I am a dermatologist and thus I protect my skin from Delhi’s pollution
A simple and effective skincare routine helps to maintain healthy skin despite Delhi’s harsh pollution. Constant use of antioxidants, sunscreen and hydration supports young, shining skin.
In short
- Antioxidants mold the skin through serum pollution and stress
- Use of sunscreen is necessary every day without failure
- Hydration, diet and sleep are important for glowing skin
editor’s Note: In this new weekly column, the top doctors shared how they deal with their health challenges, offering readers’ experts in experience with grounded.
I am often asked that I follow the skincare routine – and honestly, it is quite simple. But it has taken some time to find out what actually works for my skin, especially when we deal with age and pollution, stress and changing weather. It does not need to be complicated, simply thoughtful and coherent.
Here is a step-by-step guide that I personally help to maintain my skin health, glow, and we want to catch that young boom.
morning routine
Cleaning (soft cleanser)
I always start my day with a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser. It is important that you snatch your skin of your natural oils – especially in a city like Delhi, where the air is already harsh. I look for materials like glycerin or aloe vera. They hydrate when cleaning, and this is a win.
Toner
I will be honest – I do not use a toner every day. But I use it twice a week, especially on sweaty, humid days or after running with my dogs in the morning. This adds that freshly tacked and helps to balance the skin. I cling to alcohol-free toner with rose water or hyaluronic acid-soothing and light.
Antioxidant serum
This is one of my favorite steps. I rotate between a vitamin C serum or a zinc or copper peptide serum. These materials are my small shields against pollution and stress. Just a few drops, gently pressed into the skin, and I am ready to throw Delhi’s smoke. At its top, I either use a moisturizer or move directly towards sunscreen, depending on how my skin feels that day.
Moisturizer
I like a light, non-comedogenic formula that hydrates without feeling heavy. Hyaluronic acid or squalan usually trick me.
Sunscreen
Never leave it. Sometimes. A comprehensive spectrum is SPF 30 or higher non-perfect-even on cloud days. Ever since I became a dermatologist, sunscreen has been my product forever. No matter how tired or unhealthy I feel, I never go out without it. And yes, I often use a tinted sunscreen – perfect for light coverage when I have to stay on camera!
Evening routine
Cleaning (again!)
At the end of the day, I clean again – it is important to remove sunscreen and day’s ground. Sometimes I do double cleaning, starting with an oil-based cleanser, after which my regular gentle is one, especially when I wore makeup or out for a long time.
Exfoliation (2-3 times a week)
I use light exfoliates such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid once or twice a week. It helps with texture and makes the skin look fresh. On other nights, I like to use a natural mixture – red and white sandalwood powder, Shilljeet and other clean materials. It is preservative-free and looks surprising.
Treatment serum
I apply a retinol or retinoid serum some night a week – only on areas with fine lines. A hydrating serum was followed to keep my skin calm and supported.
Moisturizer or night cream
Some rich means at night. I go for cream with ceramids or antioxidants – anything that helps in the skin repair overnight.
Bonus: Weekly Mask and Monthly Remedies
Once a week, I like to indulge in a hydrating sheet mask or overnight mask – especially when pollution seems heavy. Monthly, I go for treatment such as peels, micro-dadling or darma pen session to maintain glow.
And, of course – I never forget the basics: stay hydrated, eat well, and get good sleep. This is my skincare mantra – because the glowing skin begins from within.