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Ingredient Lab

7 ingredients that are a must in your monsoon skincare routine

By
Tatiana Dias
3
min read
Skin
7 ingredients that are a must in your monsoon skincare routine
7 ingredients that are a must in your monsoon skincare routine

We’re bang in the middle of the monsoon. And while we enjoy every moment of this season when indoors, unfortunately, it’s not very kind to the skin. Fluctuating temperatures, exposure to acidic rainwater and excessive humidity and moisture in the air, all come together to wreak havoc within our pores. This is the season when our skin constantly feels sticky and greasy and therefore becomes a magnet for the dirt and grime that surrounds it, resulting in breakouts. This is also the season where the skin barrier can get inflamed and irritated.

However, there are a few precautionary measures one can take to combat the impact. Of course, tweaking your skincare routine to suit the weather is necessary, but what’s more important is to include skincare ingredients that are appropriate for the season. Here’s exactly what your stash needs.

AHAs and BHAs

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) are a must in your monsoon skincare routine, owing to their exfoliation properties. Essentially, AHAs are water-soluble ingredients like glycolic, lactic and mandelic acids, which help exfoliate dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. BHAs, on the other hand, are oil-soluble which means they dive deeper into your pores and exfoliate the dead skin cells from within—an example of this would be salicylic acid. These acids even help kill bacteria, which aids in treating breakouts and acne.

During monsoons, the sebaceous glands in your pores tend to go overdrive resulting in excess oiliness and greasiness, which can lead to clogged pores. By exfoliating the skin with an AHA or a BHA (or both), you take away the grime and dead skin cells, reducing the chances of clogging. Plus, using a BHA exfoliant will help reduce excess oil and will also treat any existing acne. AHAs work well for sensitive skin, while BHAs are perfect for oily to combination skin types.

Tira recommends: Wishful Yo Glow AHA & BHA Facial Enzyme Scrub

The Formularx 2% BHA Exfoliator With 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide

Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads

Retinol

A derivative of vitamin A, retinol is known for its anti-ageing properties. But did you know it makes for an excellent exfoliant too? Adding retinol to your monsoon skincare routine will help boost skin cell turnover, stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of pores. It also tackles any bacteria-causing acne and treats inflamed and irritated skin. Just remember to slather on sunscreen the next morning, or else it’ll damage your skin even further.

Tira recommends: Foxtale 0.15% Encapsulated Retinol Night Serum

The Derma Co. - Dr V SkinRenew Peptide Retinol Serum-Cream

Green tea extract

If you’re looking for a milder yet effective monsoon skincare ingredient, we recommend giving green tea extract a go. It contains anti-bacterial properties that help soothe monsoon skincare woes such as acne, while controlling excess sebum production. It’s the perfect go-to if you’re someone with oily skin that tends to break out due to the weather.

Tira recommends: Plum Green Tea Clear Face Mask, Fights Pimples, Control Excess Oil, Unclogs Pores

Allies Of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser

Ceramides

Due to pollution, the rainwater we receive isn’t pure in any way, especially if you live in a city. When your skin comes into contact with this rainwater, it can often experience irritation or infections, resulting in a damaged skin barrier. Incorporating skincare products like a lightweight moisturiser that contains ceramides will help restore and strengthen the skin’s barrier while providing it with intense moisture. This monsoon skincare ingredient works well for sensitive skin too.

Tira recommends: Dr. Sheth's Cica & Ceramide Oil Free Moisturizer

The Face Shop Rice & Ceramide Moisturizing Emulsion Cream

Benzoyl peroxide

Another acne-soother, benzoyl peroxide makes for the perfect spot treatment during the monsoon. It contains anti-bacterial properties that aid in treating any sort of rash or inflammation triggered by the rainwater. Benzoyl peroxide is also known for its exfoliating properties, as it helps slough away dead skin cells and remove other blemishes such as blackheads and whiteheads.

Niacinamide

If you’re on an oil control mission during the monsoon, then niacinamide will be your BFF. As the excess humidity in the air drives your skin to produce more oil, resulting in excess greasiness, niacinamide will go deep into your pores, control sebaceous glands and regulate oil production. It also strengthens your skin’s lipid barrier, which means it helps those with dry skin types too. Lastly, niacinamide helps fade away dullness, dark spots or any pigmentation caused by acne, resulting in brighter, more radiant skin.

