Essential Tips for Oily, Dry, and Combination Skin Type During Monsoon

By Dr. Blossom Kochhar

Every individual has a unique skin. Skin conditions are mostly characterised into three different categories – oily skin, dry skin and combination skin. Our skin types behave as per our skincare regime, diet, and water intake. Monsoon is the time when the skin goes into its most sensitive state, so you need some extra care during this season. 

The rainy season brings along with its share of skin problems, open pores, pustules and prickly heat. If the atmosphere is heavily polluted as in our cities, particles of dirt tend to cling to the skin, giving it a dull grey appearance. Fortunately, frequent cleansing and refreshing will help keep it looking and feeling clean.

Irrespective of the skin type you have, a complete skincare regime is a necessity to keep the skin healthy and beautiful not only during the monsoon but throughout the year, but monsoon demands some extra care. Following are some essential skin care tips as per your skin types to keep your skin healthy and beautiful even during the monsoon:

Types of Skin and Monsoon Care

Oily skin usually has a shiny appearance of visible pores followed by blackheads or whiteheads. The texture is thick and coarse. During the monsoon season, oily skin gets even more oily. Skin pores get clogged because of excessive sebum, dirt, dust and pollutants and lead to dull and sticky skin.

1. Cleanse your face twice a day with a gentle face wash avoid using creamy fat-enriched cleansers. 
2. While cleansing the face, focus on the forehead, nose and chin area massage with lather thoroughly and rinse off with cold water.
3. Avoid touching your face with your hands use a tissue to remove excess oil.
4. During the day clean your face several times with cotton saturated with a toner or cleansing lotion.
5. After using toner if the skin feels dry or taut, use a mild moisturiser.
6. Exfoliate once or twice a week. Mix 1/2 tablespoon of fuller’s earth, 1/2th tablespoon of dried orange peel powder, 1/2 teaspoon of oatmeal and add a few drops of water. Make a thick paste and use it to exfoliate the skin. 
7. After exfoliation, apply a mask. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of fuller’s earth, some tomato pulp and yogurt in a little cucumber juice. Mix well and apply all over the face and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse off with cold water.

Dry skin can be of two types, oil dry skin and moisture dry skin. The oil dry skin is sensitive and has flaky patches with no visible pores. It ages prematurely unless exceptional care is given. The moisture dry skin has a fine texture. Its appearance is taut and dry with a tendency to chap easily and even at an early age, it may show tiny lines around the eyes and mouth.

1. Keep your skin nourished and moisturised as much as possible.
2. Cleanse your face with a cream-based cleanser. 
3. Always use a moisturiser after cleansing your face.
4. To moisturise the dry sensitive skin, try a natural moisturiser. Take 3/4th cup of rose water, 1/4th cup of glycerine, 1 teaspoon of vinegar and 1/4th teaspoon of honey. Mix well and store it in a bottle. Use it regularly after cleansing the face.
5. Apply a nourishing mask twice a week. Mash a banana and mix it with a teaspoon of honey and yogurt. Apply it onto the face and leave it for 20 minutes till it dries. Rinse it off with water. 
6. Do not use an astringent or a toner containing alcohol.

Combination skin is partially dry and partially oily skin. The central part of the face, the forehead, nose, chin and parts of the cheek look glossy, and the other parts appear dry.

1. Keep yourself hydrated.
2. Cleanse your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Use a face wash or cleanser that can help to balance skin sebum levels.
3. After cleansing, use an oil-free moisturizer.
4. Avoid wearing too much makeup and for long hours.
5. Exfoliate your skin twice a week with a gentle exfoliator.
6. Apply a hydrating face pack after exfoliation.