During the monsoon, women often complain of skin dryness and painful pimples and try to cure them by using beauty products. Experts, however, recommend fruit-based homemade remedies like strawberry, chocolate and buttermilk facials to resolve skin problems.

Makeup expert Ishika Taneja shares quick tips and essential natural remedies with IANS for different skin types like normal, dry, oily and a combination for a healthy and glowing skin.

1. Dry Skin: During monsoon, people experience skin dryness mainly because of dehydration caused by lack of skin repairing vitamins.

Follow these four steps:

* Cleanse and tone your skin: Clean your face with soap-free cleanser as it doesn't makes your skin dry but keeps it soft. You can make your own toner by mixing a few drops of honey and two tablespoons of milk. It not only tones but also hydrates the skin. You can also use a sunscreen lotion with SPF 30. It protects and hydrates the skin.

* Natural remedies: Pomegranate seeds are loaded with anti-ageing compounds like antioxidants and vitamin C and nourish dry skin. Blend two tablespoons of pomegranate seeds and one cup uncooked oatmeal. Pour in a bowl and add two tablespoons of honey and buttermilk. Apply on your face for a few minutes, then rinse. It helps remove dead skin cells.

* Recommended facial: Chocolate facial

* Tip: Never leave home without applying sunscreen.

2. Oily skin: Monsoon increases skin problems for those who have oily skin. It makes the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for oil secretion, hyperactive. The oil secretion and sweat are deposited on the skin and trap dirt and bacteria. This gives rise to blackheads, whiteheads, breakouts and sometimes painful pimples.

Follow these four steps:

* Cleanse and tone your skin: An oil-controlling cleanser that cleans the pores and controls the oil secretion is good for oily skin. Use an alcohol-free toner to retain the skin's pH balance. For sun protection, pick a gel-based sunscreen lotion with SPF 30 that adds moisture but isn't too creamy.

* Natural remedies: Take two tablespoons of papaya pulp, one tablespoon of curd and an ounce of aloe vera gel. Mix it well. Add a few drops of lavender oil. Papaya works as a great de-tanner, the curd clears blemishes, the aloe vera soothes the skin and the lavender boosts rejuvenation.

* Recommended facial: Aloe vera facial.

* Tip: If you spot an unwanted pimple, apply toothpaste on it and let it dry overnight. It kills the bacteria, dries out the puss and reduces the infection.

3. Combination skin: This skin type is a mix of oily and dry skin. Cheeks usually become dry and other parts of the face, specially the nose, get oily because of the excessive humidity during monsoon.

Follow these four steps:

* Cleanse and tone your skin: Anti-bacterial cleanser is perfect for this skin type. For toning, add two drops of lemon juice to cold water and wash your face with it. Lemon is not only refreshing but also works as a cleanser.

Before stepping out, apply a hydrating sunscreen lotion with SPF 30 as the skin loses moisture due to sweating. Monsoon also aggravates the problem of dandruff, which can further lead to hair fall, breakouts or acne outburst. So it's equally important to keep your hair clean.

* Natural remedies: A strawberry face pack is perfect for this skin type. Blend half a cup of frozen or fresh strawberries with one cup of yogurt and one-and-a-half tablespoons of honey. Apply it on your face for a soft and smooth skin.

* Recommended facial: Fruit facial with milk.

* Tip: Always carry wet wipes. You can also rub ice on your face once or twice in a day.

4. Normal skin: Be cautious of greasiness, dust and dirt.

* Cleanse and tone your skin: Clean your face at least twice a day with non-soapy anti-bacterial face wash. It cleanses and moisturises the skin. Use a lightweight sunscreen lotion with SPF 30 to protect your skin from harmful sun's rays.

* Natural remedies: Mash an apple, add one tablespoon of sugar and four cups of milk to it. Blend it well. Add a few drops of chamomile oil. Apply it on your face for at least 15 minutes. It hydrates as well as deeply nourishes the skin and gives back lost sheen and radiance.

* Recommended facial: AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) facial.

* Tip: Since the chances of infection increases during monsoon, it's advisable to add vitamin C to your diet, which helps boost immunity.