Monsoon Skincare and Haircare Tips by an expert

Many of us associate a rainy day with a cup of tea corn on the cob and a plate of smoking hot fritters However for all its romantic notions there is no denying that Indian monsoon also brings along diseases and prolonged downpour wreaks havoc with flooding The humid weather can be unrelenting for the hair and skin increased hairfall frizzy hair dryness and skincare infections become commonplace To better arm you against such monsoon mayhem we asked Mumbaibased dermatologist Dr Malavika Kohli Consultant Dermatologist Jaslok Hospital and Breach Candy Hospital to answer a few questions about haircare and skincareWhy does hair fall increase during monsoonldquoHumidity increases hugely and the scalp and hair can remain moist for longer after sweating or even after washing This leads to residue build up which attracts fungus and bacteria The scalp feels itchier flaky and gets inflamed which causes the hair follicle to shed hairrdquoHow can we reduce hair loss during the rainy seasonldquoIf your scalp is itchy and oily then use a salicylic acid based shampoo for the scalp at least twice a week If the scalp is dry and flaky then use a ketoconazole and zinc pyrithione based shampoo on the scalp twice a week You could use a serum with growth factors and peptides daily for two months to stop hair loss and help in regrowthrdquoHow can we control frizzy hair during these humid monthsldquoYou should switch to a reduced or sulphate free shampoo and avoid heavy conditioners Instead use a hair serum on your freshly washed wet hair and pass a warm hair dryer gently through the hair without a brush to remove excess water and let some moisture remain in your hair so it stays smooth Keep your hair tied up in a loose top knot bun so it doesnrsquot fly away easilyThere are overnight nourishing serums that can help to keep the moisture locked in which tames unruly hairrdquoWhy does hair feel drier in this humid weatherldquoItrsquos because the already dry quality of your hair reacts with the humidity in the air and creates fly away hair So you need to avoid hot long showers that are dehydrating for the hair Shampoo only once To hydrate and lock in moisture apply hair masks once or twice a week or leavein conditioners These are very helpful as they seal the hair shaft and help to retain moisturerdquo How can one reduce open poresldquoIf you have oily skin then a 1 salicylic acid gel or lotion once a day will help to reduce the shine on your skin and open pores You could also use a 2 Glycolic acid face wash twice a day if you are acneprone alongside If your skin is on the drier side use oil control emulsion twice a day Regular exfoliation through microdermabrasion or salicylic acid peels at a Dermatologistrsquos clinic once a month will help to minimize unwanted poresrdquoHow can I prevent my makeup from looking shiny on rainy daysldquoA porerefining cream or lotion containing dimethicone works well to give a longerlasting matte finish to your skin before applying makeuprdquoDo I need to apply sunscreen on cloudy daysldquoYes you must use sunscreen all days everyday This is because clouds only cut off approximately 30 UV radiation It is now well documented that indoor lighting also damages the skin so one needs to protect year roundrdquoWhich is the ideal sunscreen to use during monsoon monthsldquoThere is a whole new generation of sunscreens containing zinc oxide which are also matte finish tinted if so desired that offer excellent photo protection and blend in with your skin with a smooth finishrdquoCatch up on all the latest Crime National International and Hatke news here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates MidDay is now on Telegram Click here to join our channel middayinfomedialtd and stay updated with the latest news