The arrival of monsoon brings much relief from the scorching heat and rising temperatures. Yet, the increase in humidity also brings new skin and hair concerns. During this time, oily skin, clogged pores, acne, fungal infections, curly hair and seasonal hair fall become common complaints.
Luckily, some thoughtful changes to your skin care and hair care routine can help you enjoy the rainy season without compromising your beauty goals. Dermatologists suggest that instead of following elaborate routines, it is more effective to simplify your diet and focus on ingredients that work well in humid weather.
Dr Priyanka Keshav, dermatologist, VLCC Group, tells HT Shop Now, “Increased humidity creates an occlusive environment, where sweat and sebum, which is the skin’s natural oil, and environmental pollutants remain on the skin for longer periods of time. This can lead to follicular blockage or blocked pores, but it can also weaken the stratum corneum, the skin’s protective outer barrier. Once this barrier is compromised, skin irritation, redness, and becomes more susceptible to transepidermal water loss, a process where moisture is lost from the skin despite humid weather, which ironically also often leads to excess oil production.
She also mentions, “Worryingly, there is a growing tendency to treat skin care as a trend rather than a science. Seemingly similar concerns like acne, pigmentation and sensitivity are often driven by completely different biological processes. Following a routine designed for someone else’s skin often results in barrier damage, persistent inflammation and hyperpigmentation followed by inflammation, dark marks left behind after acne or irritation.”
Monsoon tips you need
Here are some tips to take care of your skin and hair during monsoon:
monsoon skin care
Choose light but hydrating skin care
One of the biggest misconceptions during monsoon is that oily skin does not need moisturizer. However, experts say dehydration can actually trigger excess oil production.
Dr Chetna Chhabra, Clinical Lead at Clinique, explains to HT Shop Now, “It’s essential to use truly non-comedogenic formulas that avoid ingredients known to clog pores. Replace heavy creams with lightweight, gel-based moisturizers that absorb quickly.”
She further explains some of the ingredients that are essential for your skin during the monsoon season. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid help maintain hydration without leaving skin greasy, while niacinamide (vitamin B3) controls excess sebum, minimizes enlarged pores and soothes irritation. If you suffer from acne, salicylic acid can help unclog pores by dissolving excess oil and dead skin cells. Meanwhile, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant that brightens dull skin and protects against environmental damage caused by pollution and UV exposure.
Avoid washing your face too much
Humidity often leaves skin feeling sticky, encouraging many people to wash their face several times a day. However, this may cause more harm than good.
“When humidity levels rise, our skin produces excess sebum to deal with it. Washing your face three or four times a day with harsh, stripping foaming cleansers is actually counterproductive. It sends a panic signal to your sebaceous glands to produce even more oil,” says Dr. Genovia Dawn Jung, co-founder and head of R&D at Korean skincare brand Korinmi.
Instead, she recommends switching to a gentle, low-pH cleanser that removes sweat, pollution, and excess oil while preserving the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Never skip sunscreen even on cloudy days
Many people believe that sunscreen is not necessary during monsoon as the sun is not visible. Dermatologists completely disagree with this.
According to Dr. Chhabra, “UVA rays easily penetrate clouds and windows, causing premature aging, pigmentation, and dullness. She recommends using a mild, non-comedogenic sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every morning.”
Dr. Genovia Dawn Jung also points out that thick sunscreens can wear off when combined with sweat. “During the rainy season, opt for lightweight, hybrid gel sunscreens or fluid chemical sunscreens that absorb quickly. Skipping sunscreen because it’s cloudy is the easiest way to trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation”, she says.
keep skin clean and dry
Monsoon creates an ideal environment for fungal and bacterial infections. If you’re caught in the rain, dry your skin thoroughly – especially around the neck, armpits and other skin folds. Changing wet clothes immediately can significantly reduce the risk of infection and rashes.
Abandon heavy creams for water-gels (even if you feel oily)
According to Dr. Jung, “One of the biggest myths of monsoon is that oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer. The humidity draws water from your skin, leaving it dehydrated at a deeper level. To compensate, the skin produces excess oil. The solution is not to skip moisturizer, but to swap out heavy occlusive creams for lighter, water-binding gels that contain centella asiatica (cica), Contains ingredients like beta-glucan, or panthenol. It hydrates the skin without trapping sweat in your pores.”
monsoon hair care
Fight frizz with the right haircare routine
Due to humidity, the hair roots absorb moisture from the air, which causes hair fall and loss of manageability. Dermatologists recommend adopting a lighter approach instead of applying heavy oil overnight.
Dr. Chhabra recommends oiling the lengths and ends of the hair before shampooing and applying a lightweight oil, such as argan, almond or jojoba oil, about 30 to 60 minutes before shampooing. It creates a protective barrier without clogging the scalp.
She also recommends using sulphate-free or anti-frizz shampoos, massaging only the scalp while allowing the shampoo to wash out the lengths. Conditioner should only be applied from mid-lengths to ends.
Contrary to popular belief, completely air-drying hair may not always be the best option during monsoons. Blow-drying on a low-temperature setting can help prevent lingering moisture that often causes hair fall and scalp problems. Sleeping with wet hair should also be avoided, as it weakens the hair and promotes microbial growth.
Protective hairstyles like braids and buns can further reduce exposure to moisture in the air.
Prevent seasonal hair loss
Hair fall is another common concern during the rainy season. Constant humidity, sweat, pollution and fungal growth can weaken the hair roots and increase hair fall.
“Monsoon humidity often keeps the scalp moist for longer periods, which weakens the hair roots and increases the risk of hair breakage and fall,” says Dr Bindu Sthalekar, celebrity dermatologist, cosmetologist, trichologist, founder of Skin Smart Solutions.
She recommends a weekly hot oil massage using light oils like argan or jojoba, followed by cleansing with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.
For individuals experiencing seasonal hair loss, Dr. Sthalekar says, “PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy uses your own growth factors to stimulate the hair follicles, improve density, and strengthen the roots from within. Consistency in both home care and professional treatments can significantly help reduce seasonal hair loss.”
Nourish your skin and hair from within
Healthy skin and hair aren’t just the result of topical products.
Dr Chhabra emphasizes that overall health plays an important role during monsoon. She recommends staying hydrated despite feeling less thirsty, limiting fried and oily foods, which can trigger breakouts, and including ingredients like ginger, basil, and probiotics in your daily diet to support gut health and overall immunity.
In short, monsoon beauty care doesn’t require an overloaded routine; It simply demands better alternatives. Gentle skin care, regular cleansing, effective sun protection, targeted hydration, gentle hair care, and a nutrient-rich diet can help keep your skin healthy and your hair manageable despite the challenges of moisture. With dermatologist-approved habits and the right ingredients, you can enjoy the rainy season while maintaining glowing skin and strong, curly hair.
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(Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you have about any medical condition.)
