Best Monsoon Skincare Routine for Oily, Dry & Combination Skin (2025)

Your Personalised Rain-Proof Glow Plan Starts Here

Hey you!
Yes—you with the confused expression staring into your mirror wondering,
“Why is my skin suddenly acting up the moment it started raining?”

You’re not alone.

Monsoon weather can be extremely confusing for your skin. One day it feels greasy, the next day it’s dry, and then—bam!—a sudden breakout shows up uninvited.

But here’s the good news: You don’t need 10 expensive serums or a celebrity’s skincare cabinet to deal with it.
All you need is a smart routine that suits your skin type and adapts to this sticky, tricky weather.

In this detailed guide, I’ll help you build the perfect monsoon skincare routine for oily, dry, and combination skin types, using practical steps and affordable Indian products that actually work.

Let’s beat the humidity together—glow on!

🌿 Why Your Skin Freaks Out in Monsoon

Before we fix the issue, let’s understand what’s happening under the skin.

When monsoon hits, so does:

• Humidity → makes skin oily & sweaty
• Sudden weather shifts → confuse your skin barrier
• Dust & pollution → still lurking around
• Fungal infections → hello, clogged pores!

No matter what your skin type is, you need a season-specific routine that focuses on:

• Gentle cleansing
• Hydration without heaviness
• Pore care & oil control
• Protection from UV and fungus

Let’s dive into your custom routine based on your skin type.

🛁 For Oily Skin: Control the Shine Without Stripping

Oily skin during the monsoon is like a party you didn’t RSVP to—your face starts shining, your pores get blocked, and pimples crash in without knocking.

But don’t worry, here’s your rainproof routine:

🧼 Step 1: Use a Gel-Based Cleanser (Twice Daily)

Look for ingredients like:

• Salicylic Acid – gently unclogs pores
• Neem or Tea Tree Oil – natural antibacterial
• Zinc PCA – regulates sebum

Top Picks:
✅ Plum Green Tea Pore Cleansing Face Wash
✅ Minimalist Salicylic Acid Cleanser

💡 Pro Tip: Double cleanse at night if you wear makeup or sunscreen.

💧 Step 2: Apply a Non-Alcoholic Toner

Toning is not optional! It shrinks your pores and calms your skin.

Best ingredients?

• Niacinamide – controls oil & brightens
• Witch Hazel – great for acne-prone skin
• Green Tea Extract – fights inflammation

Tip: Store your toner in the fridge for a refreshing feel.

🧴 Step 3: Moisturise with a Water-Based Gel

Yes, oily skin still needs hydration! Skipping moisturiser can actually make your skin oilier.

Look for:

• Hyaluronic Acid – holds water in the skin
• Aloe Vera – soothing + lightweight
• Glycerin – locks in moisture

Favourites:
✅ Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel
✅ Ponds Super Light Gel

🎭 Step 4: Use a Clay Mask Once or Twice a Week

Clay soaks up excess oil and deeply detoxifies your pores.

Choose:

• Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth)
• Charcoal or Kaolin Clay

Apply after cleansing, keep for 10-15 mins, and rinse with lukewarm water.

✅ Quick Monsoon Tips for Oily Skin:

• Use blotting paper instead of powder
• Wash your pillowcases regularly
• Avoid heavy makeup—your skin needs to breathe!

🧴 For Dry Skin: Ditch the Flakes, Not the Glow

Dry skin during monsoon? That’s a thing. While humidity can mask dryness temporarily, rain and wind can strip your skin barrier, leaving it tight, flaky, and irritated.

Here’s how to fight back—with nourishment, not greasiness.

🧼 Step 1: Use a Creamy, Non-Foaming Cleanser

Foaming cleansers can be harsh on dry skin. Instead, pick:

• Ceramide-based cleansers
• Glycerin or Coconut Milk formulas
• No-fragrance, low-lather options

Try:
✅ Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
✅ Simple Moisturising Facial Wash

💧 Step 2: Tone Gently—Not Strip Harshly

Look for:

• Rose Water – calming & natural
• Cucumber Extract – cools and hydrates
• Hyaluronic Acid – hydrates without heaviness

Avoid anything with alcohol—it’s the enemy of dry skin.

🧴 Step 3: Moisturise Like You Mean It

Dry skin needs ingredients that nourish and repair the skin barrier.

Best choices:

• Ceramides – repair barrier
• Shea Butter – deep moisture
• Vitamin E – antioxidant protection

Recommended:
✅ The Derma Co Ceramide + HA Intense Moisturizer
✅ Nivea Soft Cream (budget pick)

💡 Massage into damp skin to lock in moisture better.

