From sweat to skin infections: How to protect yourself during monsoon dampness? Experts share a complete guide

As the southwest monsoon hesitates after its early arrival over the Kerala coast, many parts of India are already experiencing a surge in humidity. Monsoon season brings relief from the scorching summer heat, but the rise in humidity and dampness after that can wreak havoc on our skin.

Sweat, dirt, and bacteria can clog pores, leading to breakouts, fungal infections, and dryness. With all the rain during the monsoon season, our feet often get drenched the most. We wear different kinds of footwear that covers our feet, such as socks and shoes. How should one ensure they remain free of skin infections during this time of year?

¡°One way to take care of this is to use an antifungal soap such as Savlon for bathing. However, this may cause excessive dryness, so restrict its use to the fold areas only. After bathing, apply antifungal powder on your feet,¡± says celebrity cosmetologist Dr. Mahnaz Jahan Begum, an esteemed aesthetic expert, entrepreneur, cosmetic, plastic, and hair transplant surgeon, and medical director of Aterm Clinics¡ªKolkata.

¡°Clotrimazole, which is available at any medical store, is very effective. It is advisable to have it examined by a specialist, who can then prescribe a treatment customised to suit our needs,¡± she adds.

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Sweat, dirt, and bacteria can clog pores during monsoon humidity

Monsoon is the time when your skin behaves a little strangely and is often unstable; suddenly, it becomes oily or a little dehydrated. "Washing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser can help remove dirt, sweat, and bacteria that can clog pores and cause breakouts. Look for a soap-free cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils," says Dr Viral Desa, Board-certified super specialist, cosmetician, plastic and hair transplant surgeon, and Medical Director ¨C DHI India.

But don't worry; we've got you covered! Here are some simple yet effective tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing during the monsoon season.

• Cleansing: Regular cleansing is required in order to keep the skin looking fresh and healthy.
• Toning: Toning is a must at night. During the monsoon, a lot of airborne and waterborne microbes are let loose. So, a good antibacterial toner will go a long way to prevent skin infections and eruptions. It is a good idea to get an antibacterial face wash, too.
• Moisturising: Moisturising during the rains is as important as it is in summer. Monsoon can mean a de-moisturising effect on dry skin and an over-hydrating effect on oily skin. The skin gets wet often, and with the constant wetting and drying, a lot of dehydration (yes, in the rains!) takes place. That explains the itchy feeling one gets during monsoons. Use a non-water-based moisturiser if you happen to get wet often. Otherwise, a water-based moisturiser will do.

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• Stay Hydrated: According to Dr. Desai, ¡°Drinking plenty of water is essential to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Additionally, use a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser that won't clog your pores. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are great ingredients to look for in a moisturiser.¡±
• Protect Your Skin from the Sun: Even on cloudy days, the sun's UV rays can cause damage to your skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin.
• Prevent Fungal Infections: Fungal infections thrive in warm, humid environments. To prevent them, keep your skin dry, especially in areas prone to sweating. Use an antifungal powder if necessary, and avoid sharing personal care items.

Additional Tips

- Avoid heavy makeup and opt for lightweight, breathable products instead.

- Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and probiotics to support healthy skin.

- Change your towels and bedding regularly to prevent bacterial and fungal growth.

Most of these damages can be fixed with these treatments.

It's widely understood that with the monsoon comes several skin problems, such as rashes, blistering, redness of the skin, etc. ¡°Laser skin rejuvenation treatments are an effective way to improve the appearance of spots, rashes, redness, and other hallmarks of damaged skin. The skin specialists combine laser treatments with other procedures, such as microdermabrasion and facial peels, to revitalise the texture and tone of skin subjected to monsoon skin ailments,¡± explains Dr. Desai.

Many people take all the proper precautions while out in the rainy season, including wearing sunscreens, perfect toners and protective clothing. But skin damage can still happen; thus, they want to refresh and restore their skin with laser treatments. It's about both looking better and maintaining optimal skin health, and treating the problem as soon as possible after damage occurs is a sensible decision.
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