Monsoon is in full swing—and it can feel challenging for every part of life. Here, let’s talk sunscreen and skincare. No matter how amazing your skin usually is, monsoon humidity and that “suffocating” feel can give it a tough time. Itchiness, comedones, dullness, painful pimples, and excess oil start to feel like best friends in this season.
You love rain, but your skin doesn’t. In fact, it often hates anything heavy on it—and I know you listen to it. During monsoon, skin can feel so itchy and suffocated that skincare itself feels like a task, and not applying any product seems more comfortable. But that’s the biggest mistake.
You cared for your skin in winters and summers and got the results you wanted by being consistent. Skipping skincare in monsoon can undo that hard work. Monsoon is the time to protect the skin you earned—with smarter, lighter strategies that don’t feel overwhelming.
Below is an effective AM and PM routine that protects your skin and helps you fight the effects of this season—using light textures, gentle steps, and consistency.
Key Highlights
- Keep layers light but consistent—don’t skip everything.
- SPF still matters even on cloudy days (choose water-resistant).
- Gentle cleansing beats harsh scrubbing.
- Niacinamide at night helps calm oiliness and pores.
- Exfoliate mindfully: 1–2× weekly for normal/dry; 2–3× for oily/combination.
AM Skincare: Simple and Breathable (5–7 minutes)
1. Cleanse (gentle, pH-balanced gel):
Morning oil is normal. Start with a gentle gel cleanser and wash softly—no aggressive rubbing. Pat dry with a clean microfiber towel or air-dry.
2. Vitamin C serum (light layer):
Acts as an antioxidant, supports your sunscreen, and helps with dullness.
3. Moisturizer (gel-based):
Apply a small amount of gel moisturizer.
- Very oily skin? You can skip this or swap for a hydrating toner—listen to how your skin feels.
4. Sunscreen (don’t skip):
A lightweight, gel-based, water-resistant broad-spectrum SPF 60+ is perfect for this weather. Many sunscreens contain hyaluronic acid and glycerin, so you may not need a separate moisturizer in the day.
5. Lip balm:
Finish with a simple balm and you’re done.
● Reapply SPF after sweating or getting caught in rain.
PM Skincare: Repair What the Day Did (6–8 minutes)
1. Double cleanse (as needed):
Use products that suit your skin type. If you wore sunscreen/makeup, go in with a balm/micellar first, then your gentle gel cleanser.
2. Niacinamide serum:
Apply niacinamide to help with excess oil, pore look, and overall balance.
3. Moisturizer (lightweight gel):
A gel-based moisturizer keeps things comfortable and non-suffocating.
4. Exfoliation (weekly):
- Normal/Dry: 1–2× per week
- Oily/Combination: 2–3× per week
Keep it gentle—over-exfoliation leads to more irritation and oil rebound.
Smart Monsoon Habits (Tiny changes, big payoff)
- Change out of damp clothes quickly; keep a small towel in your bag.
- Don’t over-wash during the day; blot oil instead of scrubbing.
- Wash pillowcases and towels more often in humid weeks.
- If skin feels suffocated, reduce layers—but keep cleanser + SPF.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping sunscreen because it’s cloudy.
- Using heavy, occlusive creams in the day that feel suffocating.
- Over-cleansing or harsh scrubs to “feel clean.”
- Stacking too many actives at once in sticky weather.
Quick Checklist (print or screenshot)
- Gentle gel cleanser (pH-balanced)
- Vitamin C (AM)
- Gel moisturizer (AM/PM as needed)
- Water-resistant SPF 60+ (reapply after rain/sweat)
- Niacinamide (PM)
- Exfoliant 1–3× weekly based on skin type
FAQs
Do I really need sunscreen in monsoon?
Yes. UV penetrates clouds, and water reflects light. Choose water-resistant SPF 60+ and reapply after rain or sweating.
My skin is very oily—can I skip moisturizer?
Use a light gel or a hydrating toner if needed. Completely skipping hydration can push skin to produce more oil.
How often should I exfoliate?
1–2× weekly for normal/dry, 2–3× for oily/combination. Keep it gentle.
Vitamin C or niacinamide—what goes where?
Use vitamin C in the AM for brightness and protection; niacinamide at night for oil and pore control.