Lesser-Known Minimal Skincare Routine To Achieve Healthier And More Hydrated Skin

A minimalistic skin routine with an in-clinic skin treatment done once every 6-8 weeks is highly recommended to achieve that most coveted, perfect glass skin.

We have all heard of the 10-step skin-care routine and have tried to attempt it on many occasions but have yet to understand it. Layering multiple products one after another on the skin will not only end up irritating the skin and damaging the barrier but also reduce the efficacy and penetration of the products applied. With many products on the market, knowing where to begin when creating a skincare routine for healthier and more hydrated skin can be challenging.

These include:

Face-wash suited to the skin type: Begin your routine with a gentle, non-foaming cleanser that suits your skin type. Crucial to removing all the dirt, sebum, impurities, dead skin cells and skin products that accumulate throughout the day, cleansing should, however, not strip the skin of natural oils. This can lead to disruption of the skin barrier, which leads to dehydrated and dull skin.

Moisturize: Hydration is the holy grail for healthy skin, and choosing a moisturizer that locks in moisture without leaving the skin greasy or heavy is a must or ceramides, which focus on moisture retention.

Serums are concentrated formulations packed with ingredients that target specific skin concerns. Understanding your skin needs, incorporate serums with ingredients like retinol for anti-ageing, Vit-C for brightening and antioxidant protection, niacinamide for improving skin texture and tone, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) for gentle exfoliation. Patch tests for these are critical to help understand how they will interact with the skin.

Sunscreen: One non-negotiable in your skincare routine should be sunscreen. Protect your skin from UV rays and early ageing by applying sunscreen with SPF above 30 daily. Sunscreens offering UVA and UVB protection will suit the Indian climate.

Instead Of Using Too Many Products

Using a few consistently daily is more advisable.

• Skin cycling also works well, which involves rotating the actives every third day with intensive moisturizing so that the skin gets a break day to recover. Rather than investing in multiple products, invest in a healthy lifestyle, which is the most inexpensive and underrated aspect of skincare but, sadly, the least practised.
• A minimalistic skin routine with an in-clinic skin treatment done once every 6-8 weeks is highly recommended to achieve that most coveted, perfect glass skin. Injectable skin hydration boosters are gold for extended periods rather than investing in luxurious, fancy products that will cost as much, if not more. It's all about finding the perfect balance and listening to your skin's needs.

(This article is authored by Dr Prerna Sikka, Dermatologist at Dr Karishma Aesthetics)