Tira recommends: Minimalist 5% Niacinamide Face Serum With Bifida Ferment & Oat Extract For Healing & Soothing Skin

Hyaluronic acid

A naturally occurring acid in the skin, hyaluronic acid helps maintain the skin’s moisture levels. Using hyaluronic acid topically, especially during the monsoon, helps stimulate these moisture levels, which in turn regulates and controls sebum production. Your skin is left with a hydrated, plump glow that isn’t greasy or oily.

Tira recommends: Neemli Naturals Hyaluronic & Oat Amino Acid Moisturizer

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Face Moisturizer With Hyaluronic Acid For 72 Hours Hydration

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid  Serum

Read More
Ingredient Lab
Skin

7 ingredients that are a must in your monsoon skincare routine

By
Tatiana Dias
By
Tatiana Dias
Ingredient Lab
Skin
3
Min read
When your skin feels sticky, greasy or inflamed, reach out for these high-performing heroes
7 ingredients that are a must in your monsoon skincare routine

We’re bang in the middle of the monsoon. And while we enjoy every moment of this season when indoors, unfortunately, it’s not very kind to the skin. Fluctuating temperatures, exposure to acidic rainwater and excessive humidity and moisture in the air, all come together to wreak havoc within our pores. This is the season when our skin constantly feels sticky and greasy and therefore becomes a magnet for the dirt and grime that surrounds it, resulting in breakouts. This is also the season where the skin barrier can get inflamed and irritated.

However, there are a few precautionary measures one can take to combat the impact. Of course, tweaking your skincare routine to suit the weather is necessary, but what’s more important is to include skincare ingredients that are appropriate for the season. Here’s exactly what your stash needs.

Wishful Yo Glow AHA & BHA Facial Enzyme Scrub (40ml)
1116439
Huda Beauty
Know More
The Formularx 2% BHA Exfoliator With 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide (100ml)
1128186
The Formularx
Know More
Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads - (60 Pcs)
1116409
Nip+Fab
Know More
Foxtale 0.15% Encapsulated Retinol Night Serum (30ml)
1132051
Foxtale
Know More
The Derma Co. - Dr V SkinRenew Peptide Retinol Serum-Cream (30 ml)
1141319
The Derma Co
Know More
Plum Green Tea Clear Face Mask, Fights Pimples, Control Excess Oil, Unclogs Pores (60g)
915892
Plum
Know More
Allies Of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser (100ml)
1118693
Allies Of Skin
Know More
Dr. Sheth's Cica & Ceramide Oil Free Moisturizer (50g)
1127158
Dr. Sheth's
Know More
The Face Shop Rice & Ceramide Moisturizing Emulsion Cream (150ml)
934829
The Face Shop
Know More
Minimalist 05% Niacinamide Face Serum - (30ml)
Minimalist
Know More
Neemli Naturals Hyaluronic & Oat Amino Acid Moisturizer (50ml)
1137148
Neemli Naturals
Know More
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Face Moisturizer With Hyaluronic Acid For 72 Hours Hydration (50g)
Neutrogena
Know More
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum (30ml)
973031
L'Oreal Paris
Know More

1116439
Huda Beauty
.

Wishful Yo Glow AHA & BHA Facial Enzyme Scrub (40ml)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1128186
The Formularx
.

The Formularx 2% BHA Exfoliator With 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide (100ml)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1116409
Nip+Fab
.

Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads - (60 Pcs)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1132051
Foxtale
.

Foxtale 0.15% Encapsulated Retinol Night Serum (30ml)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1141319
The Derma Co
.

The Derma Co. - Dr V SkinRenew Peptide Retinol Serum-Cream (30 ml)

No items found.
Add to Cart
915892
Plum
.

Plum Green Tea Clear Face Mask, Fights Pimples, Control Excess Oil, Unclogs Pores (60g)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1118693
Allies Of Skin
.

Allies Of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser (100ml)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1127158
Dr. Sheth's
.

Dr. Sheth's Cica & Ceramide Oil Free Moisturizer (50g)

No items found.
Add to Cart
934829
The Face Shop
.

The Face Shop Rice & Ceramide Moisturizing Emulsion Cream (150ml)

No items found.
Add to Cart
Minimalist
.

Minimalist 05% Niacinamide Face Serum - (30ml)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1137148
Neemli Naturals
.

Neemli Naturals Hyaluronic & Oat Amino Acid Moisturizer (50ml)

No items found.
Add to Cart
Neutrogena
.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Face Moisturizer With Hyaluronic Acid For 72 Hours Hydration (50g)

No items found.
Add to Cart
973031
L'Oreal Paris
.

