Forecast For Skincare

Dust storms, heat waves, freak rain. Don't let the erratic weather take its toll on your skin. Here are tips to stay a step ahead

- Riddhi Doshi

The weather seems to be in a constant state of flux. The first half of March was among the hottest on record for the month. A few days in the second half were among the coldest in 73 years. There have been unseasonal spells of rain, dust storms, dry winds, a burst of humidity and ever-present pollution.

It's created the perfect storm for skin problems: Hands are grimy, surfaces dusty. Noses are runny, faces sweaty. "Skin confusion is at its peak," says dermatologist Dr Ashwini Padmawar. As the body responds to the atmosphere, the skin tries to repair and nourish itself. It compensates for dry weather by producing more oil. It eases up during times of humidity. So, it's understandable that the rapid weather changes are triggering breakouts, redness, even itchy and stressed skin.

Dr Padmawar and dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad offer advice on how to right the balance when bad winds blow.

The dirty culprit.