Caring for your hair and skin this monsoon season

By CHINA JOCSON

Published August 14, 2014 3:16pm

Dove's Salon Party. Photo by China Jocson

Though it is already common knowledge that prolonged sun exposure will cause hair damage, it seems to be little-known that the inverse—the monsoon season—is harmful to the tresses as well.

According to dermatologist Dr. Jean Marquez, “Rain shower brings pollutants. It damages your hair shaft and weakens your hair in the process.”

Marquez added, “Acid rain, which is common in large cities, carries most chemicals and toxins. Acid rain is the first rain of the day. We should avoid getting our hair soaked with this type of rain water.”

And while limited exposure to rain does little or no harm to the hair, getting drenched with rain water on a regular basis and not rinsing it off immediately accumulates pollutants which subsequently contribute to hair problems.

With the rainy season at hand, a lot may find themselves in a wet hair situation. Marquez offered some hair care advice:

Venture outdoors with adequate protection. Umbrellas, rain coats and waterproof windbreakers are still the best defense. They provide cover not only for your crowning glory, but for the rest of your body.
Cleanse immediately. Shampoo and rinse thoroughly as soon as you can. This will help in preventing fungal infections and bacteria from breeding. Humidity is their number one friend.
Use hair therapy products. Shampoo and conditioner are indispensable parts of one's daily regimen. But to prevent hair problems, add protection and even cure whatever might be plaguing your hair, Marquez advises, “try finding products with silicone, vitamin E, and mineral oil.” These ingredients that lock in nourishment preventing hair from weather related damage with continuous use.

An example of a high concentration hair care product is hair vitamin, which is literally vitamin for the hair. It comes in a capsule and contains potent components for promoting healthy hair. In a salon party sponsored by Dove, women were taught various hair care methods, as well as the use and application of the hair vitamin.

I was hesitant to test the product, as similar ones tend to leave my hair sticky and heavy. But after getting caught in the rain Tuesday night, I found myself in need of more than the shampoo-conditioner combo, so I snipped the hair vitamin sachet and lathered the product on my damp hair. To my delight, as soon as it dried, my hair was instantly smooth and moisturized—and it lacked the clammy after-feeling.

PIXY Cosmetics

PIXY's Ultimate Makeup Cake. Photo from PIXY

To launch the Japanese formulated cosmetic line PIXY, the brand used popular Japanese looks to entice its potential users. Two make-up styles they called ‘Tokyo Kawaii’ and ‘Tokyo Glam’ became the canvass that exhibited the varying palette PIXY had to offer.

The ‘Tokyo Kawaii’ look, best described as day make-up, is achieved by using PIXY products with lighter formulation and shade; such products include their perfect fit powder, matte lipstick, and blush.

Meanwhile the ‘Tokyo Glam’ style suggests a heavier use of cosmetics and is said ideal for evening wear. For this, PIXY offers a line that claims for make-up to last for as long as eight hours starting with a foundation they call Ultimate Make-up Cake.

PIXY’s product line is basic, covering the essentials like powder, foundation, lipstick and blush. And since it is an Asian brand, the shades—though very limited—are suited to match most Asian complexions. It is probably one of the cheapest Japanese brand in the local market. — VC, GMA News

PIXY Cosmetics are initially available at all Watson’s in Metro Manila.

Tags: haircare, makeup, beauty