Summer rains bring a pleasant feeling after hot weather, but rainwater is not as clean as many people think. According to Dr. Ajay Rana, founder and director of ILAMED and President of the Indian Society of Aesthetic Medicine, washing your face immediately after rain is an important step in skin care, helping to remove dirt and pollutants clinging to the skin surface.
Dr. Ajay Rana said that rainwater can carry dust, smoke and many pollutants in the air. When in contact with the skin, especially in urban areas, these impurities can stick to pores, creating conditions for bacteria to grow, thereby increasing the risk of acne, irritation and making the skin dull.
In addition to carrying impurities, rainwater can also affect the skin's natural protective barrier. Healthy skin has a protective film with a slightly acidic pH, which helps maintain moisture and limit the invasion of harmful microorganisms. When this barrier is affected by pollutants in rainwater, the skin can become more sensitive, easily irritated or inflamed. Washing your face with a mild cleanser with a balanced pH helps remove impurities and supports the restoration of the skin's natural state.
Increased humidity in the rainy season is also a factor that makes the skin prone to problems. Sweat combined with dirt and sebum can accumulate on the skin surface, especially in people with oily or acne-prone skin. If not cleaned, pores are easily clogged, increasing the risk of blackheads and acne.
According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, skin cleansing after rain is even more necessary for people using sunscreen or makeup. These products can combine with dirt and pollutants to form a layer on the skin that is difficult to completely remove just by washing with clean water.
Dr. Ajay Rana also noted that people with sensitive skin or suffering from dermatological diseases such as eczema and acne need to pay more attention to skin care during the rainy season. If contaminants remain on the skin for a long time, they can make symptoms worse and cause prolonged irritation.
Washing your face immediately after going out in the rain is a simple but necessary skin care step. Combining proper cleansing with gentle products and maintaining a suitable skin care routine will help limit the risk of damage and keep the skin clean and healthy in the rainy season.
