What could be better than monsoon for hot coffees or morning chai, lofi- songs and a warm bed to sleep in but as for your skin, it's a prolonged nightmare. It's time to change the skincare routine order and start monsoon skincare as soon as possible. Why should one switch his or her skincare routine because of the season you may ask, but you know during monsoon, our skin tends to be too oily or too dry and loses its ability to retain moisture. This occurs largely due to variation in humidity levels in the atmosphere. If the atmosphere becomes too humid, your skin is likely to become oily and sweaty and develop all sorts of skincare problems.

If you don't want to have extremely oily skin which can lead to breakouts and acne or dehydrated and stretched skin, follow these skincare steps and see the magic. The skincare routine for men is no different from women. Anybody could follow these skincare steps given below.

Skincare steps 

Step 1: Cleanser

We all assume that fighting acne is about fighting oil but the thing is, it is about fighting bacteria. If your skin produces too much oil, it tends to clog pores and creates an excellent atmosphere for bacteria to have a pool party. Monsoon season helps bacteria to thrive even further. The season demands more than an ordinary skincare routine. Therefore, start your skincare routine with cleansers that are pH-balanced, Oil-free, soap-free and help retain the skin’s natural moisture barrier to keep that nasty bacteria at bay.

Recommendation:

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - For all skin types (best cleanser for oily skin)

It helps to remove excess oil and heals blemishes.

WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Foaming Face Wash- For all skin types

It helps to reduce breakouts without any usage of chemical ingredients.

Alternate:  Natural skincare

If you don't want to experiment with store-bought cleansers, you can try these natural cleansers that can be made with simple ingredients and yet produce the same effect.

• Fuller’s Earth & Rose Water Facial Cleanser

• Apple Cider Vinegar Face Cleanser

• Fuller’s Earth & Rose Water Facial Cleanser

Step 2: Clay-based mask

Clogged pores and irritated skin, sounds familiar?

Yes, this monsoon, the skin situation will be worsened as you might face a set of annoying skin concerns which you never dreamt of. Allow me to save you from nightmares. Add a clay-based mask to your skincare routine for better skin health and keep worries off the mind.

 It's essential to use a clay-based mask at least twice a week to soothe irritated skin. Always keep a mask on your face for 10 - 15 mins max but if you prolong the timings you might end up with dry skin. Do not forget your neck. It is necessary to apply the mask to the face as well as the neck to get an even tone.  

Recommendation

Mamaearth Charcoal, Coffee, and Clay Face Mask- For oily skin type 

It helps to detoxify your skin and in reducing pigmentation.

Dot & Key Pollution + Acne Defense Green Clay Mask -  For all skin type  

Helps to detoxify skin and provides an advanced anti-acne solution. 

Alternate: Natural skincare

If you are fond of natural products for your skin then use clays that are readily available in the market. Use these clays with other natural ingredients to make a perfect mask for fresh and glowing skin.

• Honey-Infused Clay Mask-  For Acne-Prone Skin
• Bentonite clay and Oats Mask - For All skin types
• Fuller’s earth with Vitamin E oil - For All skin types

Step 3: Hydrate your skin  with rose water

Have you experienced dry skin just after a deep clean or face mask?

After the mask, one might feel that their skin has shrivelled up since clay drives oil out of your skin along with the moisture. Ergo, it is essential to hydrate your skin to avoid dry, tight, and flaky skin. The best skincare routine for dehydrated skin always includes rosewater because it hydrates your skin like nothing else. Once you have finished with step 2, apply a generous amount of rose water to your face. Look for rose waters that help to maintain perfect pH balance. You can also use toner instead of rose water. 

Recommendation: 

Biotique Bio Cucumber Pore Tightening Toner -For Oily skin and normal skin

Maintains pH and help keep skin in its purest state 

Dabur Gulabari Rose Water- For all skin types

Helps to rejuvenate your skin & keep it looking healthy

Alternate: Natural skincare 

If you want to make rose water at home, get ready to do it.