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum (30ml)

No items found.
Add to Cart

AHAs and BHAs

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) are a must in your monsoon skincare routine, owing to their exfoliation properties. Essentially, AHAs are water-soluble ingredients like glycolic, lactic and mandelic acids, which help exfoliate dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. BHAs, on the other hand, are oil-soluble which means they dive deeper into your pores and exfoliate the dead skin cells from within—an example of this would be salicylic acid. These acids even help kill bacteria, which aids in treating breakouts and acne.

During monsoons, the sebaceous glands in your pores tend to go overdrive resulting in excess oiliness and greasiness, which can lead to clogged pores. By exfoliating the skin with an AHA or a BHA (or both), you take away the grime and dead skin cells, reducing the chances of clogging. Plus, using a BHA exfoliant will help reduce excess oil and will also treat any existing acne. AHAs work well for sensitive skin, while BHAs are perfect for oily to combination skin types.

Tira recommends: Wishful Yo Glow AHA & BHA Facial Enzyme Scrub

The Formularx 2% BHA Exfoliator With 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide

Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads

Retinol

A derivative of vitamin A, retinol is known for its anti-ageing properties. But did you know it makes for an excellent exfoliant too? Adding retinol to your monsoon skincare routine will help boost skin cell turnover, stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of pores. It also tackles any bacteria-causing acne and treats inflamed and irritated skin. Just remember to slather on sunscreen the next morning, or else it’ll damage your skin even further.

Tira recommends: Foxtale 0.15% Encapsulated Retinol Night Serum

The Derma Co. - Dr V SkinRenew Peptide Retinol Serum-Cream

Green tea extract

If you’re looking for a milder yet effective monsoon skincare ingredient, we recommend giving green tea extract a go. It contains anti-bacterial properties that help soothe monsoon skincare woes such as acne, while controlling excess sebum production. It’s the perfect go-to if you’re someone with oily skin that tends to break out due to the weather.

Tira recommends: Plum Green Tea Clear Face Mask, Fights Pimples, Control Excess Oil, Unclogs Pores

Allies Of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser

Ceramides

Due to pollution, the rainwater we receive isn’t pure in any way, especially if you live in a city. When your skin comes into contact with this rainwater, it can often experience irritation or infections, resulting in a damaged skin barrier. Incorporating skincare products like a lightweight moisturiser that contains ceramides will help restore and strengthen the skin’s barrier while providing it with intense moisture. This monsoon skincare ingredient works well for sensitive skin too.

Tira recommends: Dr. Sheth's Cica & Ceramide Oil Free Moisturizer

The Face Shop Rice & Ceramide Moisturizing Emulsion Cream

Benzoyl peroxide

Another acne-soother, benzoyl peroxide makes for the perfect spot treatment during the monsoon. It contains anti-bacterial properties that aid in treating any sort of rash or inflammation triggered by the rainwater. Benzoyl peroxide is also known for its exfoliating properties, as it helps slough away dead skin cells and remove other blemishes such as blackheads and whiteheads.

Niacinamide

If you’re on an oil control mission during the monsoon, then niacinamide will be your BFF. As the excess humidity in the air drives your skin to produce more oil, resulting in excess greasiness, niacinamide will go deep into your pores, control sebaceous glands and regulate oil production. It also strengthens your skin’s lipid barrier, which means it helps those with dry skin types too. Lastly, niacinamide helps fade away dullness, dark spots or any pigmentation caused by acne, resulting in brighter, more radiant skin.

Tira recommends: Minimalist 5% Niacinamide Face Serum With Bifida Ferment & Oat Extract For Healing & Soothing Skin

Hyaluronic acid

A naturally occurring acid in the skin, hyaluronic acid helps maintain the skin’s moisture levels. Using hyaluronic acid topically, especially during the monsoon, helps stimulate these moisture levels, which in turn regulates and controls sebum production. Your skin is left with a hydrated, plump glow that isn’t greasy or oily.

Tira recommends: Neemli Naturals Hyaluronic & Oat Amino Acid Moisturizer

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Face Moisturizer With Hyaluronic Acid For 72 Hours Hydration

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid  Serum

No items found.

AHAs and BHAs

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) are a must in your monsoon skincare routine, owing to their exfoliation properties. Essentially, AHAs are water-soluble ingredients like glycolic, lactic and mandelic acids, which help exfoliate dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. BHAs, on the other hand, are oil-soluble which means they dive deeper into your pores and exfoliate the dead skin cells from within—an example of this would be salicylic acid. These acids even help kill bacteria, which aids in treating breakouts and acne.

