Rainy Remedies: How to Tackle Humidity for Skin, Hair and Health

A practical guide to protecting the skin, hair, and overall health from the sticky challenges of high humidity.

Monsoons bring a welcome relief from the dry heat of Indian summers and make for some wonderful scenery. But, with the temperate climate of India, monsoons also herald humid, sticky air. Natural humidity does help combat dry skin and, to some extent, dry hair. But excessive humidity hails various alarming consequences for the skin, hair and health. Understanding how to manage its effects is the first step to staying comfortable, healthy, and confident through the wet months.

This season let’s stay a step ahead of the humidity with these simple preventive steps for your hair and skin. Read below!

How to Protect Your Skin in Monsoon:

Oily Skin: The initial effect of humidity is sticky, greasy skin due to excess sweat, which then mixes with oil, dirt and pollution.
Acne: Increased sebum oil production by the skin, along with the excess sweat, clogs pores, resulting in painful pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.
Dry Skin: Surprisingly, excessive sweating may also strip the skin of natural oils and lead to dry skin.
Skin Infections: The warm, moist atmosphere is the perfect ground for fungal and bacterial growth leading to dermal infections. Humidity also irritates sensitive skin, making it red and itchy, and aggravates conditions like eczema or rosacea.

Luckily, these problems can be tackled with some simple, effective steps:

Regular Cleansing:

Using a mild, soap-free cleanser twice daily will go a long way in keeping the skin clean and fresh. Exfoliating 1-2 times a week is also a good supplement.

Cool Showers:

Cool (not cold) showers after coming back from outside will wash away all the sweat, allergens and microbes and have a refreshing effect on the skin.

Antifungal/Absorbent Powers:

Applying antifungal or absorbent powders to skin folds will fight infections.

Lightweight Moisturisers:

In case of dry skin, using non-comedogenic, water-based moisturisers will hydrate it without making it appear greasy.

Sunscreen:

Lightweight, sweat-resistant sunscreen is a crucial companion even on cloudy, rainy days because UV rays are notorious for penetrating even dense clouds.

Light to no make-up:

Cosmetic products combined with humidity and sweat can clog pores and negatively affect skin. This monsoon, let’s do away with heavy make-up, embrace natural beauty and give the skin room to breathe.

How to Protect Your Hair in Monsoon:

Frizz: The frizz and puffiness accompanying the monsoon are very familiar. Humid air means more moisture for the hair to absorb, which forces the hair cuticle to expand and leads to frizzy, unruly hair.
Limp Hair: Conversely, fine and oily hair does not absorb the moisture, but the water vapours can stick to the strands along with sweat, making it go limp, lose its shine, and appear lifeless.
Dandruff and Scalp Infections: Accumulation of excess oil and sweat on the scalp can aggravate dandruff and lead to fungal and bacterial infections.
Breakage: Damp hair is also more prone to breakage, and humidity, with its damp fingers, can only make matters worse.

GlobalSpa recommends these tips to protect your hair this monsoon:

Anti-Frizz Hair Products:

Using lightweight anti-frizz serums and leave-in conditioners can help seal the hair cuticle against external moisture.

Regular Mild Shampoo:

Keep the scalp and roots as clean and hygienic as possible with regular washes using mild, sulphate-free shampoos or even medicated ones if required (with a prescription, of course).

Switch to Microfibres and Satins:

Switching to microfibre towels and satin or silk pillowcases and scarves can reduce friction and minimise frizz.

Protective Hairstyles:

Heat-styling to avoid the frizz can make matters worse. It is prudent to skip the hair straightener and indulge in protective hairstyles like loose braids and buns to support hair without burdening the scalp.

How to Take Care of Your Health in Monsoon:

Respiratory Problems and Allergies: Warm, damp conditions promote mould, dust mites, and other allergens, which can trigger or worsen respiratory problems such as asthma, allergies, or sinus congestion.
Dehydration: Excessive sweating may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance since, without proper care, the body begins losing essential fluids as well as salt and minerals.
Overheating: On the other hand, sweat does not evaporate, owing to the already rich moisture in the atmosphere. So, the body is unable to cool down, leading to overheating, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke as well as rashes on the skin.
Indigestion: Due to high temperatures and humidity, the body increases blood circulation to main internal temperature. This spells trouble for people with heart problems and may also lead to indigestion, bloating or even nausea since the necessary blood flow may be withdrawn from the digestive tract.

But thoughtful, regular habits, mentioned below, are convenient protectors against these issues.

Hydration:

Staying well-hydrated is crucial. Electrolyte-rich intake such as coconut water, milk, and fruits such as bananas and avocados can replenish minerals lost through sweat.

Lighter Meals

Eating lighter, home-cooked meals at regular intervals with fresh fruits and vegetables helps digestion and avoids taxing the body further.

Probiotic-Rich Intake:

Probiotic-rich intake like curd, buttermilk and other fermented foods also helps maintain digestive health in humid weather.

Proper Ventilation:

At home, ensuring proper ventilation in indoor spaces, or using a dehumidifier, can help keep mould and allergens under control.

Wear Natural Fibres:

Wearing breathable natural fibres such as cotton and linen can also help maintain body temperature and prevent skin infections.

Thus, while humidity may feel like an unwanted guest, it does not have to lead to despair. This monsoon, switch up self-care habits and embrace a lighter, more balanced approach. With a few thoughtful adjustments to daily routine, it is possible to stay protected, comfortable, and confident even on the most humid days.