The accidental skincare sins we all commit during monsoon

Mumbai monsoon is basically an audition for Khatron Ke Khiladi. One day you’re dodging open manholes, the next you’re side-stepping dead insects or just straight-up swimming to work because the road has turned into a pool. Some might call that unlucky, others would say it’s just Mumbai character-building. Either way, your skincare routine is not surviving this season unscathed.

Between damp jeans, umbrella stunts, and that mystery smell in your building lift, looking after your skin is the last thing on your mind. Which is why the most disciplined routines collapse and you turn into a cat who just wants to curl up on the couch and forget the world exists.

That’s when the real monsoon sins kick in. You scrub your face ten times a day trying to wash off the ick, skip sunscreen because you’ve convinced yourself the sun goes on vacation during the rains, and assume humidity equals moisturiser. Spoiler: it doesn’t. The result? Skin that throws tantrums in the form of breakouts and patches, like a sulky teenager slamming the door on you. 

Over-washing your face

Resist the urge to lather up every time you feel sticky. Stick to a gentle cleanser, morning and night, and keep micellar water or face wipes in your bag for mid-day emergencies. Your skin doesn’t need constant soap, it just needs balance.

Gunam Gentle Foam Cleanser, ₹1,899

Light, cushiony, and not the kind that leaves your face feeling stripped. It cleanses without making your skin squeak in pain, which is exactly what you need when the humidity is already throwing your oil balance off.

Bioderma Sensibio Gel Moussant Soothing Micellar Cleansing Foaming Gel, ₹349

Think of it as a face wash that behaves like micellar water. It takes away grime without the tight, stretched feeling, making it a smart pick for mid-monsoon double-cleansing.

Ditching sunscreen

The clouds are lying to you. A matte, non-greasy sunscreen should be as basic as carrying an umbrella. Go for lightweight gels or mineral-based formulas that don’t feel like an extra layer in the humidity.

D'you Sunscreen Unkisse, ₹2,200

Matte but not chalky, this one doesn’t make your skin oily or clog your pores. Perfect for days when you know you’ll be hopping between rain, shade, and surprise patches of sun.

Skipping moisturiser

Humidity means no hydration. Gel-based moisturisers are your best bet right now. They absorb quickly, don’t sit heavy, and keep your skin from staging a breakout protest.

The FormularX Hydraveil Hydrating Gel Moisturizer with Ectoin & Ceramide, ₹629

Weightless but still protective, this hydrator keeps skin plump without sliding off. A proper balance between comfort and grease-control when the air already feels like soup.

Not showering after getting drenched

If you’ve been caught in a proper downpour, drag yourself into the shower the minute you get home. Use an antibacterial body wash, change into dry clothes immediately, and if you can, get a body scrub once a week to avoid clogged pores.

Fix Derma Body Wash, ₹329

Antibacterial, pH balanced, and doesn’t dry you out. Basically, a no-nonsense shower staple to keep rashes and post-rain stickiness in check.

Using heavy makeup as armour

Ditch the cakey foundation for tinted moisturisers or BB creams and swap powder blush for a cream one. And yes, waterproof mascara is non-negotiable unless you’re auditioning for a horror film in the rain.

Make Up For Ever Super Boost Skin Tint, ₹3,300

Breathable coverage that evens skin without caking up. Gives you just enough polish without the suffocating layer that melts the minute humidity hits.

Kylie Cosmetics Kylash Volume Mascara, ₹2,400

Waterproof in the truest sense, so your lashes stay intact even if your rickshaw ride turns into a water park adventure. No smudges, no raccoon eyes.

Neglecting body care

Your feet are in the splash zone all day, and salons know this. Book yourself a monsoon pedicure every couple of weeks to keep infections at bay. At home, use anti-fungal powders and make peace with open-toe sandals on flood-prone days.

Featued Image Credit: Unsplash

Also read: The monsoon edit: books, playlists, and other things to fall in love with alone

Also read: Why monsoon loneliness feels heavier than any other time of year