During monsoons, the sebaceous glands in your pores tend to go overdrive resulting in excess oiliness and greasiness, which can lead to clogged pores. By exfoliating the skin with an AHA or a BHA (or both), you take away the grime and dead skin cells, reducing the chances of clogging. Plus, using a BHA exfoliant will help reduce excess oil and will also treat any existing acne. AHAs work well for sensitive skin, while BHAs are perfect for oily to combination skin types.

Tira recommends: Wishful Yo Glow AHA & BHA Facial Enzyme Scrub

The Formularx 2% BHA Exfoliator With 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide

Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads

Retinol

A derivative of vitamin A, retinol is known for its anti-ageing properties. But did you know it makes for an excellent exfoliant too? Adding retinol to your monsoon skincare routine will help boost skin cell turnover, stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of pores. It also tackles any bacteria-causing acne and treats inflamed and irritated skin. Just remember to slather on sunscreen the next morning, or else it’ll damage your skin even further.

Tira recommends: Foxtale 0.15% Encapsulated Retinol Night Serum

The Derma Co. - Dr V SkinRenew Peptide Retinol Serum-Cream

Green tea extract

If you’re looking for a milder yet effective monsoon skincare ingredient, we recommend giving green tea extract a go. It contains anti-bacterial properties that help soothe monsoon skincare woes such as acne, while controlling excess sebum production. It’s the perfect go-to if you’re someone with oily skin that tends to break out due to the weather.

Tira recommends: Plum Green Tea Clear Face Mask, Fights Pimples, Control Excess Oil, Unclogs Pores

Allies Of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser

Ceramides

Due to pollution, the rainwater we receive isn’t pure in any way, especially if you live in a city. When your skin comes into contact with this rainwater, it can often experience irritation or infections, resulting in a damaged skin barrier. Incorporating skincare products like a lightweight moisturiser that contains ceramides will help restore and strengthen the skin’s barrier while providing it with intense moisture. This monsoon skincare ingredient works well for sensitive skin too.

Tira recommends: Dr. Sheth's Cica & Ceramide Oil Free Moisturizer

The Face Shop Rice & Ceramide Moisturizing Emulsion Cream

Benzoyl peroxide

Another acne-soother, benzoyl peroxide makes for the perfect spot treatment during the monsoon. It contains anti-bacterial properties that aid in treating any sort of rash or inflammation triggered by the rainwater. Benzoyl peroxide is also known for its exfoliating properties, as it helps slough away dead skin cells and remove other blemishes such as blackheads and whiteheads.

Niacinamide

If you’re on an oil control mission during the monsoon, then niacinamide will be your BFF. As the excess humidity in the air drives your skin to produce more oil, resulting in excess greasiness, niacinamide will go deep into your pores, control sebaceous glands and regulate oil production. It also strengthens your skin’s lipid barrier, which means it helps those with dry skin types too. Lastly, niacinamide helps fade away dullness, dark spots or any pigmentation caused by acne, resulting in brighter, more radiant skin.

Tira recommends: Minimalist 5% Niacinamide Face Serum With Bifida Ferment & Oat Extract For Healing & Soothing Skin

Hyaluronic acid

A naturally occurring acid in the skin, hyaluronic acid helps maintain the skin’s moisture levels. Using hyaluronic acid topically, especially during the monsoon, helps stimulate these moisture levels, which in turn regulates and controls sebum production. Your skin is left with a hydrated, plump glow that isn’t greasy or oily.

Tira recommends: Neemli Naturals Hyaluronic & Oat Amino Acid Moisturizer

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Face Moisturizer With Hyaluronic Acid For 72 Hours Hydration

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid  Serum

No items found.

No items found.
About

AHAs and BHAs

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) are a must in your monsoon skincare routine, owing to their exfoliation properties. Essentially, AHAs are water-soluble ingredients like glycolic, lactic and mandelic acids, which help exfoliate dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. BHAs, on the other hand, are oil-soluble which means they dive deeper into your pores and exfoliate the dead skin cells from within—an example of this would be salicylic acid. These acids even help kill bacteria, which aids in treating breakouts and acne.

During monsoons, the sebaceous glands in your pores tend to go overdrive resulting in excess oiliness and greasiness, which can lead to clogged pores. By exfoliating the skin with an AHA or a BHA (or both), you take away the grime and dead skin cells, reducing the chances of clogging. Plus, using a BHA exfoliant will help reduce excess oil and will also treat any existing acne. AHAs work well for sensitive skin, while BHAs are perfect for oily to combination skin types.

