Avoid spicy and oily food To keep your skin healthy in the monsoon season, avoid spicy, oily and sour foods. The high humidity levels cause the digestive system to weaken and heavy food can lead to an upset stomach. These types of food also aggravate pitta which is responsible for a variety of skin breakouts and eruptions in this season. Eat light and easily digestible foods, cooked or steamed vegetables, zucchini, squash, pumpkin, steamed salad, fruits, moong dal, khichree, corn, chickpea flour, and oatmeal etc.

Say no to pitta aggravating beverages We understand that you can't begin your day without a cuppa but try to reduce your daily intake. Coffee and alcohol is a strict no because it is notoriously known for aggravating pitta and acidity. Replace them with pitta pacifying herbal teas.

Keep your skin dry Getting a little wet or sometimes getting drenched is not uncommon when you are outdoors during the rainy season. However, don't let your skin remain wet for a long time while enjoying the monsoon showers. It is important to keep your skin folds and feet dry and clean at all times. Damp skin is a breeding ground for fungal infections.

Wheat grass, a tonic for your skin Wheatgrass is a tonic for your skin. It is helpful in boosting the immune system and helping you in warding off or controlling skin disorders in monsoon. A healthy immune system is reflected in a healthy and glowing skin. Wheatgrass is rich in antioxidants and is instrumental in detoxifying the blood.

Drink a lot of fluids No, we are not talking about the one that gets you tipsy! Drink at least 8-10 glasses of clean water daily. Though you need to keep dry outside in this season to prevent skin problems it is important to consume adequate quantities of water to keep your skin hydrated.

Eat fresh Eat fresh and unprocessed food to keep your body and your skin functioning at an optimum level. Don't rely on packed, refrigerated and processed food. Instead of ordering pizzas, burgers or feasting on chips, relish some fresh homemade food. Eat a lot of fruits and green vegetables.

Avoid alcohol-based skin cleansers You should avoid alcohol-based skin cleansers because it irritates and dries your skin. Instead use a herbal soap or cleanser regularly to get rid of excess oil, grime and dust, and of course to keep you skin free of bacterial infections.

Use cooling herbs It is beneficial to use the herbs that have cooling effects on the body (pitta pacifying) such as fennel, coriander seeds and Indian gooseberry (amla) for a glowing skin in monsoon. Amla helps to detoxify the liver and aids digestion - and is also a good source of Vitamin C and other minerals. One of the benefits of taking it regularly is a flawless complexion.

Source: Times of India

BDST: 1652 HRS, SEP- 03, 2015
Edited by:  Sharmina Islam, Lifestyle Editor