Most of us look forward to the relief of the much-awaited monsoons. The intoxicating fragrance of rain on parched earth, the lush green, freshly bathed trees and, of course, the coolness of the breeze. However, monsoon, like any other season, has its share of skin and hair problems. But with a little care, you can have a glowing complexion and fabulous hair!

Monsoon spells high humidity and that can definitely lead to nightmares, especially for those of you who suffer from excessively oily and acne-prone skin. Keep the skin oil-free and squeaky-clean.

INSTANT FACE WASH

♦ It would be a good idea to store 1 cup fuller’s earth mixed with 1 teaspoon (tsp) powdered camphor and enough rose water to make a smooth paste. Keep this paste in the fridge in an air-tight jar and use 1 tsp as a face wash several times a day. This will reduce oiliness and give your skin a clean feel.

♦ To make a cleansing face wash for particularly oily skin, take 2 tsp fuller’s earth, 2 tsp sandalwood powder, 10 ground basil leaves and rose water. Mix it into a paste and wash your face with this. Not only will your skin feel cleaner, it will glow too.

ACNE MASK

If your skin breaks out into pimples every now and then, especially during the rains, make the following paste and apply only on the pimples:

♦ 2 tsp fuller’s earth, 2 drops of clove oil, 1 tsp sandalwood powder, 1 tsp finely ground neem paste. Mix into a thick paste and apply on the pimples. Let dry completely. This can be used daily.

♦ 2 tsp fuller’s earth, a pinch of camphor and 2 drops of clove oil. Mix these with rose water and apply on the pimples. Let it dry and wash off with cold water from the fridge. Be careful when using clove oil as even a little extra than the recommended quantity can 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 do suggest is that you use a dropper when adding the clove oil.

♦ Besides, my skin’s ambrosia is very important — drinking water! That too, at least 10 glasses daily. It will help flush out toxins and lend a radiance to your skin.

FACE TONIC

♦ To reduce the oiliness and stickiness during monsoon, try the following antiseptic tonic, which works wonders for every skin type and is especially suited for oily and acne-prone skin, leaving it clear and fresh. Take 100ml rose water and ½ tsp powdered camphor. Dissolve and store in a bottle in the fridge. Wipe your skin with it every time you come in from the outdoors.

♦ I am quite confident that those of you with dry skin will not suffer so much during the monsoon as humidity hydrates the skin and gives it a natural glow. However, to keep that skin glowing, take 1 glass rain water and mix 1 tsp honey in it. Massage into the skin. Let the skin absorb this honey water and soak up all its goodness. Wash the skin with cold water after 30 minutes.

DULL HAIR

Hair requires special attention during this season. I have seen women avoid oiling because monsoon tends to give hair a limp, dull, lifeless look...

♦ Take 2 tsp warm coconut oil and mix it with the juice of two lemons and one sweet lime (mosambi), massage into the scalp and hair. Give yourself hot turban therapy and shampoo after an hour.

For variety, try this hair mask.

♦ Take 20 crushed hibiscus leaves and 3 tsp mint paste. Mix with the juice of 2 lemons and apply to the scalp; leave on for 30 minutes. Wash off with a mild citrus-based shampoo and see how your hair comes alive.
Here’s how you can also make your own shampoo!

♦ A paste of 2 tablespoon (tbs) fuller’s earth, 2 tbs fenugreek powder and 2 tbs fresh mint paste mixed with lemon juice. This will leave your hair absolutely stunning. An after-shampoo beer rinse will give it that extra bounce and shine and, believe me, it’ll do more good to your hair than your waistline!

HAIRFALL WOES

Hairfall during monsoon is quite common. Besides going in for a regular trim, use the following hair pack that will help strengthen and promote hair growth.

♦  Take half cup honey, 100ml almond oil and 100ml ground marjoram tea leaves. Mix together and apply the required quantity to the scalp and leave on for an hour. Wash off with a mild shampoo. If done twice a week for a month, you will see that your hair is looking thicker and more conditioned.

BANISH THE BLUES

Also, this is the time when you feel down and depressed with the weather very often. To lift your spirits, layer your fragrance. Yes, it makes all the difference. The wonders attached to the nose! In fact, it would be a great idea to also light aroma lamps in your home and office with lemongrass, lime, sandalwood and bergamot. These heighten the mood and help destress.

But most of all, enjoy the magic of the monsoon and you’ll sail through all the sticky problems of this humid season with a little natural precaution, ending up with stunning skin and hair.

Suparna Trikha is a nature care expert and columnist. Find her on Facebook @SuparnaTrikha.
If you have questions for her, write to t2onsunday@abp.in