Most of us look forward to the monsoons for relief from the summer sun. However, the monsoons, like every other season, come with its share of skin and hair problems. With a little care, however, you can have a glowing complexion and fabulous hair in the rainy season too.

Here are some simple solutions to combat the damage done to the skin and hair by the humid rainy days.

SKIN CARE

To reduce oiliness and stickiness during the monsoon, try the following antiseptic tonic, which works wonders for every skin type and is specially suited for oily and acne-prone skin, leaving it clear and fresh. Take 100ml of rose water and half a teaspoon of powdered camphor. Dissolve and store in a bottle and keep in the refrigerator. Wipe your skin with this every time you come in from outdoors.

For a cleansing face wash for particularly oily skin, take 2tsp of fuller’s earth, 2tsp of sandalwood powder, 10 ground basil leaves and rose water. Mix to a paste and wash your face with this. Not only will your skin feel cleaner, but it will also glow.

Acne is a common problem during the monsoon and can be very irritating. Make a pack with 2tsp fuller’s earth, a pinch of camphor and 2 drops of clove oil. Mix this with rose water and apply on the pimples. Let dry and wash off with cold water from the refrigerator. Be careful when using clove oil as even a little extra will tend to burn the skin. This mask will have a tingling feeling which can become overpowering at times, but there is nothing to worry about. What I suggest is that you use a dropper when adding the clove oil.

To keep the skin oil-free and squeaky clean, it would be a good idea to store a cup of fuller’s earth mixed with enough rose water to make a smooth paste and 1tsp of powdered camphor. Keep this paste in the refrigerator in an air-tight jar and use 1tsp each time as a face wash, several times a day. This will reduce oiliness and give your skin a clean feel.

Those with extreme dry skin do not suffer much during the monsoons as humidity hydrates the skin and gives it a natural glow. However, to keep the skin glowing, take 1 glass of rain water and mix 1tsp of honey into it. Massage into the skin. Let the skin absorb this honey water and soak up all its goodness. Wash with cold water after 30 minutes.

HAIR HACKS

Hair requires special attention during this season. I have seen women avoid oiling their hair because the humidity tends to give it a limp, dull, lifeless look. Take 2tsp warm coconut oil and mix it with the juice of two lemons and the juice of one orange. Massage into the scalp and hair. Give yourself a turban therapy and shampoo after an hour.

An alternative solution for limp, dull and lifeless hair is to take 20 crushed hibiscus leaves and 3tsp mint paste. Mix with the juice of 2 lemons and apply to the scalp for 30 minutes. Shampoo off with a mild citrus-based shampoo and see how your hair comes alive.

Hair fall during the monsoons is quite common. Besides going in for regular trim, use the following hair pack that will help strengthen falling hair and promote its growth. Take half cup of honey, 100ml of almond oil and 100ml ground marjoram tea leaves. Mix together and apply the required quantity to the scalp and leave on for an hour. Shampoo with a mild shampoo. If done twice a week for a month, you will see that your hair is looking thicker and more conditioned.

I have found that a paste of 2tsp fuller’s earth, 2tsp fenugreek powder and 2tsp fresh mint paste mixed with lemon juice and water make a great shampoo and leaves hair looking absolutely stunning. 

An after-shampoo beer rinse will give it that extra bounce and shine and, believe me, beer will do more good to your hair than your waistline!

LIFT YOUR MOOD

Sometimes, incessant rains and the greyness of the monsoons can make you feel down and depressed. To lift your spirits, layer your fragrance. It makes all the difference. It would be a great idea to light aroma lamps in your home and office with lemongrass, lime, sandalwood and bergamot. These heighten the mood and help de-stress the mind.

Suparna Trikha is a nature care expert and a columnist. Find her on Facebook @suparnatrikha. If you have questions, write to her at t2onsunday@abp.in with your age, skin type and other details