Tira recommends: Wishful Yo Glow AHA & BHA Facial Enzyme Scrub

The Formularx 2% BHA Exfoliator With 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide

Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads

Retinol

A derivative of vitamin A, retinol is known for its anti-ageing properties. But did you know it makes for an excellent exfoliant too? Adding retinol to your monsoon skincare routine will help boost skin cell turnover, stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of pores. It also tackles any bacteria-causing acne and treats inflamed and irritated skin. Just remember to slather on sunscreen the next morning, or else it’ll damage your skin even further.

Tira recommends: Foxtale 0.15% Encapsulated Retinol Night Serum

The Derma Co. - Dr V SkinRenew Peptide Retinol Serum-Cream

Green tea extract

If you’re looking for a milder yet effective monsoon skincare ingredient, we recommend giving green tea extract a go. It contains anti-bacterial properties that help soothe monsoon skincare woes such as acne, while controlling excess sebum production. It’s the perfect go-to if you’re someone with oily skin that tends to break out due to the weather.

Tira recommends: Plum Green Tea Clear Face Mask, Fights Pimples, Control Excess Oil, Unclogs Pores

Allies Of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser

Ceramides

Due to pollution, the rainwater we receive isn’t pure in any way, especially if you live in a city. When your skin comes into contact with this rainwater, it can often experience irritation or infections, resulting in a damaged skin barrier. Incorporating skincare products like a lightweight moisturiser that contains ceramides will help restore and strengthen the skin’s barrier while providing it with intense moisture. This monsoon skincare ingredient works well for sensitive skin too.

Tira recommends: Dr. Sheth's Cica & Ceramide Oil Free Moisturizer

The Face Shop Rice & Ceramide Moisturizing Emulsion Cream

Benzoyl peroxide

Another acne-soother, benzoyl peroxide makes for the perfect spot treatment during the monsoon. It contains anti-bacterial properties that aid in treating any sort of rash or inflammation triggered by the rainwater. Benzoyl peroxide is also known for its exfoliating properties, as it helps slough away dead skin cells and remove other blemishes such as blackheads and whiteheads.

Niacinamide

If you’re on an oil control mission during the monsoon, then niacinamide will be your BFF. As the excess humidity in the air drives your skin to produce more oil, resulting in excess greasiness, niacinamide will go deep into your pores, control sebaceous glands and regulate oil production. It also strengthens your skin’s lipid barrier, which means it helps those with dry skin types too. Lastly, niacinamide helps fade away dullness, dark spots or any pigmentation caused by acne, resulting in brighter, more radiant skin.

Tira recommends: Minimalist 5% Niacinamide Face Serum With Bifida Ferment & Oat Extract For Healing & Soothing Skin

Hyaluronic acid

A naturally occurring acid in the skin, hyaluronic acid helps maintain the skin’s moisture levels. Using hyaluronic acid topically, especially during the monsoon, helps stimulate these moisture levels, which in turn regulates and controls sebum production. Your skin is left with a hydrated, plump glow that isn’t greasy or oily.

Tira recommends: Neemli Naturals Hyaluronic & Oat Amino Acid Moisturizer

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Face Moisturizer With Hyaluronic Acid For 72 Hours Hydration

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid  Serum

Wishful Yo Glow AHA & BHA Facial Enzyme Scrub (40ml)
Huda Beauty
1116439
Know More
The Formularx 2% BHA Exfoliator With 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide (100ml)
The Formularx
1128186
Know More
Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads - (60 Pcs)
Nip+Fab
1116409
Know More
Foxtale 0.15% Encapsulated Retinol Night Serum (30ml)
Foxtale
1132051
Know More
The Derma Co. - Dr V SkinRenew Peptide Retinol Serum-Cream (30 ml)
The Derma Co
1141319
Know More
Plum Green Tea Clear Face Mask, Fights Pimples, Control Excess Oil, Unclogs Pores (60g)
Plum
915892
Know More
Allies Of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser (100ml)
Allies Of Skin
1118693
Know More
Dr. Sheth's Cica & Ceramide Oil Free Moisturizer (50g)
Dr. Sheth's
1127158
Know More
The Face Shop Rice & Ceramide Moisturizing Emulsion Cream (150ml)
The Face Shop
934829
Know More
Minimalist 05% Niacinamide Face Serum - (30ml)
Minimalist
Know More
Neemli Naturals Hyaluronic & Oat Amino Acid Moisturizer (50ml)
Neemli Naturals
1137148
Know More
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Face Moisturizer With Hyaluronic Acid For 72 Hours Hydration (50g)
Neutrogena
Know More
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum (30ml)
L'Oreal Paris
973031
Know More

