Monsoon Skincare - Dermatologist's Guide to combat Monsoon Acne
Temperature and high humidity in the monsoon contribute to the aetiology of acne and are involved in acne flare-ups.
Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that affects the sebaceous glands. It is a common skin condition with lesions on face, upper arms, trunk and back. Additionally, it is affected by lifestyle changes, environmental pollution, hormonal as well as dietary changes.
Why does acne occur commonly during monsoon?
1. Humidity
- Increased humidity during the rainy season, along with the summer's heat, triggers the skin to produce more sebum, giving it an oily appearance that serves as a habitat for bacteria. Dust, dirt, and sweat that stay to the greasy face clog skin pores and cause acne breakouts.
2. Temperature
- High temperature along with increased humidity leads to excessive sweating and acne flare-ups.
3,. Microorganisms
- A variety of infections can thrive during the monsoon season. Many bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms are active in this temperate and humid climate. This increases the susceptibility of your skin to the microorganisms that also cause acne.
4. Unhealthy dietary habits
- Oily and fried foods exacerbate acne flare-ups during monsoon season.
5. Pollutants
- During the monsoon season, pollution levels are extremely high which further lead to development of acne.
6. Acidic rainwater
- High acidity of monsoon rainwater causes skin redness, itching, and inflammation.
Here are some Tips to prevent acne during monsoon:
Tip 1: Face cleansing
- Washing one's face several times daily removes acne-causing bacteria and limits the excessive formation of sebum hence preventing acne.
Tip 2: Face steam
- Face steaming helps open up clogged pores as well as removes dead skin.
- Additionally, steaming increases the blood flow to the face, giving it additional radiance and glow.
Tip 3: Hydration
- Dehydration makes the skin more susceptible to skin disorders and premature ageing.
- Hydrating can benefit the skin in a number of ways, including reducing acne, as our bodies contain 70% water. Drinking 2-3 litres of water daily promotes the formation of collagen in the skin, and keeps the skin hydrated and moisturized, all of which strengthens skin barrier, which in turn protects skin from bacteria.
Tip 4: Exfoliation
- Exfoliation helps cleanse the skin much more deeply and removes all of the bacteria, pathogens, and acne-causing elements from the skin.
Tip 5: Washing hands before touching face
- One should wash his/her hands before applying anything on the face to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Touching the infected area of the face leads to further spread of acne.
Tip 6: Avoid heavy make-up
- Avoiding heavy makeup is essential for getting the skin glow from the inside out.
Tip 7: Dietary changes
- Oily foods such as French fries, potato chips, deep fried items increase oil production in skin, aggravating acne. Hence, one should avoid such foods.
Bioderma offers range of skincare products for different skin types such as sensitive skin, combination to acne-prone skin, normal dry, irritated to atopic skins.