While the arrival of the monsoon brings pleasant weather, it can be a troublesome season for the skin. Increased humidity in the air makes the face and body feel oily and sticky. A combination of sweat, dust, and humidity can clog skin pores, leading to issues like acne, small bumps, and irritation. People often resort to using various products in response, but sometimes these very habits can aggravate the problem.

Dr. Rajkumar (AYUSH) explained that while frequent bathing might seem like an easy solution for a sticky body, doing so can strip away excessive amounts of the skin's natural oils. Consequently, the skin may produce even more oil to try to restore its balance. Seeing the oil and dirt accumulate on their face and body during the monsoon, many people tend to scrub their skin repeatedly. Instead of cleansing the skin, this can leave it red, dry, and sensitive. Excessive scrubbing can worsen the situation, especially if one already has acne or small bumps.

**Skipping Moisturizer Is Not Advisable**
He noted that vigorous scrubbing is not necessary to keep the skin clean; gentle cleansing is far better. Skipping moisturizer when the face and body feel oily is another common mistake. Moisturizers do more than just hydrate dry skin; they also play a crucial role in maintaining the skin's moisture balance. During the monsoon, one can opt for a lightweight, gel-based, or non-comedogenic moisturizer.

**Sunscreen Is Essential Even During Rain**
Dr. Rajkumar emphasized the importance of choosing products suited to one's specific skin type. Overcast skies or rain do not eliminate the need for sunscreen. Applying sunscreen before stepping out is essential because UV rays can penetrate through the clouds and reach the skin. If you are outdoors for an extended period, reapplication may also be necessary.

This home remedy will refresh your skin.
She noted that while the monsoon season often tempts one to experiment with skincare, using multiple serums, creams, and active products simultaneously is not advisable. Overloading the skin with too many products can weigh it down and increase the risk of clogged pores. You can prepare a simple homemade face pack by combining potato juice, tomato juice, Fuller's earth (Multani mitti), and gram flour (besan). To make this, take one teaspoon each of potato juice, tomato juice, and gram flour, along with a sufficient amount of Fuller's earth.

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly, apply a thin layer to your face and body, and let it dry for about 10–15 minutes. Afterward, rinse it off with plain water. This pack is particularly helpful in refreshing oily and sticky skin. However, since tomato or Fuller's earth can cause irritation or dryness for some individuals, it is essential to perform a patch test before using it for the first time.

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