What is Monsoon Acne?

You've probably heard about the harmful effects of the sun on our skin. But what about the effect of the atmosphere? The monsoon season has begun, and we all know that it brings with it extreme weather conditions.

Numerous people suffer from skin issues during the monsoon. From dry skin to acne, everything can go wrong. Another common problem that occurs during this period is body odour. You indeed sweat more when you are in a humid environment, but how does that affect your body odour? Well, when you sweat, your pores get clogged and give off a bad odour. This is also a major cause of acne and pimples which happens a lot during the monsoon season.

Acne is a general medical term for pimples and blackheads and spots. These are small skin bumps caused by oil, bacteria and clogged pores.

Acne can be a natural way of telling you that something is wrong with your body. The hormonal changes that occur during adolescence and the time around menstruation are prime causes of acne for many people. So it is no surprise that this hormonal disorder increases during the rainy season.

Hormonal imbalance is also a cause of acne. In particular, an increase in 'male' hormones (androgens) results in the overproduction of sebum, which clogs up pores leading to acne breakouts. Other causes are stress, medications, improper skincare and diet.

Stress can affect your body in many ways such as weakening your immune system and even suppressing your appetite directly leading to a nutrient-deficient body. Improper care of the skin leads to clogging of pores, thus, causing breakouts. Lastly, diet can lead to acne issues because certain foods weaken your immune system and cause hormonal imbalances which can lead to acne.

During monsoon, humidity goes to the peak which creates a suitable ground on our face for bacteria to sustain. The overproduction of sebum during the monsoon season makes the skin greasy. The sticky face invites dust, grime, sweat and dirt which clogs the skin pores leading to acne breakouts.

7 Ways to Deal with Monsoon Acne

Monsoon is here and skin problems are not far behind. In case you don't know, monsoon acne can be extremely annoying. It's not something that happens every year but it happens to every Indian once in a while.

Many wonder how to treat acne and pimples during monsoon. Apart from eating healthy, drinking lots of water and taking care of your skin when you step out, you can also try a few home cures to prevent acne from ruining your monsoon.

Keep yourself hydrated: It's very important to drink lots of water during this period. The more water you drink, the more moisture your body retains. Not only will your skin thank you for this, but you will look healthier and happier.
If you are prone to acne, use lemon juice for acne treatment. It effectively kills bacteria, removes excess oil and gets rid of pimples. Apply lemon juice on your face for about 10 minutes every night before going to bed.
Monsoon is the best time to detoxify your skin as it allows the body to function at full potential. It also helps with acne issues. Thus, this is the best time to stick to your regular facial regime and cleanse your face properly, removing excess dirt and oil accumulated on it from the long-burning season. Make sure to wash your face at least twice a day during monsoon season.
Honey and brown sugar can be used to prepare a scrub for monsoon acne. Mix one tablespoon of honey with three tablespoons of brown sugar and gently scrub your face using this mixture. Rinse off after 10 minutes. This home remedy will help in preventing further skin breakouts during the monsoon.
Regular steam can help your face achieve an effective glow. This will also help to open the pores and reduce acne breakouts. The neem benefits for acne and pimples are numerous so just add a few neem leaves to the hot water to get better results.
Alternatively, you can also use anti-acne gel infused with the goodness of niacinamide, glycolic acid, aloe vera, zinc and salicylic acid.
Change your diet to a skin-friendly diet that must not trigger acne. Include green, leafy vegetables and fresh fruits, especially those rich in Vitamin C. These foods will make sure your skin stays hydrated and receive all the essential vitamins and minerals.

Stay Glowing When It Rains: Skin-Friendly Foods to Eat During Monsoon

During the monsoon or rainy season, the moisture levels in the atmosphere rise, often resulting in increased chances of acne outbreaks.

The reasons why monsoon can make acne worse are unclear, but it seems that the extra moisture on your skin may be an issue. Also, extra sweating during the monsoon may contribute to worsening acne.

The best way to aid skin health during this time is to make sure you eat the right foods and stick to a good diet plan. Acne-prone skin needs good nutrition and hydration to keep skin healthy. These nutrients help repair any damage to the skin caused by free radicals and produce collagen which helps your skin regain its natural plumpness.

If you are looking for some natural remedies to combat the monsoon blues, here are a few foods that can help you deal with your acne.

Grain flour (aka atta) and rice flour are high in vitamin B and folic acid, which keep your skin healthy and acne-free. Biotin, a water-soluble B vitamin found in abundance in homemade bread and cereals is another way to keep those breakouts at bay.

Foods rich in vitamin A are also known to prevent breakouts. Milk, cheese and eggs are all great sources of this vitamin.

People who suffer from acne are advised to keep their diet simple and light. Eating foods that are rich in antioxidants, zinc, vitamins A and E can help keep your skin healthy.

Green tea: Green tea should be a part of your everyday diet. It helps in clearing out toxins from the body, which is good for the skin.

Pumpkin seeds: They contain zinc, which helps in treating acne. You can have pumpkin seeds with milk or yoghurt.

Drumsticks: The vitamin C-rich drumstick is not just tasty but also great for the skin. It keeps your skin smooth and glowing as it provides the essential vitamin C required by the body.

Take Away

Acne is the most common problem among teenagers and adults. In fact, it is a growing concern among many health experts. It is a disorder in which the pores in your skin get clogged due to the excess of oil and dead skin cells. Acne occurs when bacteria, fungi and viruses grow inside your pores.

We hope this article helped you and now you must be ready to lead a healthy life this monsoon season.