In Ayurveda, the monsoon season is considered to be associated with an increase in the Vata dosha, which can lead to various skin and hair issues. The season is considered to increase toxins in the body.

The damp and humid weather during the monsoon can also aggravate Pitta dosha. To maintain healthy skin and hair during this season, Ayurveda recommends following some simple practices and using natural remedies. The humid weather makes your immune system and digestive system weak.
Here are some Ayurvedic tips for skin and hair care in the monsoon:

The monsoon season may affect skin health from extra oily to extra dryness due to variations in humidity. Some simple guidelines for Skin Care during this season are:

  1. Gentle cleansing: Use a mild, natural cleanser to remove dirt and impurities from your skin. Avoid harsh chemical-based products that may strip away natural oils. Earth Organic offers amla powder, orange peel powder, and even Triphala powder which may be used for this.

  2. Exfoliation/ Skin scrubbing: Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and prevents clogged pores. Use a gentle exfoliant made from natural ingredients like chickpea flour, oatmeal, or rice flour.

  3. Moisturize: Keep your skin hydrated with natural moisturizers like coconut oil (Baby massage oil), almond oil, or aloe vera gel. These help maintain the skin's moisture balance.

  4. Avoid heavy Makeup: During the monsoon, it's best to avoid heavy makeup products as they can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Already the skin is struggling to manage the humidity. It is better to keep the morning abhyanga practice alive.

  5. Herbal face masks: Applying a face mask made from ingredients like turmeric (Haldi Gold), neem (EO Neem Powder from our farm), and sandalwood can help keep the skin clear and prevent infections.

  6. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of warm water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and flush out toxins.

The imbalance of vata dosh causes hair and scalp-related issues like dryness, frizz and hair fall during Varsha Ritu. Some steps one can take to nourish and protect hair during this time are:

  1. Warm Oil Massage: Regularly massage your scalp with warm oil to nourish the hair follicles and prevent dryness. Coconut oil or Sesame oil is commonly used in Ayurvedic hair care.

  2. Herbal Hair Masks: Use natural hair masks made from ingredients like amla (Indian gooseberry), henna, and fenugreek seeds to strengthen the hair and promote growth.

  3. Avoid chemical treatments: Refrain from using chemical-based hair treatments like coloring or perming, as they can damage the hair further during the monsoon season.

  4. Keep Hair Dry: Try to keep your hair dry and avoid going out with wet hair, as this can make it more susceptible to fungal infections and other issues.

  5. Balanced Diet: Consume a balanced diet that includes foods rich in vitamins and minerals to support healthy hair growth. Avoid fried foods as they will be taxing on the manda agni* in the body.

  6. Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation to reduce stress, as high-stress levels can contribute to hair fall.

Ayurvedic practices focus on individual constitutions, so what works for one person may not work for another. If you have specific skin or hair concerns, it's best to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner who can provide personalized recommendations based on your dosha and overall health. These stated guidelines support one from many issues that might come up.

* Agni concept has been dealt with in our previous blogs as well.