Monsoon brings much-needed relief from the summer heat, but along with the cool breeze, it also invites humidity, clogged pores, sudden breakouts, and that sticky feeling we all dread. The rainy season can be a tricky time for your skin. But with the right tweaks to your skincare routine, you can enjoy the rains without worrying about dullness, greasiness, or fungal flare-ups.
Monsoon Skincare Guide
Here’s your ultimate monsoon skincare guide to keep your skin clear, calm, and radiant.
Cleanse Like You Mean It
Issue: Sweat, sebum, and environmental grime mix more easily during the rains, leading to blocked pores and breakouts.
Solution: Switch to a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser that balances oil without stripping the skin. For oily skin, opt for gel-based cleansers with salicylic acid or tea tree oil. For dry or combination skin, a mild foaming face wash with aloe vera works best. Double cleansing at night can help remove monsoon build-up effectively.
Don’t Ditch the Moisturizer
Issue: Many assume their skin doesn’t need hydration in humid weather, but skipping moisturizer can disrupt your skin barrier.
Solution: Use a lightweight, water-based or gel moisturizer enriched with hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. It hydrates without feeling greasy and keeps your skin’s natural barrier intact.
Sunscreen—Still Mandatory!
Issue: Cloudy skies create the illusion of protection, but UV rays still penetrate and damage skin.
Solution: Opt for a non-greasy, broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen—even on cloudy days. Matte-finish or gel-based sunscreens work wonders during high-humidity months.
Fight the Fungi
Issue: Excess humidity causes fungal infections, especially around folds (underarms, neck, inner thighs), and can trigger acne-like flare-ups.
Solution: Use antifungal body washes with ingredients like ketoconazole or neem. Wear loose, breathable cotton clothing and change out of wet clothes promptly. For those prone to infections, dusting powders with antifungal properties can help.
Control the Oil, Not the Glow
Issue: The skin can look shiny and feel greasy within hours.
Solution: Blotting papers, clay masks (once or twice a week), and oil-balancing toners help regulate sebum. But remember: your skin still needs that natural glow—avoid over-drying.
Exfoliate—But Gently
Issue: Dead skin cells build up faster in monsoon conditions, but over-exfoliating can lead to irritation.
Solution: Exfoliate 1–2 times a week using a mild scrub or a chemical exfoliant like lactic acid. Follow up with a soothing mask or serum.
Go Minimal with Makeup
Issue: Makeup tends to melt or clog pores in humid weather.
Solution: Choose non-comedogenic, waterproof, and breathable makeup. Try tinted moisturizers, mattifying primers, and setting sprays. Or let your natural skin shine through with just a swipe of kajal and a lip tint!
Quick Tips for the Rainy Day Glow
- Stay hydrated. Your skin needs internal hydration even when the weather is moist.
- Avoid touching your face. Monsoon germs travel fast.
- Clean your pillowcases often. Damp conditions breed bacteria.
- Eat clean. Avoid oily street food during the rains—it can trigger acne.
DIY Home Remedies for Monsoon Skin
Oily Skin Pack:
✔ 1 tsp Multani mitti (Fuller’s Earth)
✔ 1 tsp rose water
✔ 2 drops of tea tree oil
→ Apply for 10 minutes and rinse. Helps control excess oil and breakouts.
Soothing Fungal Wash:
✔ 1 tbsp neem leaves paste
✔ ½ tsp turmeric
✔ A few drops of lemon juice
→ Use in problem areas to prevent fungal infections.
Quick De-Tan Mask:
✔ 1 tbsp yogurt
✔ 1 tsp honey
✔ A pinch of turmeric
→ Apply after sun exposure to soothe and lighten the skin.
The key to monsoon skincare is balance—not over-cleansing, not over-moisturizing, and not ignoring the subtle changes in your skin’s behavior. With a little care and the right ingredients, your skin can thrive—even in the wettest of seasons.