The arrival of monsoon means a sharp shift in weather from sweltering heat to gusty chills and humid climes. This is the season of contracting coughs and colds as the immune system struggles to cope with weather change. Monsoon also exposes the skin to excessive humidity that leads to sweating and makes it susceptible to acne or pimples and breakouts.
Moist weather coupled with fluctuating heat increases the production of sebum which makes the skin appear oily or greasy and it loses out on its natural glow. Pores on the skin become clogged and the oil attracts dust and grime which leads to pimples that can irritate the skin. Sometimes, poor digestion due to the humid weather can also be responsible for excessive acne in monsoons. Here are some foods which can help to reduce acne breakouts and soothe irritable skin:
Neem Leaves
Neem is an effective food to reduce acne and promote healthy digestion during monsoons. Add neem leaves to subzis and curry or make a neem paste and apply it on affected areas. Turmeric and milk can also be added to the paste for an added glow. Neem helps to get rid of blemishes and makes the skin clearer and brighter.
Honey And Brown Sugar
Make a scrub using honey and brown sugar and apply it on irritable acne or spots. Keep the scrub on for about 15 minutes and wash it off for best results. Honey can also be incorporated into every day diet by simply starting the day with a spoonful of organic honey and some warm water.
Cumin Water
Cumin has a lot of detoxifying properties which have an excellent effect on the skin. Adding cumin to some warm water and having it every day will reduce the frequency of getting acne and cleanse the skin. Cumin also promotes gut health and is excellent for improving digestion which has a direct impact on the tendency to develop pimples.
Turmeric
Mothers and grandmothers through generations have stressed on the importance of applying a paste of turmeric, besan and milk to the skin to make it shinier and brighter. Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory properties which heal stubborn acne, get rid of irritability and pain and gradually lower the frequency of developing breakouts.
Seasonal Fruits
Fruits like papaya, bananas, apples are good for the skin because of their rich electrolyte and antioxidant content. Having fruits in the first half of the day also promotes speedy digestion and fructose is quickly absorbed by the body to be converted into energy. This leads to improved gut health and a reduced tendency of getting pimples. Fruits also lend a very natural glow to the skin.