Humidity can affect the skin negatively, but these tips will help you take care of it

With increasing humidity, the skin feels oily and sticky as there tends to be increased sebum production, said Dr Vandana Punjabi, consultant dermatologist, and trichologist, practising in Khar and Nanavati Max Superspeciality Hospital, as she shared some common skincare issues that one experiences due to humidity and what can be done.

*Acne and breakouts on face and back

-Wash your face when you return home with an anti-acne cleanser containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
-Use oil-free, noncomedogenic and lightweight products like moisturiser, sunblock, and makeup.

*Flare of atopic dermatitis is seen in the form of sweat rashes with itching on body folds such as elbows, back of knees, and sometimes on the face too.

-If you sweat, shower with cold water immediately.
-Wear loose, cotton clothes.
-Use anti-itching lotions to calm skin.
-Avoid scratching the skin as this will worsen the condition.

*Fungal infections on groins, buttocks, breasts and in-between toe webs.

-Treat the fungal infection at the earliest with the help of a dermatologist.
-Use prescribed anti-fungal oral medications, soap, powder and creams for the same.
-Treat all family members as it spreads quickly.
-Avoid tight-fitting clothes.

*Heat rashes or prickly heat, also called as miliaria, is seen in younger kids.

-Remain in well-ventilated rooms.
-Have cold water showers.
-Wear loose and comfortable clothing.
-Use calamine lotion to soothe the skin.

The good news is 30+ SPF sunscreen can steeply reduce and sometimes completely block damage (Source: Pexels)

*One also experiences flare ups in dandruff and scalp folliculitis, leading to itchy rashes on the face, especially on the beard area, chest and back. It is also called ‘seborrheic dermatitis’, said Dr Punjabi, further suggesting to use scalp lotions, shampoos, and anti fungal creams and lotions on the body to treat the condition.

Dr Sushma too shared a few tips

*Clammy weather makes the skin a hotbed for bacteria. Make sure to keep your face and hands clean, and be mindful of not touching your face too often.

*High humidity means higher sebum production, so make sure you wash your face at least twice a day with a mild exfoliating cleanser.

*Moisturising is essential for all skin types across all seasons, and especially in humid conditions. Ensure you use a light gel-based moisturiser instead of heavy ceramides and cream-based moisturisers, said Dr Sushma.

*Lighten up with serum, and the summer heat and humidity can make even your favourite moisturiser feel intolerably heavy, especially if you have oily skin. According to Dr Sushma, one should switch to a lightweight serum with high-performance active ingredients to deeply fortify, nourish, and hydrate — while leaving a barely-there feel on the skin.

*Make SPF your best friend. Always use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 not only on your face but all the exposed areas of the body. You can also opt for tinted sunscreens if planning to step out.

*Embrace medi facials and exfoliate thoroughly. Enjoy a medifacial for a thorough clean up session and always make sure to exfoliate at least once or twice a week with AHAs/BHAs like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid etc.

*Stay hydrated. Hot and humid climate increases the chances of dryness making hydration more important than ever. Whether you are lounging about in the sun or enjoying a day out, be sure to consistently drink enough water so you can enjoy supple and healthy skin.

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