By Dr. Nirupama Parwanda, Founder & Chief Dermatologist, Zolie Skin Clinic
In recent years, skincare has become a national obsession. From multi-step routines inspired by social media to shelves overflowing with serums and creams, Indians are investing more time and money into their skin than ever before. Yet, in dermatologists’ clinics across the country, a paradox is becoming increasingly common—patients using multiple products but still struggling with acne, pigmentation, sensitivity, or premature ageing.
The reason is simple: skincare today is often driven by trends rather than science. Healthy skin is not achieved by moisturiser alone, nor by copying someone else’s routine. It requires an understanding of how skin functions and what it truly needs.
Skin Is an Organ, Not a Canvas
The skin is the body’s largest organ, designed to act as a protective barrier against pollution, bacteria, allergens, and ultraviolet radiation. When this barrier is disrupted—by harsh cleansers, excessive exfoliation, or unsuitable products—nearly every skin problem worsens.
Indian skin, in particular, is exposed to unique stressors: high UV radiation, humidity, pollution, and significant temperature variations. A scientific skincare routine must work with the skin’s biology, not against it.
Cleansing: Where Most People Go Wrong
Cleansing is often overdone, especially in hot and humid conditions. Many people believe frequent washing or using strong soaps is necessary to remove oil, sweat, and pollution. In reality, over-cleansing strips the skin of essential lipids, leading to dryness, irritation, and even increased oil production.
A gentle, pH-balanced cleanser used twice daily is sufficient for most skin types. Excessive foaming or a “squeaky clean” feeling is not a sign of healthy skin—it is often a sign of barrier damage.
Myth: More foam means cleaner skin
Fact: Harsh cleansers weaken the skin barrier and worsen acne and sensitivity
Active Ingredients: Powerful Tools That Need Precision
Ingredients such as retinoids, vitamin C, niacinamide, and exfoliating acids have transformed modern dermatology. However, their benefits depend on correct concentration, formulation, and usage.
One of the most common mistakes today is combining multiple active ingredients without understanding how they interact. This often results in redness, burning, breakouts, or pigmentation—problems that patients mistakenly blame on “purging” or bad luck.
Active treatments should be chosen based on specific concerns such as acne, pigmentation, or ageing, and introduced gradually. More is not better; precision is.
Moisturisers: Essential, But Not a Cure-All
Moisturisers play a vital role in maintaining hydration and supporting the skin barrier. However, they do not treat acne, pigmentation, or ageing on their own. This is a common misconception.
Even oily and acne-prone skin needs moisturisation—especially in air-conditioned environments or when using treatment products. The key lies in choosing the right formulation for your skin type and climate. A single “miracle cream” does not exist, despite what advertisements may suggest.
Sunscreen: The Most Ignored Medical Skincare Step
If there is one product that truly qualifies as anti-ageing and preventive medicine, it is sunscreen. Yet, it remains the most neglected step in daily routines.
UVA rays penetrate deeply, causing pigmentation and premature ageing, while UVB rays cause tanning and sunburn. These effects occur even on cloudy days and during short outdoor exposure. Indoor exposure near windows also matters.
Common myths persist—that darker skin tones do not need sunscreen or that makeup with SPF is enough. Both are incorrect. Daily, broad-spectrum sunscreen use is essential for preventing pigmentation, melasma, and long-term skin damage.
Consistency Over Complexity
Healthy skin does not improve overnight. Acne, pigmentation, and texture changes take weeks to respond to treatment. Frequently switching products or chasing instant results often leads to setbacks.
Simple, consistent routines work better than complicated ones. Skin needs time to repair and adapt, and patience is an underestimated skincare virtue.
Lifestyle Factors No Cream Can Fix Alone
No skincare routine exists in isolation. Sleep deprivation, chronic stress, smoking, and poor dietary habits all manifest visibly on the skin. Pollution accelerates ageing and inflammation, while unmanaged stress worsens conditions like acne and eczema.
Topical products have limitations. Long-term skin health requires addressing lifestyle factors alongside skincare.
When Skincare Needs Medical Attention
Persistent acne, dark patches, sudden sensitivity, or worsening skin despite proper care are signs that professional evaluation is needed. Early intervention by a dermatologist can prevent long-term damage and reduce the need for aggressive treatments later.
Delaying medical care often makes skin conditions harder and more expensive to treat.
Rethinking Skincare as Preventive Health
Skincare should not be about chasing trends or quick fixes. It should focus on protecting the skin barrier, preventing damage, and supporting natural repair mechanisms.
When routines are built on scientific principles rather than marketing promises, results become not only visible—but sustainable.
Healthy skin is not built overnight. But with the right knowledge, consistency, and medical guidance, it is absolutely achievable.