Here’s your complete guide to survive post-monsoon skincare woes

Skincare isnt a onesizefitsall journey and as the seasons change so should your routine Navigating the shift from the humid monsoon season to the drier postmonsoon months can be challenging for your skinThis transitional period often brings a frustrating mix of lingering oiliness stubborn breakouts and new concerns like dehydration and sensitivity However making a few simple targeted adjustments to your skincare routine and lifestyle can easily help you maintain skin thats resilient to seasonal changesThis comprehensive guide featuring expert advice from leading dermatologists provides a clear roadmap to help your skin thrive as the weather changesMost common skin concerns in SeptemberAs the high humidity of the monsoon season begins to subside your skin faces a new set of challenges Even though acne flareups and excess oiliness are common during the monsoon Dr Prachi B Bodkhe dermatologist at Envi Aesthetics says September marks a shift where concerns like dullness sensitivity and dehydration become more prominent ldquoThis is because the dropping humidity can destabilise the skinrsquos protective barrier causing it to lose moisture more quickly and become prone to inflammation and breakouts Many patients also complain of uneven pigmentation or accentuated once the rain subsides Frizzy unmanageable hair increased hairfall dandruff is amongst common hair related issues commonly seen in monsoonrdquo she sharesHow does a change in humidity from high to low affect the skin ldquoHumidity often masks dehydration but once it drops underlying dryness and sensitivity appear This shift from highhumidity sticky air to a relatively drier environment can destabilize the skinrsquos protective barrier The skin loses moisture faster feels tight and becomes more prone to inflammation and breakouts Formulations with ceramides squalane or panthenol help restore lipids and reduce transepidermal water lossrdquo explains BodkheExfoliation for postmonsoonExfoliation plays a key role in keeping the skin clear during this transitional phase ldquoWith increased oil secretion dead skin cells and sebum can easily clog pores triggering acne At the same time overexfoliation can aggravate dryness and compromise the barrierBalance is the key Limit AHA based exfoliation to once or twice a week depending on your skin type Always follow with the hydrating creams or masksrdquo cautions BodkheStepbystep skincare routine for postmonsoon acneSeptember month leaves a humid environment that keeps the skin sticky sweaty and prone to breakouts while the season slowly changes to drier weather that can dehydrate the skin barrier ldquoThis combination often leads to oiliness clogged pores and dullnessrdquo states Dr Madhurya Gogineni dermatologist at Zennara Clinics Hyderabad Below she outlines a simple routine that can help your skin recoverStep 1 Gentle cleansingStart and end your day with a mild pHbalanced cleanser This removes dirt sweat and excess oil without stripping away natural moisture If you wear makeup make sure to doubleclean in the eveningStep 2 Mild exfoliationExfoliating two or three times a week helps prevent clogged pores that lead to acne Look for products with salicylic acid which clears oil from deep inside the pores Avoid harsh scrubs as they can irritate your skin especially if you already have active breakoutsStep 3 Lightweight moisturiserMany people skip moisturiser when their skin feels oily but that can backfire Choose a gelbased or oilfree moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide These hydrate without making your skin greasy and can even reduce redness and excess oil over timeStep 4 Spot treatmentsIf you are dealing with frequent acne you can add a serum with ingredients like azelaic acid or salicylic acid These ingredients help reduce inflammation and improve overall skin textureStep 5 Sunscreen every daySun protection is important irrespective of the month Pick a sunscreen that is gelbased or waterbased with SPF 50 or higher so it feels light and doesnrsquot clog pores Apply it every morning and reapply if you are outdoors for long hoursGogineni advises to keep certain habits in place ldquoKeep your pillowcases and towels clean as they can harbor bacteria Avoid touching or picking at your face to prevent spreading infection Drink enough water and eat a balanced diet as skin health reflects overall healthrdquoShe stresses that postmonsoon skincare is all about balance ldquoCleanse gently hydrate treat breakouts early and protect your skin from the sun Introduce one new product at a time and watch how your skin reacts Following this routine consistently through September will help your skin recover from the monsoon and keeps it healthyrdquo Gogineni concludesThe importance of lifestyle and dietAs we move from the rainy monsoon months into Septemberrsquos postmonsoon season many people notice sudden changes in their skin This transition period can be tricky but the good news is that a few simple adjustments to both your lifestyle and skincare routine can make all the difference ldquoMost people tend to focus only on what products theyrsquore putting on their face While thatrsquos important healthy skin always starts from within What you eat how well you hydrate and even basic hygiene practices play just as big a role in keeping your skin clear and resilientrdquo poses Dr Mikki Singh dermatologist and cosmetologist founder and medical director at Bodycraft ClinicsHydrationAfter months of sticky humid weather your body still loses fluids quickly and the skin can look dull or congested if yoursquore not drinking enough Aim for at least two to three litres of water every day If plain water feels monotonous try coconut water buttermilk or fruitinfused watermdashthey not only hydrate but also provide electrolytes and micronutrientsNourish from withinYour diet is another cornerstone Postmonsoon is the perfect time to load up on waterrich fruits and vegetables Think of cucumbers tomatoes papayas and citrus fruits These foods donrsquot just cool and hydrate from the inside out they also pack antioxidants and vitamins like C and E which help repair skin support collagen and protect against environmental stressFoods to embraceSeeds fish and avocados if you tolerate them are excellent sources of omega3 fatty acids which calm inflammation and strengthen the skin barrierAvoid skipping this festive seasonOn the flip side greasy sugary and heavily processed foods tend to spike inflammation and oil production which can make acne worse While occasional indulgence is fine try to keep junk food to a minimum especially during this sensitive seasonal changeKeep it hygienicWith lingering humidity and sweat bacteria can transfer easily from hands to face Wash your face with a mild cleanser twice a day and after heavy sweating and resist the temptation to touch or pick at your skin