HEALTH/MONSOON SPECIAL...Keep your skin glowing during monsoon

Keep your skin glowing during monsoon

MONSOON BRINGS ALL KINDS OF INFECTIONS — TAKE CARE OF SKIN AND HAIR ..HOW SAY EXPERTS

    Rains mean different things to different people — relief, romance, reason to rejoice; but this season also brings with it the humid and damp weather that invariably takes a toll on the skin and eyes. Experts tell BT how to take care, and how inculcating small changes in your daily skincare routine during the season can help keep your skin glowing and fresh.
Fungal infections are very common during the monsoons because of the increase in humidity. Dr Abhijit Desai, makeover expert and dermatologist says, “Most common areas of fungal infections are skin folds in the groin area, fold under the breast, and underarms. It’s very important to keep these areas dry by regularly dusting an anti-fungal powder.” Another important area to look after during monsoon is the feet say specialists. “Especially in between the toes — it is very susceptible to fungal as well as bacterial infection because of direct contact with contaminated rain water,” says dermatologist Dr Jamuna Pai. One should try and keep the feet dry at all times. Aesthetician Ritu Tanwar says, “The best way to properly clean your feet is by immersing them in lukewarm water with a few drops of antiseptic for 10 minutes. Then, scrub lightly with anti-bacterial soap and thoroughly dry your feet. Follow this with a moisturising cream. ” Dr Sandeep Sattur, hair restorative surgeon says, “Wash your scalp frequently — even daily — with PH-balanced mild shampoos. The idea is to cleanse the scalp gently but at the same time avoiding further damage. Dermatologists say that our faces can get fairly oily because of humidity and we should wash our face with cleansers effective for this condition and also use a light scrub occasionally. Dr Desai cautions, “Use sunscreen always as UV rays penetrate even through clouds.”
AYURVEDA AND MONSOON SKINCARE
During rainy season our body is weak and susceptible. Dr V L Shyam, ayurveda expert states, “According to Ayurveda, rainy season is the most unfavourable time for health. Dosha imbalances will have their manifestation on feet, nails and skin too.”
Here are some simple tips:
Eat a warm, unctuous diet (ghee and olive oil are best). Avoid drying foods like crackers. Drink plenty of warm water throughout the day and eat sweet, juicy fruits. Avoid alcohol-based skin cleansers. Increase intake of nuts, (almonds, walnuts and their oils), seeds (sesame, sunflower and their oils), grape seed oil, soybean oil, whole grains, and legumes.
    Wash your face two to three times a day with a mixture of green gram powder and channa powder (equal proportion) made into a paste with water.
    Make a paste of papaya, honey, milk. Apply on face, and leave for 15 minutes and then wash off.
    A paste of neem leaves mixed with honey can be used as a face pack. Remove the pack before it dries up on your skin.
    Use a mixture of honey and curd for body massage before shower.
    Keep your feet dry and clean at all times and moisturise them daily. Cut your toe nails regularly and keep them free from dirt.

DO IT YOURSELF
An instant pack that can cleanse your skin can be made at home easily says aesthetician Ritu Tanwar. “Add two tablespoons of besan, half teaspoon of haldi and enough milk to make a paste. Apply this on clean face, and leave on for a while before washing off.”
    Dr V L Shyam, ayurveda expert says, “Use a paste of green gram powder instead of soap everyday. Ayurveda powders like Sidharthaka choornam, Nimbadi choornam, Mudgadi choornam can be used as bath powder mixed with water. Apply ayurvedic oils like Pindathailam or Dhanwantharam kuzhampu or Balaswagandhadi kuzhampu everyday 15 minutes before shower.” He states that ayurvedic foot massages are excellent for balancing Vata.

Debarati S Sen BT120802