Tips for Healthy & Glowing Skin during Monsoons

The high levels of humidity during the rainy season can make your skin feel oily even if you don't have one. And for those with a naturally oily skin, the rains can be no less than a nightmare. Excessively oily and greasy skin can give you clogged pores leading to acne and blackheads.

People with dry and sensitive skin have their own unique skin concerns like patchy, scaly and irritated skin to deal with during the rainy season. Excessive cleansing and scrubbing with harsh, chemical-based cleansers and exfoliators, taking hot showers etc. can lead to dryness even in people with an oily skin.

According to Ayurveda, for good health, the 3 vital energies or doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas) that govern our bodily functions must be balanced. Any imbalance between these can lead to health issues including skin problems. And that is why it is recommended to change not only our diet and lifestyle but also our skincare routine with the changing seasons. This change in routine according to the seasons or "ritu" is called 'Ritucharya'.

 

In line with the tenets of Ayurveda, we recommend a daily CTM (cleanse-tone-moisturize) routine, tweaked for your skin type to help your skin get a healthy glow. Parama Naturals has created products and routines that can be dovetailed into your daily schedule, whether you prefer and have the time for elaborate self care or you have just a few minutes of self-care as you juggle different roles. Try them at the earliest, and you can thank us later!!

To keep your skin clean and the pores unclogged, it is essential to wash your skin twice a day to gently remove all the dirt, debris, dead skin cells and oil accumulated on the surface of the skin. It is best to use a mild chemical-free cleanser or a mild soap (the most preferred option being cold-processed soaps) which are not harsh on your skin but clean away the grime gently. 

For all skin types - We recommend using Parama Naturals' Enriching Exfoliator Face and Body Scrub, a soap-free cleanser enriched with natural nutrients for refreshing, cleansing, exfoliating and skin polishing. Cleansing requires just a pinch of the powder, mild application on a wet face and rinsing off with lukewarm water.

For all skin types - Parama Naturals' turmeric-based cold-processed soaps are hypoallergenic and safe even for sensitive skins.

For extremely dry, sensitive or irritated skin - Apart from the above options, you could also use Parama Naturals' Moisturising Face and Body oil to cleanse your skin. Just massage some oil on your face and wipe it off with a wet cotton ball to deep-cleanse your skin. Splash some lukewarm water after that and pat your face dry. This oil does not clog pores, nor does it lead to acne or black-heads. In fact, cleansing with this oil also helps tone the skin and moisturize it at the same time. In fact this is a "One Product CTM Routine".

Step 2 - Tone

Tone your skin with a spritz of an essential oil added to some rose water or aloe vera gel after cleansing. Toners help close the pores and tighten the gaps in the skin while hydrating it mildly. We recommend using the Parama Naturals Turmeric Essential Oil, as the anti-inflammatory and astringent properties of Turmeric protect and heal your skin from within while the rose water refreshes it instantly and leaves your skin soft and bright.

The Parama Naturals' Turmeric Essential Oil is rich in antioxidant Turmerones, which act on every layer of your skin to clear blemishes, clarify the skin tone and to protect, heal and nourish it from within. It also fights against bacterial and fungal infections, providing relief from skin disorders like itchy skin common in rainy season.

Yes, those of you with oily skin too. Especially after cleansing and scrubbing your skin clean.

Moisturizers are crucial for hydrating your skin and locking in the moisture. They also nourish, repair and maintain the skin barrier which is absolutely essential for protecting your skin from the environment. By plumping up the skin cells, they help you get a smooth, younger-looking and glowing skin. Choose a chemical-free moisturizer that does not harm your skin. 

Those with oily skin can go for a light moisturizer like the All-Day Lite Moisturizing Face oil from Parama Naturals for moisturizing, deep-pore cleansing and getting an even skin tone .This non-greasy oil does not block pores and is suitable for all ages, all skin types including oily and acne-prone type. However, if you are still wary of using an oil on your face, you could use aloe vera gel for moisturizing. Add 2 drops of Turmeric essential oil by Parama Naturals to a tablespoon of aloe vera gel and use it as a moisturizer. 

Oil-based moisturizers are best for you if you have dry skin as they can keep your skin protected and hydrated for longer. Choose from the range of face oils by Parama Naturals made with 100% natural ingredients for deep moisturizing, nourishing, healing and protection of your skin.

For very dry, scaly or sensitive skin,  you could choose between Parama Naturals' Multipurpose Butter or Clarifying Face and Body butter. These non-greasy, quick absorbing non-staining butter formulations are made of enriching cold-pressed oils and Malabar kokum butter for restoring skin elasticity. Rich in antioxidants, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients like Neem and Turmeric, they clarify the skin without blocking pores or causing irritation. Beneficial for soothing inflamed acne, sunburn, rashes, these butters soften rough, itchy and patchy skin.

A simple but regular CTM routine will take care of your skin health during the week when you are busy and on the go. But the weekend calls for a leisurely and rejuvenating  pampering of your skin.

Step 1a - Steam (1-2 times a week)

Steaming after cleansing is an excellent way to unclog your pores, which are blocked by dirt, sebum, dead cells and bacteria, thus reducing chances of acne breakouts. The permeability of your skin also increases when the pores are unclogged and that improves the efficacy of any other products like moisturizers, serums, anti-acne creams that you follow up with. Steaming also helps in improving the circulation of blood under your skin and soften it.

We recommend adding a few drops of Parama Naturals Turmeric Essential Oil  to hot water for steaming your face. It is rich in natural antioxidants and has healing, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and calming properties. With steam, the volatile and aromatic components in the essential oil, penetrate deep through the pores to act on skin issues.

Steaming is best done twice a week. For people with oily skin, it can be done to a maximum frequency of thrice a week. For people with dry and sensitive skin, once or maximum twice a week.

Step 3 (a) - Full-body Oiling 

A full-body massage or abhyanga is also recommended by Ayurveda as part of your daily skincare routine. This helps in keeping the skin supple and glowing.

  

Finally....

Here are some general tips for healthy skin during the rainy season, which you must follow regardless of your skin type:

• Keep your skin dry as far as possible. Dampness can cause fungal infections and skin allergies during monsoons. To prevent issues like this, or in the event that you experience itching, apply the Parama Naturals' Clarifying Face & Body Butter. The antifungal properties of turmeric and neem will help. 
• If you come in contact with contaminated water on water-logged streets, wash off your skin immediately with an anti-bacterial soap and change into clean and dry clothes to prevent skin infections. Try the Parama Naturals' Neem-Turmeric Soap.
• Use lukewarm water for washing your face or for your bath. NEVER wash your face with hot water which can damage your skin. Add a few drops of Parama Naturals' Turmeric Essential Oil in a mug of water as a final rinse post shower or bath. It acts as a natural disinfectant or antiseptic which will protect your body.
• Avoid harmful chemical-based skincare products at all costs and use 100% natural and safe ones instead.
• And last but certainly not the least, remember that a well-balanced and nutritious diet along with 2-3litres of water daily (lukewarm water, preferably, for improved metabolism which becomes sluggish during the this season) are key to good skin health not just during monsoons but in all seasons. Eat well but eat light and healthy meals at all times.