• Transfer all the rose petals to an empty saucepan.
• Take up another empty bowl and keep it at the center of the saucepan while the petals lie around the bowl in the same empty saucepan.
•  Drown the rose petals with water but do not pour anything in the empty bowl kept at the center.
•  Now, close the saucepan lid and keep it upside down.
•  Start heating it up.
•  Keep adding ice on the saucepan lid even when it melts. Ice cubes help in condensing the vaporized water inside the saucepan.
•  After 30 mins, turn down the gas and you now have your rose water collected in the center bowl.
•  Store it in a cold place for later use.

 Step 4: Serum

One of the most important steps in skin care in any season is to use a serum. There is no best ordinary serum for oily skin or combination skin or any skin type since you need to change serums as per the season. However, in monsoon, you might want to choose a very lightweight serum that can boost elasticity & provides a smoother and radiant look. The light moisturizing content in serums prevents clogging of your pores which is often the case in monsoon season. Do not skip serum in your skincare routine.

Recommendation

Good Vibes Rose Hip Radiant Glow Face Serum - For All Skin Types

Helps in cell regeneration and overall radiance.

Garnier Light Complete VITAMIN C Booster Face Serum - For all skin types 

Lightweight and non-oily.

Alternate: Natural skincare

Why waste your money on something expensive when you have the same results with affordable homemade remedies. If you think natural skincare products are the best, then you should try these remedies.

1 ) Raw milk and tomato juice for clear skin - For All skin types

 2 ) Lime juice and yogurt for glowy skin - For All skin types

 3 ) Aloe Vera and turmeric - For oily skin

 Step  5: Moisturizer

If you always find yourself online googling about what's the best natural moisturizer for dry skin or the best moisturizer for acne-prone skin, then, girl, you are totally normal.

 A good moisturizer is a saviour don't you think?

Monsoon equals to high risk of acne-prone skin but a good moisturizer can avoid most of the skincare problems in whatever season you are in. Always look for a moisturizer that is lightweight and contains hyaluronic acid to avoid clogging of pores. Hyaluronic acid helps to retain and improve your skin’s natural moisture-holding capacity. I am sure your skin will be thankful for the nourishing care.

Recommendation:

POND'S Moisturiser with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E -For all skin types 

Keeps oiliness and stickiness away.

WOW Skin Science Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Face Moisturizer -For all skin types (best moisturizer for dry skin)

Helps to maintain moisture barrier 

Alternate: Natural skincare

Below are natural skincare products which you can find in your house easily

• Moisturize your skin with Coconut oil or Olive oil - For dry skin
• Moisturize your skin with Honey - For all skin types
• Use Cocoa Butter or Shea Butter as a moisturizer - For all skin types

Last step: Never skip Sunscreen

UV rays don't go for a vacation in the monsoons. UV rays will pass through windows and still have adverse effects on the skin. The likelihood of getting a sunburn in the monsoon is pretty low but it is crucial to apply sunscreen irrespective of whether you're indoors or outdoors. A skincare routine shouldn't end without applying sunscreen.  Use sunscreens that are at least SPF 30 plus. When there is a sunny day, SPF 40 plus is the best choice. Never forget to apply sunscreen even if you don't follow a proper skincare routine because girl, your skin needs it.

Recommendation:

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 50+- For all skin types 

Waterproof & Sweatproof, suitable for all seasons.

Lakme Sun Expert SPF 50 PA+++ Ultra Matte Lotion Sunscreen- For all skin types

Light sunscreen and non-sticky to give it a fresh, smooth feel. 

Conclusion 

Any skin care routine doesn't work like magic until there is consistency. The skincare routine order demands consistency because that's the only way to keep your skin healthy and glowy in the long run. An ideal skincare routine for the monsoon season can't be the same for every single person. While everybody’s skin is different, the skincare steps are mostly the same. Some might skip a few steps while others might add a few more to their skincare routine. Follow the above-mentioned to try and learn about your skin and create your own monsoon routine.