Greetings from Delhi, where it’s been pouring like crazy. I am in the capital this week and have been meeting many dancers at the India International Centre. One common worry that I heard from all dancers was about taking care of their skin in the monsoons. Dancers being creative people often associate rains with myriad moods from romance to happiness and nostalgia. So I was quite baffled when all I heard them speak about was skincare amongst other things.
The monsoons definitely aren’t a great time for your skin and hair. But inculcating small changes in your daily skincare routine can help you keep your skin glowing and fresh. Most often I come across dancers complaining about fungal infections, which are common during the monsoons, and especially when rehearsals are in full swing and when people sweat a lot. The most common areas of fungal infections are skin folds in sensitive areas. You must ensure that you keep them dry or dust them with anti-fungal powder.
Another important area to look after are your feet and toes, which are easily susceptible to fungal as well as bacterial infection. Due to constant contact with contaminated rainwater and sweat, the skin tends to contract fungal infections. The best way to clean your feet properly is by immersing them in lukewarm water with a few drops of antiseptic for 10 minutes. Scrub them lightly with anti-bacterial soap and thoroughly dry your feet, follow this with a moisturizing cream. This will keep a dancer’s feet beautiful and graceful as ever.
Ayurveda remedies
Ayurveda has been one of the most natural and ancient ways of skin care in India. There are several Ayurvedic ways are to take care of skin. According to Ayurveda, the rainy season is the most unfavourable time for health, as dosha imbalances will have their manifestation in feet, nails and skin too.
SIMPLE TIPS:
Eat a warm, unctuous diet (ghee and olive oil are the best).
Avoid drying foods like crackers.
Drink plenty of warm water throughout the day and eat sweet, juicy fruits.
Avoid alcohol-based skin cleansers.
Increase intake of nuts, (almonds, walnuts and their oils), seeds (sesame, sunflower and their oils), grape seed oil, soybean oil, whole grains, and legumes.
Wash your face two to three times a day with a mixture of green gram powder and channa powder (equal proportion) made into a paste with water.
Make a paste of papaya, honey and milk. Apply on face, leave for 15 minutes and then wash off.
My advice to all dancers is that do not let the rains take the negative in you, your skin and your performance. Let rains bring out the best in you take this season as another way to inspire you and your creative juices. Enjoy the rains it only comes once a year.