The beauty product industry is a 450 billion dollar industry. And with the spread and reach of digital media everywhere, this industry has taken the upward spiral owing to the increasing influence of social media trends, beauty bloggers, and Instagram influencers.
Moreover, owing to the current pandemic situation, we are spending a lot more time at home and focusing on our skincare regime more than ever, and there’s a possibility that we are indulging in a lot more skin products than actually needed.
What is the downside of using ‘too much’?
Excessive use of serums containing retinol or AHA/ BHA products without a dermatologist’s advice can cause irritation, inflammation, redness, and even hyperpigmentation. A heavy moisturizer containing an oil base or heavy occlusive ingredients (like silicones or petrolatum) can cause blackheads, breakouts, and acne.
Every individual’s skin is different and these products need to be tailored as per a person’s skin type, skin hydration, and current environmental condition.
Not only is the application of unnecessary lotions and products time-consuming, but they can take up valuable bathroom space and cost a fair amount of money as well.
So let’s have a look at what we actually must include in our day-to-day skincare regime.
Everyone wants to improve their skin, wants a clearer and radiant complexion but rather than adding layer upon layer of new products, the best approach is to try and understand one’s own individual skin needs. Simplicity is the key to a good skincare routine. If you are adding new products, do it one product at a time so that this helps your skin get used to it and if you do have a reaction, also helps you work out which product you are sensitive to. All our skin needs is a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen which suit your skin type. In special situations, we may add a fourth category as well – the active treatment. This is meant to target specific, individual concerns (pigmentation, acne, redness, etc). These four products can theoretically address all of your skin’s needs. Additionally, few add-ons may be used occasionally such as micellar water to take off makeup, or a weekly exfoliator or a mask.
