5 Ways to Care for Your Skin and Prevent Acne, Plus Fashion Ideas for the Rainy Season

1. Wash Your Face Immediately After Getting Caught in the Rain

Try to avoid getting rained on, since the bacteria that cause acne love humid air — and acne tends to appear more easily during the rainy season. On top of that, your skin also gets exposed to dust or germs carried by the rain, making things worse. So if you do get caught in the rain, remember to wash your face, body, and hair right away, or wipe your face with an effective deep-cleansing cleanser that's alcohol-free so it won't over-dry your skin.

2. Avoid Oil-Based Products with a High Oil Content

Choose skincare and cosmetic products with a “Water-Based” and “Non-comedogenic” formula instead, which contain no pore-clogging ingredients. Besides not clogging pores or causing acne, they also feel light and won't weigh your face down.

3. Sunscreen Is Still Necessary Even in the Rainy Season

Even when the sky looks dark and overcast with barely any sun, UV rays are still fully present. UV rays are what stimulate the oil glands to produce more oil, and can also cause hair follicle inflammation. So choose a lightweight, non-sticky sunscreen that won't clog pores, to help protect your skin from UVA, UVA1, and UVB rays — especially UVA rays, which cause wrinkling and can pass through clouds to damage your skin. You should wear sunscreen every day, even on days when the sun isn't strong or it's raining.

4. Exfoliate Your Face About Once a Week

Gently exfoliate your skin about once a week to remove dead skin cells, reduce the risk of acne, and prepare your skin to better absorb nourishment. But remember to choose a gentle scrub so you don't damage your skin too much — otherwise, instead of glowing skin, you could end up with ruined skin. Finish off by adding moisture with a nourishing cream containing a moisturizer suited to your skin type.

5. Change Your Pillowcase More Often and Take Good Care of Your Body

This is something many people overlook, but don't forget that bacteria love humid air like this. Your favorite pillowcase, which touches your face every day, can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria. So washing and tumble-drying it twice a week is a good idea. Before you wash, whether it'swhich washing machine brand is best orwhich dryer brand is best, make sure it's ready to use — check it, then you can go to sleep with peace of mind. This also includes taking care of your overall health: eating a balanced diet from all 5 food groups, exercising, and getting enough sleep, which will help your immune system function effectively, prevent the colds and illnesses that are more common in the rainy season, and indirectly keep your skin looking radiant too.

Dr. Tony - Dr. Worapon Sukeewattana, skin specialist

Bags Made from Waterproof Material

On days when you don't have an umbrella, some people brave the rain by holding their bag over their head instead. But finding your bag stained after braving the rain wouldn't look great. It's better to choose one made from water-resistant material — one made from recycled material could give you a cool look while being eco-friendly too.

Umbrella

The number one item everyone thinks of on a rainy day. You could choose a compact folding umbrella, or a large umbrella — perfect for the smooth-talking guy planning to invite a girl for a sweet walk together in the rain. As for colors and patterns, that's really down to personal preference.

T-Shirts or Lightweight Clothing

Choose a thin short-sleeved t-shirt, since it dries quickly and stays breathable, helping avoid that musty smell even if you're out in the rain all day. Some people might choose darker tones to hide any stains that could show up, or opt for lightweight, quick-drying clothing made from thin fabric that dries fast, lets air circulate, and resists dampness like cotton does. Then carry a jacket or scarf to cover up for modesty and warmth — now that's..perfect!

Raincoat

Sometimes an umbrella can be cumbersome — a raincoat feels a lot more convenient. And nowadays they're not just bright, flashy colors; there are plenty of cool, stylish options too. You could go for a hooded jacket style that protects against both wind and rain.

Minimalist Accessories

Whatever accessories you wear, keep it to just a few pieces — that way if one falls off, it's easy to find and won't get lost for sure. But remember to avoid leather accessories, since leather doesn't hold up well against humidity — don't say we didn't warn you if it gets ruined.

Shoes Ready to Get Wet

Keep your leather shoes or sneakers in the closet for now. Plastic shoes these days come in plenty of stylish options — a closed-heel style or one with straps is even better, since it won't slip off when wet and grips the ground well. Or if you're not used to wearing them, you could wear your usual shoes and bring a pair of wet-ready shoes to change into — that works too.

Carry Your Favorite Perfume

It would be a bummer if your clothes started smelling musty during the day. Carry a perfume balm, a deodorant spray, or fill a small bottle with perfume from home to top up your scent and feel fresh and confident. No matter how close a situation gets, you'll definitely feel at ease.

Small Towel

A small, thin, quick-drying towel for wiping and blotting away moisture. It's best to choose a size that's easy to carry for convenient use.