine to avoid harsher effects. With a little extra care and consistency, you won’t need to worry about monsoons.