5 steps every skincare routine should have, according to a dermatologist

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• 5 steps every skincare routine should have, according to a dermatologist

5 steps every skincare routine should have, according to a dermatologist

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5 steps every skincare routine should have

A good skincare routine does not have to mean having a shelf full of products. In fact, using too many products without understanding what your skin actually needs can sometimes do more harm than good. A basic routine, when followed consistently, can go a long way in maintaining healthy skin

According to Dr Neha Sachde, MD Dermatologist (Gold Medalist), Founder and Chief Dermatologist at Metamorphosis Clinic., the ideal skincare routine should focus on five basic steps: cleansing, treating, moisturising, sun protection and paying attention to the skin’s changing needs

(Image Credits: Pinterest)

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Start with a gentle cleanser

Cleansing is the first step because it helps remove sweat, excess oil, dirt, pollution and makeup from the skin. However, this does not mean the skin needs to feel “squeaky clean” after washing

“A cleanser should clean the skin without stripping away its natural protective barrier. If your face feels tight or dry immediately after cleansing, the product may be too harsh for you,” says Dr. Neha

For most people, cleansing twice a day is sufficient. Those with very dry or sensitive skin may find that cleansing only at night and rinsing with water in the morning works better

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Add targeted treatments, if required

This is where skincare can become more personalised. Ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide, retinoids or salicylic acid can be useful for specific concerns, including pigmentation, acne, uneven texture and signs of ageing

But more is not necessarily better. Introducing several active ingredients at once can irritate the skin and make it difficult to understand what is actually working

“Choose an active based on your concern and introduce it gradually. Your skin does not need a complicated cocktail of ingredients every day,” explains Dr. Neha. (Image Credits: Pinterest)

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Never skip moisturiser

Moisturising is important even if you have oily or acne-prone skin. A moisturiser helps maintain the skin barrier and reduces moisture loss, which can also help the skin tolerate certain active ingredients better

People with oily skin can opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic gel or lotion-based moisturisers, while those with dry skin may benefit from richer formulations containing ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin or hyaluronic acid

The right moisturiser should leave the skin comfortable rather than excessively greasy

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Make sunscreen a daily habit

If there is one skincare step that should not be negotiable, it is sunscreen. UV exposure contributes significantly to tanning, pigmentation, premature ageing and other forms of skin damage

“A broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher should be applied every morning, even on days when you are mostly indoors. If you are outdoors, sweating or spending extended time in the sun, it needs to be reapplied,” says Dr. Neha

Using enough sunscreen is just as important as choosing the right one. It should be applied as the final step of the morning skincare routine

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Listen to your skin

The final step is not really a product – it is consistency and observation. Skin can change with weather, stress, hormones, travel, diet and age. A routine that worked perfectly a year ago may not always suit your skin today

If there is persistent redness, itching, severe acne, sudden pigmentation or recurring irritation, simply adding more products may not be the answer. It is better to consult a dermatologist and identify the underlying cause

Ultimately, effective skincare is less about following every new trend and more about getting the basics right. A simple routine that suits your skin and is followed consistently is often far more beneficial than a complicated regimen filled with unnecessary products

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