After the sweltering summer, we impatiently wait for the monsoon. But, the rain also brings with it a bag full of skin and hair problems. And if you have oily skin, you are a soft target for the humid weather because oily skin is prone to acne, rashes, skin allergies, which then lead to problems like hair fall, prickly heat, etc. Chase Aromatherapy Cosmetics founder Naresh Arora says the monsoon woes can be kept at bay by following some tips:
Skin and Body De-tan With Aromatherapy:Prepare a scrub using ½ teaspoon dead sea salt, ½ teaspoon brown sugar, ½ teaspoon ubtan, 1 teaspoon skin butter (shea and cocoa butter), and 10 drops of lemon juice and 2-4 drops of neroli oil. Massage it well on face and body for 5-10 minutes and then leave for 5 minutes. Wash off well and apply SPF 10-20 sunscreen. Repeat every week.
Home Products: Make a paste using neem, mint and basil leaves and one spoon curd. Apply it on face every alternate day. A facial steam is also a good option. Put 5-6 basil leaves and 3-4 drops of tea tree oil in boiling water. Do a 2-5 minute steaming session and apply a mask afterward. Don’t forget to moisturise your face.
Diet: Oily and junk foods are a big no. Drink lots of water and include more salads and fruits. Avoid carbonated drinks and chocolates.
Hair Fall:Due to more moisture in the air, hair becomes sticky and the scalp itchy, causing hair fall. Take one drop rosemary oil, one drop basil oil, one drop tea tree oil and one drop patchouli oil. Mix it with one teaspoon of almond oil or extra virgin olive oil and apply it on your scalp every alternate night. Massage it gently with your fingers for 10-15 minutes. Next morning wash it off and apply pH 5.5 hair conditioner.
Diet: Include protein-rich food, especially sprouts and salads.
Foot Care
Athlete’s Foot, which is a fungal infection, spreads between the toes in monsoon. It can also spread to the toenails, soles and sides of the feet. Take one teaspoon of dead sea salt and two drops of basil oil in the pedicure tub and soak the feet for 10-15 minutes. This process may help overcome the fungal disorders. Make sure to put on your socks after applying talcum powder.