When the Rain Drains You of Vital Vigour

From itching skin to messy hair, the monsoon brings its share of nuisances, here’s a way to counter them.
When the Rain Drains You of Vital Vigour

The first rains of the monsoon is always joyous, especially when you have waited for it long, but like two sides to a coin it does bring its share of skin and hair issues. When it pours, your skin tends to put up a plea—all that’s water is not refreshing and healthy, especially if you have a sensitive skin. Akshay Batra, managing director, Dr Batra’s says, “In other words, your skin may play ‘hide-and-seek.’ One moment, it may look oily; at another, it may appear dry and parched, or unattractive.”

He further adds, “Avoid heavy, oily make-up—it tends to block your skin pores.” Remember, a glowing skin is always achieved through a healthy, wholesome diet. Eat a light, well-balanced diet, supplemented by pulses, legumes and soybean (provided you are not allergic to soy products). You’d also do well to add carrots, green leafy vegetables, oranges, whole grains and nuts, to your diet plan, alongside green tea, with a dash of cinnamon, but without milk and sugar—to keep disease-causing free radicals at bay. Mohan Thomas, MD Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Institute, Mumbai says, “The monsoon, sandwiched between the heat of summer stickiness and winter dryness, is generally ignored when it comes to hair care. A regular hair care routine can go a long way in insuring you against tangles, wet and messy hair.”

Home Remedies

● Regular cleansing  and moisturising is mandatory—it keeps your skin looking fresh and healthy.

● If your skin is dry, use almond paste or honey cleanser. Massage your face for a few minutes, rinse and pat dry.

● If your skin is oily, use a mild natural cleanser to ‘grime off’ dead cells from the skin. You may use ripe papaya pulp too with good effect; it is a mild, natural exfoliant.

● Toning your skin with lavender oil is useful—it will help prevent skin infections or eruptions.

● Shampoo hair with a natural product, once or twice a week. Avoid the use of hair dryers and styling gels. Let your hair dry naturally.  A wide-toothed comb is what you should use to brush or comb your hair.

● Exercise and keep yourself well hydrated.  Water rids your body of toxins—a ‘must-do’ for good skin health and optimal wellness.

● Try not to use hair sprays and gels, as the lacquers and gums can stick to the scalp causing dandruff.

Monsoon’s best friends

Beauty Potion by WIKKA

With its rejuvenating and soothing properties, aloe vera along with the anti-ageing properties of avocado oil leaves the skin feeling replenished and exquisite. Patchouli and Chamomile German essential oils help in reducing the appearance of age spots, fine lines and wrinkles making you feel younger every day.

Iraya Nimbadi Lepa

Has detoxifying, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory properties. Balances the skin and leaves it glowing. Contains neem, balhirda, organic rice.

Rainforest Balance Conditioner by The Body Shop

Cleanses to reduce excess oil for hair that looks clean and fresh all day. Contains pracaxi oil, white nettle, seaweed and aloe vera.

Kaircin Face Serum by Kairali

It is enriched with saffron’s natural Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Vetiveria Zizanioides which help in skin problems.

Barberry and Blackcurrant Face Gel and Scrub by Nirwana Wellness

Nature’s finest moisturisers—jojoba, aloe and Vitamin E are blended into this rich and creamy cleanser, which leaves the skin fresh, nourished and moisturised.

Head Massage Oil Sugandha by Forest Essential

Black sesame oil keeps the scalp toned. Anise improves blood circulation. Camphor is purifying and cooling. Vetiver is detoxifying and cooling.

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The New Indian Express
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