In the age of Instagram and TikTok, it is easy to get swept up in the latest beauty trends, whether it is a viral skincare hack or a must-try product promising flawless results. From layering multiple serums to experimenting with DIY beauty treatments, social media is overflowing with tips and tricks. But are these popular fads suited for your skin—especially if you have Indian skin, which comes with its unique concerns?
According to Dr Renita Rajan, certified dermatologist and founder of CHOSEN, the answer is often no. While it’s tempting to follow what is trending, she says it is important to understand the difference between what you want for your skin and what the latest viral sensation offers. “There is a clear difference between outputs and outcomes,” she says, warning that blindly following trends can often lead to more harm than good.
With her expert insight, Dr Rajan tells us why Indian women need to rethink certain popular skin care practices and focus on real concerns instead of being driven by FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). She explains, “There is a clear difference between outputs and outcomes. I have seen this play out so often in my practice. People ask for treatments like lip fillers or chemical peels without really thinking about what they want to achieve, such as a more balanced smile or clearer skin. The treatment is just an output; the real goal, the outcome, is often missed.”
The FOMO Factor
Dr Rajan believes that much of what people engage with in skincare today is driven by FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) rather than real necessity. “We get swept up in social media fads because we feel the need to do something, but that something may not be helping us reach our real goals for our skin,” she adds. This philosophy, as she says, is the crux of the problem. Many are more focused on trying what is trendy rather than asking, “Does this truly align with my skin’s needs?”
A more meaningful approach, according to Dr Rajan, starts with understanding what you want to achieve for your skin. “For some, this may mean visiting a dermatologist to get an expert perspective. Once you have clarity, you can evaluate every social media trend and see if it aligns with your goal,” she advises.
Debunking Specific Trends
Some fads, though heavily promoted, simply do not suit Indian skin. Dr Rajan points out a few in particular:
Dry Brushing: “Even though this trend pops up every few months, it’s not for us. Indian skin, which is rich in melanin, tends to react poorly to physical exfoliation like scrubs and dry brushing. These practices can increase pigmentation and roughness.”
Hair Locator Sprays: Dr Rajan advises against this trend as well. “These sprays contain chemicals that shouldn’t be anywhere near your face, nose, or eyes. The FOMO makes people fall for these products instead of considering the health risks.”
Sunscreen on the Scalp: Another no-go for Indian women. “We use sunscreens primarily to prevent pigmentation, but the scalp is naturally protected and not prone to pigmentation. Using sunscreen here only leads to unnecessary absorption, which can create further issues.”
Missteps in Product Usage
Dr Rajan also sheds light on some misinformed practices that social media often promotes:
Vitamin C in the Morning: “Using vitamin C in the morning is pointless for Indian skin. It gets deactivated by light, and absorption is low in the morning. You end up wasting product, and potentially causing damage from the oxidized product.”
Retinol Layering: “Retinol needs to penetrate the skin on its own, without layering other products before or after. Layering reduces its effectiveness, and the FOMO of using multiple products can undermine your skincare routine.”
Product Layering in General: “The skin has limits on how much it can absorb. Layering too many products just exposes your skin to more ingredients without improving results. A more effective approach would be skin cycling—alternating products like retinol, peptides, or acids on different days to maximise benefits.”
Simplifying the Routine
Dr Rajan’s overarching message to Indian women is simple: focus on what truly works for your skin. “Indian skin is naturally resistant to ageing, and our primary concern should be protecting it from sun and internal damage,” she says.
Instead of jumping on every trend, Dr Rajan says to go for a practical approach: “A simple, sensible skincare routine with sunscreen (preferably physical filters), a good diet rich in antioxidants, protein, and collagen, physical activity, and good sleep hygiene is more than enough. Select a few key active ingredients that suit Indian skin, and don’t let FOMO dictate your skincare decisions.”