😴 Step 4: Use Sheet Masks Weekly

Monsoon evenings are perfect for a pampering session. Apply a hydrating sheet mask 2x a week to replenish lost moisture.

Try variants with:

• Hyaluronic Acid
• Collagen
• Aloe Vera

✅ Quick Monsoon Tips for Dry Skin:

• Apply moisturiser immediately after washing your face
• Use a hydrating lip balm
• Avoid long hot showers—they strip your skin’s oils

🔗 Do You Want a Full Monsoon Skincare Top 10 Best Face Wash for Monsoon Season

Must Read: Top 10 Best Face Wash for Monsoon Season in India (2025)

🔄 For Combination Skin: Balance is the Magic Word

Combination skin in the monsoon is…confusing. Oily on the forehead and nose, dry on the cheeks. One area needs blotting paper; the other begs for moisturizer.

The goal? Treat each area as it needs.

🧼 Step 1: Use a Mild, Balancing Cleanser

You want something that:

• Cleans oil from the T-zone
• Doesn’t dry out your cheeks

✅ Dot & Key Cica Calming Face Wash
✅ Himalaya Oil Clear Lemon Face Wash

💧 Step 2: Tone Smartly

Apply a pore-tightening toner to oily areas (forehead, nose) and a hydrating toner to dry patches (cheeks, jawline).

💡 You don’t have to use just one product—targeted care wins!

🧴 Step 3: Use a Light Gel Moisturiser

Look for oil-free moisturisers that hydrate without leaving a film.

✅ Re’equil Oil-Free Moisturiser for Combination Skin

🧼 Step 4: Use Spot Treatments Where Needed

If you get occasional breakouts, dab on some:

• Tea Tree Oil
• Niacinamide serum
• Benzoyl Peroxide gel

Keep it confined to the affected area to avoid over-drying.

✅ Quick Monsoon Tips for Combo Skin:

• Don’t over-exfoliate; once a week is enough
• Avoid using “one-size-fits-all” skincare
• Blot excess oil instead of reapplying makeup

❓ Real Questions, Real Answers – Monsoon Skincare FAQs

💬 Q1. Do I still need sunscreen in monsoon?

Yes! UV rays pass through clouds. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+), preferably a matte or gel-based one to avoid greasiness.

💬 Q2. How often should I exfoliate?

Once a week is enough. Use gentle exfoliants like:

• Lactic acid
• PHA
• Mild walnut or rice powder scrubs

💬 Q3. Can monsoon cause fungal acne?

Yes. Especially if you sweat a lot, wear damp clothes, or don’t cleanse properly.
Solution:

• Stay dry
• Use anti-fungal talcum powders in folds
• Cleanse skin twice a day

💬 Q4. What ingredients should I avoid in this season?

Avoid:

• Heavy oils (like coconut oil on face)
• Alcohol-based toners
• Occlusive creams that trap sweat

💬 Q5. My face feels sticky even after washing—what should I do?

That’s typical during monsoon, especially with oily or combination skin.
Make sure you’re using a pH-balanced cleanser and follow up with a lightweight toner to remove leftover grime. You can also try micellar water as a pre-cleanse step.

💬 Q6. Is it safe to wear makeup during monsoon?

Yes, but choose non-comedogenic, waterproof, and sweat-resistant products.
Set your makeup with a translucent powder and always prep your skin with moisturiser + primer to prevent slipping.

💬 Q7. Can I use the same skincare routine day and night in monsoon?

Not always.

• Morning: Lightweight and protective (moisturiser + SPF)
• Night: More restorative (hydrating serum, rich moisturiser, night cream)
  Also, make sure to double cleanse at night to remove sunscreen and pollution.

💬 Q8. How can I treat monsoon pimples or fungal acne at home?

Start by:

• Using a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide spot treatment
• Avoiding heavy moisturisers and oils
• Switching to antifungal body washes (like ketoconazole-based) if breakouts appear on shoulders/back

If it persists, consult a dermatologist to rule out fungal acne (Malassezia).

💬 Q9. Should I change my diet for better skin in monsoon?

Absolutely. Skin health starts from within. Try to:

• Drink at least 2–3 litres of water daily
• Eat foods rich in vitamin C, zinc, and omega-3
• Reduce spicy, oily, and sugar-heavy foods—they can trigger breakouts
  Also, include herbal teas like tulsi or green tea to reduce inflammation.

💬 Q10. How do I take care of my body skin during the monsoon?

Your face isn’t the only one needing TLC.

• Use a gentle, pH-balanced body wash
• Exfoliate once a week with a soft body scrub
• Apply non-sticky body lotion post-shower
• Use anti-fungal powder in sweat-prone areas (underarms, inner thighs, under the breasts)

And don’t sit around in damp clothes—change them immediately after getting wet.