Are you copying skincare trends that don't suit your skin?

India Today

a day ago

From glass skin filters to 10-step routines, Korean beauty has taken over social media. But while these regimens promise a flawless glow, dermatologists warn they may be doing more harm than good—especially when followed blindly in India's climate.To understand why, India Today spoke with Dr Amit Bhasin, dermatologist, cosmetologist, and founder of Prive Luxe Clinic, also known on social media as the 'face sculptor.' His verdict is clear: 'What works in Seoul doesn't necessarily work in Surat.'advertisementTHE COPY-PASTE SKINCARE PROBLEMAccording to Dr Amit Bhasin, a growing number of patients are coming to his clinic with damaged skin barriers caused by excessive layering of products inspired by K-beauty routines.
'People are sandwiching serums between moisturisers, exfoliating daily, cleansing three times a day—thinking more is better,' says Dr Bhasin. 'But for Indian skin, this is a shortcut to sensitivity, pigmentation, and long-term inflammation.'Indian skin, which typically falls under Fitzpatrick types IV to VI, contains more melanin, making it prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Combine that with India's harsh sun, high pollution, humidity, and hard water, and it creates a perfect storm for skin sensitivity when aggressive skincare is introduced.WHY KOREAN BEAUTY ROUTINES DON'T SUIT INDIAN CONDITIONSDr Bhasin explains that Korean skincare is built around a completely different set of environmental and genetic factors.'Korean routines are made for cooler, less polluted regions, and for skin types that tend to be drier. "Indian skin is oilier, more reactive, and exposed to far more environmental stressors.'He adds that heavy layering of products in a humid, sweaty Indian climate can clog pores, trigger fungal acne, and disrupt the skin's lipid barrier.THE COST OF CHASING TRENDS: BARRIER DAMAGEA recurring issue Dr Bhasin treats is barrier damage—a condition where the skin becomes red, itchy, inflamed, and hypersensitive.'I see it every day. Young women and men walk in with flare-ups and tell me they're using snail mucin, ampoules, and fermented creams—sometimes five to six products in one go. Their skin can't breathe.'He explains that this overuse strips away the protective lipids that maintain hydration and defend against bacteria and pollutants, leading to fungal infections, redness, and product-induced dermatitis.THE SOLUTION? SKINIMALISM AND A RETURN TO BASICSDr Bhasin recommends switching to a minimalist routine built around the basics:'Your skin doesn't need 10 products. It needs three steps done consistently and correctly.'His dermatologist-approved skincare routine for Indian skin includes:A gentle, pH-balanced cleanser (without sulphates or harsh foaming agents)A non-comedogenic moisturiser, even for oily skinadvertisementA broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+ with PA+++) worn daily'Sunscreen is non-negotiable,' he adds. 'Most pigmentation issues I see—melasma, tanning, uneven tone—are caused or worsened by sun exposure. And yes, it matters even indoors.'THE MENTAL LOAD OF SKINCARE GUILTBeyond the physical effects, Dr Bhasin points out the emotional toll of skincare pressure created by social media.'People feel guilty if they're not using five products in the morning. They ask me, 'Should I be slugging?' 'Why am I not using peptides?' It's become performance over purpose.'He calls this phenomenon 'skincare guilt'—a sense of inadequacy driven by comparison, trends, and influencer culture.MINIMALISM IS THE NEW LUXURYThe solution, Dr Bhasin believes, lies in mindful, science-based skincare that respects Indian skin's unique needs.'You don't need filters or imported routines. You need clarity, patience, and protection.'As Indian consumers become more conscious of what goes on their skin, there's a clear shift toward skinimalism—a movement that prioritises function over flash, and results over routines.Skincare is personal. What works for one region, ethnicity, or lifestyle may not work for another. The key to healthy skin, as Dr Bhasin emphasises, is not mimicry, but mastery.'Less is more. And for Indian skin, less is safer too.'- EndsMust Watch