November isn’t singular. 

In India, it differs by geography. 

Head north and you'll find fog, and cold air. Down south it's humid with moderate rain. 

This change in the weather doesn’t just impact what we wear or eat; it also impacts our skin. Let’s understand how. 

Note: For ease, we’ve divided the Indian subcontinent into North, South, East, West, and North-east. 

North India: Dry, cold, and foggy

In November, humidity dips, and with it, moisture in our skin begins to escape. Cold, dry winds, mixed with smog and pollution, strip away natural oils, and the skin feels stretched and itchy. 

Fine lines start looking sharper, and lips crack more quickly. 

Care tip from Re’equil

Focus on combating severe dryness and protecting the skin barrier. 

• Skincare Ingredients To Use: Ceramides, shea butter, and glycerin. Hyaluronic acid for damp skin.
• Products: Use a creamy, gentle, sulfate-free cleanser and switch to a thick, rich moisturizer, especially after bathing. A lip balm with lanolin or beeswax is essential for chapped lips.

General Lifestyle Adjustments

• Take lukewarm, short showers instead of hot ones to prevent moisture loss. 
• Wear gloves and scarves to protect your hands and face from the cold wind.

South India: Humid, rainy, and warm 

Weather in South India changes every few hundred kilometers.

Coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh experience moderate rain and high humidity (Chennai typically gets rainiest in November). Sweat and excess oil make the skin prone to breakouts and dullness. 

Move inland (Karnataka, Telangana, western Tamil Nadu) and you’ll find lower humidity, less rain, and more comfortable, drier air. Skin generally becomes dry and flaky. 

Care tip from Re’equil

The key challenge is managing oiliness, sweat, and preventing fungal infections in high humidity. 

Skincare Ingredients to Use: Salicylic acid (BHA) or niacinamide to control oil and breakouts. Centella Asiatica (cica) can help calm inflammation.

Products: Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic, gel or foam-based cleansers and moisturizers. A matte finish, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ is crucial. 

General Lifestyle Adjustments:

• Wear loose-fitting, breathable fabrics to reduce trapped moisture.
• Pat skin dry thoroughly after showering, especially in body folds.
• Avoid heavy, oil-based makeup that clog pores in the heat.

Western India: Dry, sunny days and cool nights

Western India is a land of opposites. 

The air begins to dry in Rajasthan and Gujarat, while the coastal areas (Maharashtra and Goa) still get light rain and retain humidity a bit longer. 

The skin tends to be oily or flaky. Rising dust levels and fluctuating temperatures destabilize the skin barrier. Random breakouts or dry patches are common.

Care tip from Re’equil

Similar to North India but often less extreme, focus is on increasing dryness.

Skincare Ingredients to Use: Ceramides and plant-based butters/oils (like shea butter or jojoba oil) for barrier repair and deep nourishment.

Products: Switch from light lotions to a rich cream moisturizer. Use a thick ointment like petroleum jelly on areas prone to windburn, such as lips and cheeks.

General Lifestyle Adjustments:

• Avoid harsh physical exfoliants, which can thin the skin barrier and increase wind sensitivity.
• Ensure a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts) to support the skin's lipid barrier.

Eastern India: Warm days, mildly cold nights and moderate rain

With the southwest monsoon in its final phase, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal settle into warm days, mildly cold nights, and gentle humidity. 

Coasts of Odisha experience light showers, keeping humidity moderate.

Cold, dry air makes skin drier and breakout-prone. Dullness or faint tightness after a shower is common.

Care tip from Re’equil

The weather balanced, requiring a simple maintenance routine to prevent mild dryness as the season progresses.

Skincare Ingredients to Use: Hyaluronic acid and glycerin to maintain hydration. Antioxidants like Vitamin C for daily protection and glow.

Products: A hydrating yet light moisturizer works well here. Continue daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

General Lifestyle Adjustments:

• Stay consistently hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Embrace seasonal fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants.

North-East India: Soft, misty, and warm daytime

Up in the hills of Shillong or across the valleys of Assam, November feels soft and misty. It's perfect weather for sightseeing.

Cooler nights and gentle winds pull moisture, even as the air stays clean and green. Skin also seems to redden faster. 

Care tip from Re’equil

The cool, fresh air is generally good for the skin, but the cold can still cause some dryness. 

Skincare Ingredients to Use: Soothing and hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and propolis to calm skin and prevent redness.

Products: Richer moisturizer than summer is appropriate. A gentle, hydrating cleanser is essential to maintain pH balance.

General Lifestyle Adjustments

• Prioritize adequate sleep and relaxation, as stress can impact skin health.
• Enjoy outdoor activities in the fresh air, but always apply sunscreen, as UV rays are present even on cloudy days

The Closing Thought

November is a season of contrasts. From foggy mornings in North India to moderate rain in the South, the weather transitions. 

This year, whether you’re under Delhi’s haze or Kerala’s sun, remember that your skin isn’t acting up. It’s simply reacting to the changing season. 

All the best!