AHAs and BHAs

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) are a must in your monsoon skincare routine, owing to their exfoliation properties. Essentially, AHAs are water-soluble ingredients like glycolic, lactic and mandelic acids, which help exfoliate dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. BHAs, on the other hand, are oil-soluble which means they dive deeper into your pores and exfoliate the dead skin cells from within—an example of this would be salicylic acid. These acids even help kill bacteria, which aids in treating breakouts and acne.

During monsoons, the sebaceous glands in your pores tend to go overdrive resulting in excess oiliness and greasiness, which can lead to clogged pores. By exfoliating the skin with an AHA or a BHA (or both), you take away the grime and dead skin cells, reducing the chances of clogging. Plus, using a BHA exfoliant will help reduce excess oil and will also treat any existing acne. AHAs work well for sensitive skin, while BHAs are perfect for oily to combination skin types.

Tira recommends: Wishful Yo Glow AHA & BHA Facial Enzyme Scrub

The Formularx 2% BHA Exfoliator With 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide

Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads

Retinol

A derivative of vitamin A, retinol is known for its anti-ageing properties. But did you know it makes for an excellent exfoliant too? Adding retinol to your monsoon skincare routine will help boost skin cell turnover, stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of pores. It also tackles any bacteria-causing acne and treats inflamed and irritated skin. Just remember to slather on sunscreen the next morning, or else it’ll damage your skin even further.

Tira recommends: Foxtale 0.15% Encapsulated Retinol Night Serum

The Derma Co. - Dr V SkinRenew Peptide Retinol Serum-Cream

Green tea extract

If you’re looking for a milder yet effective monsoon skincare ingredient, we recommend giving green tea extract a go. It contains anti-bacterial properties that help soothe monsoon skincare woes such as acne, while controlling excess sebum production. It’s the perfect go-to if you’re someone with oily skin that tends to break out due to the weather.

Tira recommends: Plum Green Tea Clear Face Mask, Fights Pimples, Control Excess Oil, Unclogs Pores

Allies Of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser

Ceramides

Due to pollution, the rainwater we receive isn’t pure in any way, especially if you live in a city. When your skin comes into contact with this rainwater, it can often experience irritation or infections, resulting in a damaged skin barrier. Incorporating skincare products like a lightweight moisturiser that contains ceramides will help restore and strengthen the skin’s barrier while providing it with intense moisture. This monsoon skincare ingredient works well for sensitive skin too.

Tira recommends: Dr. Sheth's Cica & Ceramide Oil Free Moisturizer

The Face Shop Rice & Ceramide Moisturizing Emulsion Cream

Benzoyl peroxide

Another acne-soother, benzoyl peroxide makes for the perfect spot treatment during the monsoon. It contains anti-bacterial properties that aid in treating any sort of rash or inflammation triggered by the rainwater. Benzoyl peroxide is also known for its exfoliating properties, as it helps slough away dead skin cells and remove other blemishes such as blackheads and whiteheads.

Niacinamide

If you’re on an oil control mission during the monsoon, then niacinamide will be your BFF. As the excess humidity in the air drives your skin to produce more oil, resulting in excess greasiness, niacinamide will go deep into your pores, control sebaceous glands and regulate oil production. It also strengthens your skin’s lipid barrier, which means it helps those with dry skin types too. Lastly, niacinamide helps fade away dullness, dark spots or any pigmentation caused by acne, resulting in brighter, more radiant skin.

Tira recommends: Minimalist 5% Niacinamide Face Serum With Bifida Ferment & Oat Extract For Healing & Soothing Skin

Hyaluronic acid

A naturally occurring acid in the skin, hyaluronic acid helps maintain the skin’s moisture levels. Using hyaluronic acid topically, especially during the monsoon, helps stimulate these moisture levels, which in turn regulates and controls sebum production. Your skin is left with a hydrated, plump glow that isn’t greasy or oily.

Tira recommends: Neemli Naturals Hyaluronic & Oat Amino Acid Moisturizer

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Face Moisturizer With Hyaluronic Acid For 72 Hours Hydration

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid  Serum