In India, most people follow some kind of skincare routine, but small daily mistakes can silently damage the skin over time. Pollution, sun exposure, humidity, dust, sweat, hard water and lifestyle stress make your skin even more sensitive.
Here are the 7 most common skincare mistakes Indians make every day (and how to fix them) explained by dermatologists at Alive Wellness Clinics, Delhi.
Not Applying Sunscreen Daily, Even Indoors
This is the #1 cause of pigmentation, tanning, fine lines and dull skin in India.
Most Indians skip sunscreen on:
- cloudy days
- winter
- staying indoors
BUT UV rays + blue light from phones/laptops still damage skin.
- Use SPF 30–50 every day
- Choose gel-based sunscreen if you have oily skin
- Reapply every 3–4 hours
Consistent sunscreen = clear, youthful skin.
Using Home Remedies That Harm More Than Help
Turmeric, lemon, baking soda, toothpaste, gram flour and aloe vera gel from a plant. These sound natural, but can:
- burn the skin
- worsen pigmentation
- increase sensitivity
- disrupt skin barrier
If you have sensitive skin, especially to Lemon, toothpaste, Dettol, and baking soda, it can be highly damaging.
Avoid DIY hacks. Use dermatologist-approved products suitable for Indian skin tone + climate.
Over-Cleansing the Skin
Many Indians wash their face 3–5 times a day because of sweat or pollution, but overwashing removes natural oils, making skin dry, irritated and acne-prone.
Wash face 2 times a day only — morning & night with a gentle & sulphate-free cleanser.
Sleeping With Makeup On
This causes:
- clogged pores
- blackheads
- acne
- dullness
- premature aging
In Delhi’s pollution, sleeping with makeup is even worse.
Always remove makeup using:
- micellar water
- oil cleanser followed by a gentle cleanser
Double cleansing is the best method.
Not Moisturising Oily Skin
Many people think, “Oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser.” This is WRONG. When you skip moisturiser, skin produces even more oil, causing acne.
Use a lightweight, gel-based moisturiser to balance the skin.
Using Too Many Products at the Same Time
In India, people easily get influenced by:
- Instagram skincare trends
- YouTube routines
- Influencers recommending 10-step routines
Mixing too many actives (retinol, vitamin C, acids) can burn your skin.
Keep it simple:
- Cleanser
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
A treatment (ONLY IF needed)
Consult a dermatologist before using strong actives.
Ignoring Professional Treatments
Many Indian men & women avoid dermatologists due to:
- myths
- fear
- “too expensive” perception
- overconfidence in home remedies
But some issues cannot be fixed at home:
- deep pigmentation
- acne scars
- melasma
- dark spots
- open pores
- anti-ageing concerns
Professional skin treatments give faster, safer, long-lasting results, such as:
- Mesotherapy
- Oxyfacial
- Microneedling
- Anti-aging treatments
- Laser treatment
- Hydrafacial
- PRP
You save months of trial & error.
Final Thoughts
Skincare doesn’t need to be complicated. Just avoid these daily mistakes and choose what suits your skin type + Indian weather.
If you need personalised advice, skin analysis, or advanced treatments (pigmentation, acne scars, glow & anti-ageing), you can consult our dermatologists at:
Alive Wellness Clinics — Delhi’s advanced skin, hair & wellness centre
