The Ultimate Indian Skincare Routine: Experts Reveal What Actually Works

Indian skin behaves like the climate it lives in – beautiful, resilient, but constantly adapting. One day it glows, the next it rebels. Between harsh sunlight, humidity, pollution, and erratic seasonal swings, no single routine works year-round. What does help is a thoughtful, minimal approach anchored in comfort, consistency, and climate readiness. The perfect Indian skincare routine isn’t about 10 steps or global trends. It’s about listening to your skin and choosing products that support and not shock the skin barrier.

A Routine Shaped By Climate

Experts unanimously agree that any effective Indian skincare routine begins with understanding the environment. As Malini Adapureddy, Founder & CEO of Deconstruct, puts it, “Our climate shapes our skin. Most Indians naturally

have oily or combination skin, which means lightweight, non-clogging formulas and the right actives are essential.” She emphasises that harsh products do more harm than good. “Using strong products thinking they’ll work faster weakens the barrier. A gentle routine that supports your skin is far more beneficial in the long run,” she adds.

Dr. Shalini Dubey, Medical Affairs Manager at Iberia Pharmaceuticals, echoes this, noting the need to adjust products with changing conditions. From Delhi’s dry winters to Mumbai’s coastal humidity, she explains that small tweaks, like swapping gel moisturisers for richer creams during colder months, help maintain balance. “Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Even on cloudy days, UV rays penetrate through windows and haze,” she stresses.

Dr. Mili Sinha, Aesthetic Physician at La Clinique and expert at Oteria, notes that Indian skin deserves routines crafted specifically for the region. “A perfect routine isn’t about copying global trends. With intense sun, humidity, and pollution, we must choose products suited to Indian conditions so the skin becomes healthier and more resilient,” she says.

Building The Ideal Indian Skincare Routine

1. Start with a gentle cleanse – Pollution, sweat, and dust cling to the skin, making cleansing essential, but never harsh. Look for soothing ingredients like aloe vera, niacinamide, or salicylic acid to purify without stripping.

2. Hydrate strategically – Gel moisturisers work best for oily and combination skin, while richer creams suit dry or mature skin. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamins A and E, and niacinamide help maintain hydration in heat and humidity.

3. Add targeted serums – Vitamin C brightens and fights pollution-induced dullness; niacinamide strengthens the barrier and fades marks; retinol or retinal improves texture when used slowly. Bakuchiol offers a gentler alternative for sensitive skin.

4. Protect with sunscreen daily – SPF 30 or higher with PA++++ protection is essential in a tropical climate. Lightweight formulas with soothing botanicals prevent tanning, spots, and premature ageing.

5. Exfoliate with care – Skip physical scrubs. Opt for once-a-week chemical exfoliation using lactic, glycolic, or salicylic acid. Overdoing it leads to pigmentation and irritation, which is an especially common concern in Indian skin.

6. Adapt your routine seasonally – Light, breathable products suit summer and monsoon, while winter demands barrier-repairing creams to combat dryness and flaking.

Great skin in India doesn’t come from complicated routines. It comes from consistency, gentle care, climate awareness, and patience. When your skin feels overwhelmed, simplify. When the weather changes, adjust. With the right foundation, Indian skin thrives naturally, no filters required.