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Dermat’s Guide To Achieving The Skin Of Your Dreams

With the rise of skincare products, trends knowing what suits you best can be confusing. Behold, the only guide you need...

August 21, 2024 | 10:00 AM // By Dr Simal Soin

Image Credit: Athiya Shetty//Instagram

Whether manifesting specific skin and hair care goals for your wedding day or seeking treatment for dermatological concerns like acne, hair loss, melasma or eczema, the need to consult a dermatologist or licensed skincare provider has never been more vital. In an era where jumping onto buzzy skin and haircare trends often detract from physician-backed, outcome-driven and result-oriented care, talking to your dermatologist can go a long way towards ensuring balanced and individualised care for yourself. 

Not that novel trends aren’t exciting, but they must be taken with a pinch of salt and, ideally, not swapped out for established treatment regimens. As a cosmetic dermatologist with over 25 years of experience, I cannot stress enough the value of seeking professional guidance to analyse your unique needs and create targeted treatment plans. Customised skincare makes a world of difference. 

Skincare Dos And Don’ts

Stop the DIY Nuskas! 

Image Credit: Pexles

Trying DIY solutions found on your Instagram feed often does more harm than good. What works for one person’s skin can irritate another’s! And no trending product on social media will give you the same results as an expert who looks at your unique skin needs. I know I know—making a dermatology appointment doesn’t exactly sound glamorous. But today, platforms like Practo, Apollo Hospitals and Clinikally offer reliable online dermatology consultations that patients can access from their homes. 

Cool Tech and Legal Drugs

Image Credit: Pexels

 India’s skin and haircare industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation driven by a growing awareness of aesthetics and the rise of cosmeceuticals. This shift has led to the emergence of innovative formulations that blend traditional ingredients with cutting-edge science, catering to the diverse needs of the Indian population. Furthermore, the stigma around aesthetic procedures is reducing with the rise of medical spas and global brands setting bases in India. Indian dermatology consumers now have access to laser toning, micro-needling, CoolSculpting, mesotherapy and cutting-edge cosmeceutical brands like never before. 

Watch Out for the Composition During Your Next Skincare Haul

When reviewing these products, I always examine the ingredient list for key actives and formulations.

For skincare, Vitamin A derivatives (like retinoids), Vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids, as well as antioxidants like green tea remain the gold standard. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide for brightening and peptides for repairing are just a few that have become staples in dermatological prescriptions.

Image Credit: Pexels

Moreover, exosomes are taking our cosmeceutical world by storm. These cell-derived nanoparticles act like an accelerator for stimulating collagen, elasticity and health at the cellular level.

Image Credit: Pexels

For haircare, natural ingredients like biotin, keratin, zinc and argan oil help strengthen and promote growth. These days, I am also closely tracking developments in other botanicals and unique peptides that either preserve or restore the scalp microbiome and hair follicle functionality.

I have curated a list of top-notch luxury skincare and haircare products that I routinely recommend to visitors at my clinics.
Some of my favourites include IsClinical Youth Intensive Creme, Soteri Skin Gimme More, Youth Intensive Creme, Soteri Skin Gimme More,
Clinikally Skin Renewer Retinol, Philip B Oud Royal Shampoo, Crystal Tomato Skin Clarity Cream, and BABE Balm to Oil. These products have proven to be game changers for my patients, providing them with visible improvements across a range of skin and hair
care outcomes.

Skin and Haircare Products That are Absolute Game Changers

Philip B Forever Shine Shampoo (Buy it here)
ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50 (Buy it here)
IS Clinical Youth Intensive Cream (Buy it here)
SOTERI SKIN Gimme More Face Eczema Night Cream(Buy it here)
Babe Balm to Oil (Buy it here )
Crystal Tomato Skin Clarity Cream (Buy it here)
Clinikally Skin Renewer Retinol Serum (Buy it here)

In conclusion, taking the time to consult a professional and incorporating science-backed products into your skincare and haircare routine can make a world of difference. Don’t be swayed by trends on social media. You must trust in the power of cosmeceuticals coupled with the expertise of a dermatologist for achieving your skin- and haircare goals.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr Simal Soin is a contributor to Manifest India.