As per the ancient science of Ayurveda, Varsha Ritu (Monsoon) falls in the Indian months of Shraavana and Bhadrapada- around Mid-July to Mid-September. At this time of year, although the atmosphere is cool due to rains, the humidity and dampness is high. This causes aggravation of doshas in the body as the Agni (digestive fire) weakens. Consequently, the Doshas start vitiating one another; primarily the Vata and Pitta Dosha, which leads to various hair and skin concerns during the Monsoon.
Read: Skincare Regimes as per your Ayurvedic Doshas
Here are some common queries answered by our Ayurveda Expert, with hair and skincare D.I.Y. tips from the Science of Life, to balance the concerns caused by Varsha Ritu:
How can we take care of our skin in Monsoon, naturally?
Since the Doshas face an imbalance during this season, it is key to avoid products with a high chemical content. Look no further than your kitchen for homemade skincare recipes that will treat your skin naturally, without stripping off its moisture.
1) Oily Skin Care
Oily skin is one of the most common concerns faced by many this season. Due to excess oil buildup in the skin, it becomes almost irresistible to over-cleanse, in an effort to keep skin clean and fresh. However, it is important to only use natural, Sulphate free cleansers, twice a day, to keep the pores from getting clogged.
Read: How to unclog skin pores naturally?
D.I.Y. Tips For Oily Skin
- Mix Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth) with Rosewater and Mint juice to make a creamy paste. Refrigerate this mixture in an air-tight container and use a small amount on the face twice a day, for fresh and matte skin.
- Use chilled Cucumber juice as a gentle cleanser and pure Oatmeal scrub or Papaya pulp as an exfoliator.
2) Acne In Monsoon
Excess humidity and moisture in the air makes the skin exude more oil, which accumulates grime. This leads to acne in the rainy season. Using skincare products with antimicrobial herbs including Neem, Nagkesar, Tea Tree Oil and Sandalwood will purify and refresh the skin. May we suggest the Forest Essentials Kashmiri Saffron and Neem Delicate Facial Cleanser for clean and smooth skin.
D.I.Y. Tips For Acne Prone Skin
Make a thick paste using Multani Mitti, Sandalwood powder, Lodhra powder, ground Neem powder and apply it on affected areas. Let it dry completely and wash off with lukewarm water. Use this concoction daily for clearer, glowing skin.
The Forest Essentials Multani Mitti Ubtan and Sandalwood and Nagkesar Facial Masque are some of the great picks for your monsoon skin care routine.
3) Lacklustre Skin
Though Monsoon is all about drizzles and showers, the internal imbalances of Vata and Pitta doshas can dehydrate the body, leading to dryness and lack of moisture in the skin.
D.I.Y. Tips For Dry Skin
- Mix Besan, Turmeric, Lemon, Rosewater to make a paste. Apply this pack on your face and wash off after 15-20 minutes. It will impart a natural glow to your face.
- Use products with a blend of Steam Distilled Pure Essential Oils including Orange, Cinnamon, Green Tea, Oudh, Basil, Vetiver and Tamarind. These have therapeutic benefits that will dehydrate you skin and will keep you refreshed.
- Make a paste out of crushed Almonds, Rose petals, Honey and apply it on your face for about 5-7 minutes for clean, supple skin.
Most Common Monsoon Hair Concerns
Monsoon brings with it not one, many hair care concerns, including frizzy hair, hair fall and dandruff. These are the most common concerns our Ayurveda Experts are often asked about. With humidity on the rise, it is important to keep your hair and scalp fresh. Build up of dirt, sweat and grime will only make your hair more prone to dandruff, by clogging your hair follicles. The scalp feels oily and most often than not, also leads to frequent hair fall and frizz.
How can I take care of my scalp in the rainy season?
May we suggest washing your hair every alternate day or as and when your scalp feels oily, to keep a check on your scalp’s health. Use natural hair cleansers and conditioners that do not strip your scalp’s natural moisture, like the Bhringraj, Japapatti or Amla Hair Care Selection.
Is hair fall in monsoon normal?
Hair fall is the most common concern during the monsoon season as the humidity in the air allows more moisture, dirt and grime to build up in the hair follicles. Rain water is acidic in nature and the combination of these two cause more hair fall.
Why does hair become frizzy in monsoon?
The most common mistake we make is making the hair static while drying them with a towel. Rubbing the hair against each other and friction caused by the towel leaves them frizzy and with unwanted volume, once air dried. Avoid using styling tools in the Monsoon and allow your hair to air dry. Always apply an anti-frizz serum to make the hair soft and manageable.
Does Monsoon cause hair fall?
Increased moisture content in the air makes the hair look dull and prone to dandruff, which in turn leads to hair fall. If you are someone who loves the rain, be sure to cleanse your scalp thoroughly as the acid content present in rain water makes the hair lackluster and brittle.
D.I.Y Monsoon Hair Care Tips
- For frizzy hair, mash two bananas and mix them with honey. Leave this mixture on for 30 minutes and rinse it off. Alternatively, you can apply the Japapatti Hair Masque, infused with Nagarmotha and Banana Pulp.
- For dry hair, mix two tablespoons of curd with a whole egg and apply this mixture on your hair for 15-20 minutes. Wash this mask off after 30 minutes and use the Amla, Honey & Mulethi Hair Cleanser and conditioner duo to further soften your hair.
- Japapatti and Hibiscus are wonderful herbs for dry and damaged hair. Blend Hibiscus leaves with yogurt to make a paste. Keep the mask on for 30 minutes before washing the hair.
- Herbs including Reetha (Soap Nut) and Shikakai are mild cleansers, to repair hair damage caused by the rains. Boil 2 tablespoons of Soap Nut powder and Shikakai in half a litre of water and leave it to cool overnight. Strain the mixture in the morning and use this to wash the hair and follow with the Forest Essentials Bhringraj and Shikakai Hair Conditioner. This decoction instantly adds luster to your hair.
Also Read: Ritual for Gorgeous hair in the Monsoon
This season, follow these tips and remedies, for there’s nothing better than enjoying the mesmerizing rains with a healthy mind, body and spirit.
You can schedule a call with our Ayurvedic expert here for any queries and suggestions regarding our products.