Do Skincare Trends Work for Indian Skin? Honest Breakdown

“Do Skincare Trends Work for Indian Skin? Honest Breakdown”

By Dr. Mohd Rizwan Khan

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Every week, there’s a new skincare trend online.

Glass skin. Skin flooding. Slugging. K-beauty. Ice facials. Snail mucin.

Reels and influencers are full of it.

But the real question is —

“Yeh sab Indian skin pe kaam karta bhi hai ya nahi?”

Let’s talk real. No hype. No filters.

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🌏 Indian Skin = Different Skin

We have brown skin (Fitzpatrick types 4–5) which reacts very differently than lighter skin tones.

What may look good on Korean or Western influencers can sometimes cause:

• Pigmentation

• Breakouts

• Redness or irritation

• Over-drying or over-oiling

Because our skin is melanin-rich and sensitive to inflammation.

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🔍 Let’s Break Down Popular Trends

1. Slugging (Applying Vaseline as Last Step)

✅ Good for: Super dry skin in winters

❌ Not for: Oily or acne-prone skin

→ In Indian humidity, this can clog pores and cause acne.

Tip: Use only on dry cheeks or around mouth. Avoid full face.

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2. Skin Flooding (Layering toners, serums, moisturizers quickly)

✅ Great in dry climates like Delhi winters

❌ In humid places, it becomes too much — skin feels sticky, sweats more

Tip: Try light-weight formulas, and reduce layers in summer.

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3. Ice Facial (Rubbing ice cubes on face)

✅ Helps reduce puffiness and redness

❌ Overuse can damage sensitive capillaries, especially in dusky skin

Tip: Wrap in cloth, use for a few seconds only — not daily.

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4. Snail Mucin, Rice Water, K-beauty Products

Some are good, but many are made for colder, drier climates

Our skin needs products made for pollution + heat + sweat

Tip: Read the ingredient list. Avoid too many actives in one go.

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5. Retinol Every Night

Western skin tolerates it better.

On Indian skin, using daily without expert guidance = peeling, redness, pigmentation.

Tip: Start twice a week under supervision. Always apply sunscreen with it.

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📌 Where We Go Wrong

• Copy-pasting influencer routines

• Not checking for skin type compatibility

• Mixing too many actives

• Ignoring climate and environment

• No patch test!

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✅ What Actually Works for Indian Skin?

1. Simple routines with good sun protection

2. Products with:

• Niacinamide

• Hyaluronic acid

• Azelaic acid

• Vitamin C (in mild concentration)

3. Weekly exfoliation — not daily

4. Using dermatologist-backed brands, not just trending ones

5. Listening to your skin — not just trends

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Real Example from My Clinic

A college student came in with rashes and breakouts.

She had followed a Korean 10-step routine from YouTube.

Problem?

• She had oily skin

• Used heavy creams and multiple actives

• Skipped sunscreen

We simplified her routine.

Gave her 3 basic products + sunscreen.

In 2 weeks, she saw a visible change.

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Final Word

Skincare isn’t about following trends — it’s about understanding your skin.

Not everything that’s viral is right for Indian skin.

And no one product suits everyone.

If in doubt —

📍 Visit Dr. Rizwan’s Skin, Cosmetic & Laser Clinic, Shahjahanpur

Let’s build a routine that suits your skin, your city, and your lifestyle.

📞 Book your consultation today.

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#SkincareTrendsMyths

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