The most common question i come across in my practise is about the minimalist approach for healthy skin. So here I am listing my absolute 3 favourite products that you cannot go without. They can be used in almost every skin type provided there are no active skin concerns, for which you will require a different approach.
Vitamin C 🍊 or Ascorbic acid
One of the most common active ingredients prescribed by dermatologists. The bioavailable form is L ascorbic acid Ph 2-2.5 Used for – skin aging, dullness, pigmentation, melasma, and stretch marks Since it has an acidic ph. Therefore, it can cause flare-ups in sensitive skin like rosacea, acne, and eczema that is why a test patch should be performed before prescribing in these patients.
It has to be used AM 🌞 PM 🌑 in conjunction with other active ingredients. It has to be applied as the last product in the skincare routine followed by sunscreen in the morning.
Sunscreen
It is a must for everyone. Use Spf 30 and above. Apply 15-30 min on the sun exposed parts before stepping out of the house and reapply every 2 hours ⏰ , I know its bit of task 😑 but that is how it should be used for maximum benefit. Sunscreen comes in many formulations, like creams, serums, gels, sprays, and is prescribed as per skin type. Benefits- anti-aging, reduces pigmentation, post-treatments, rosacea.
Vitamin A
It includes retinol, retinaldehyde, isotretinoin, and more. It should be started in the mid-20 as a part of the skincare routine. It is a strong ingredient; therefore, start slowly with low concentration or frequency and later build up the application. Has to be applied at night 🌑 only, as it is know to cause photo sensitivity. Benefits- anti-acne, reduces blackheads and whiteheads, anti-aging, reduces fine lines, anti-wrinkles, pigmentation and melasma.
Caution-
Do not start on any new product esp. the ones with active ingredients without consulting a dermatologist. If gone wrong they might do more harm than benefit.
