Skin Care: Simple rules to follow for a clear skin and bright complexion |

Skin problems like acne, poor pH and destructive skin barrier can cause blemishes, marks and acne. Here’s a comprehensive skincare regimen for the monsoon season, emphasizing the importance of using specific products and consuming certain foods to maintain healthy skin. Here are some essential skincare rules for a clear and bright complexion:

Use a pH-based cleanser to wash your face twice daily

Keeping your skin clean is the foundation of a good skincare routine.Using a pH-based cleanser helps maintain the skin’s natural acidity, which is essential for its protective barrier.
Cleansing your face twice a day, in the morning and at night, removes dirt, excess oil, makeup, and impurities that accumulate on the skin’s surface. This helps prevent clogged pores, breakouts, and keeps your skin fresh and healthy.

Use a lightweight and water-based moisturizer

Moisturizing your skin is crucial to keep it hydrated, smooth, and elastic. A lightweight, water-based moisturizer is especially beneficial because it hydrates the skin without leaving a greasy residue or clogging pores. These moisturizers are typically formulated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which attract and retain moisture in the skin. Apply your moisturizer immediately after cleansing, both in the morning and at night, to lock in hydration and maintain a healthy skin barrier.

Use sunscreen as UV rays can penetrate through clouds

According to Dr. Spoorthy Nagineni, MD DVL, a Consultant Dermatologist at Zennara Clinic, “Sunscreen is an essential part of your daily skincare routine, regardless of the weather. UV rays from the sun can cause significant skin damage, leading to premature aging, sunburn, and increased risk of skin cancer. Even on cloudy days or when you’re indoors, UV rays can penetrate through clouds and windows, reaching your skin. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it every morning and reapply every two hours if you are spending extended time outdoors.”

Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week with chemical exfoliation to prevent clogging of pores:
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, promoting cell turnover, and keeping your skin smooth and clear. Chemical exfoliants, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid, dissolve dead skin cells and unclog pores more gently than physical scrubs. Start by exfoliating once a week and increase to twice if your skin tolerates it well. Exfoliation helps prevent acne, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and enhances the absorption of other skincare products.

Drink enough water – 2-3 liters

Hydration is key to maintaining healthy skin and overall wellness. Drinking enough water, about 2-3 liters per day, helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Proper hydration improves skin elasticity, flushes out toxins, and gives your skin a radiant glow. Carry a water bottle with you throughout the day to remind yourself to drink water regularly. Adjust your intake based on your activity level, climate, and individual needs to ensure you stay well-hydrated.

Eat green leafy veggies, fruits, and healthy fats like dry fruits and avocado:

A balanced diet rich in nutrients is essential for maintaining healthy skin and overall health. Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that protect your skin and promote a clear complexion. Fruits like berries and citrus fruits provide essential vitamins, especially vitamin C, which supports collagen production. Healthy fats from sources like nuts, seeds, and avocados provide omega-3 fatty acids that keep your skin supple and moisturized. Incorporate a variety of these nutrient-dense foods into your meals to nourish your skin and support its natural functions.

Essential monsoon skincare products:

1. Sunscreen:
Purpose: Protects the skin from UV damage
Details: Even though the sky may be overcast, UVA rays can penetrate through clouds and cause skin damage. It’s crucial to apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for about 20 minutes before going outside. Reapplication every few hours is necessary, especially if you’re exposed to rain or sweat.
2. Moisturizer:
Purpose: Keeps the skin hydrated without clogging pores
Details: During the monsoon, humidity levels are high, but skin can still get dehydrated. A lightweight, water-based moisturizer helps maintain hydration while preventing pores from becoming clogged, which is especially important for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
3. Cleanser:
Purpose: Removes dirt, oil, and impurities
Details: The choice of cleanser should be tailored to your skin type. For oily or acne-prone skin, a foaming cleanser or one containing salicylic acid can help control excess oil and prevent breakouts. For dry or sensitive skin, a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser is ideal to avoid irritation and maintain the skin’s natural barrier
4. Exfoliator:
Purpose: Removes dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover
Details: Exfoliation helps keep the skin smooth and clear but should be done sparingly. Using an exfoliator once or twice a week prevents over-exfoliation, which can strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to dryness and irritation. Gentle exfoliants like those containing AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are effective
5. Chemical Peels or Hydration Treatments:

Purpose: Enhance skin texture and hydration

Details: Professional treatments like chemical peels can help rejuvenate the skin by removing dead skin cells and promoting the growth of new, healthy cells. Hydration treatments, such as those using hyaluronic acid, can provide deep hydration, which is particularly beneficial during the monsoon when skin can feel both oily and dehydrated

Foods for Healthy Skin During Monsoon:

In addition to topical skincare, Dr. Nagineni emphasizes the importance of a nutritious diet to support skin health:
Fresh fruits
Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Lemons, Grapefruits): Rich in Vitamin C, these fruits boost collagen production, which helps keep the skin firm and bright. They also have antioxidant properties that protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
Hydrating Vegetables:
Cucumbers: High in water content, cucumbers help keep the skin hydrated and fresh, which is crucial during the humid monsoon season.
Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, tomatoes help protect the skin from UV damage and maintain a youthful appearance. Lycopene also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce skin irritation and redness.