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Don’t we all wish skincare was a one-size-fits-all formula – no need for concern-centered potions, daunting regimens, and tedious treatments? But since that’s not the case, it’s important to customise a routine that tends to your specific skin type and needs. While this may seem overwhelming, at the very least, fret not; following a simple cleanser-serum-moisturiser-sunscreen routine can do absolute wonders for your skin.
The best part about indulging in a CSMS skincare routine is that it is as simple as whipping up coffee or combing your hair. It’s quick, convenient, and an effective way of ensuring basic skin hygiene daily. But curating a regimen suited to your skin type and concerns isn’t as much of a cakewalk as you’d think – which is why we’re offering our assistance. The Nykaa team has customised a well-researched, concern-led CSMS routine featuring top-rated formulations for those grappling with acne, pigmentation, dullness, and open pores.
A CSMS Skincare Routine To Fight Pigmentation
Those grappling with hyperpigmentation are in desperate need of active-infused formulations that tackle the concern head-on. Azelaic acid, kojic acid, and tranexamic acid are a few of the many ingredients that you’d find listed on the label of a pigmentation-curbing product.
CLEANSER: Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser
Slough off dead skin cells, dirt, and grime with Cetaphil’s high-performance offering. Constituting the very first step of your CSMS routine, this dermatologist-recommended cleanser gently eliminates deep-seated dirt to leave your skin feeling super supple and nourished sans skin irritation or adverse allergic reactions.
SERUM: L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid 1.5% Hyaluron Serum
The next step involves inviting a lightweight, albeit ultra-concentrated formula into your skincare regime. Turn to L'Oréal’s potent offering that boasts micro-epidermic hyaluronic acid to address mature lines. L'Oréal Paris’ solution targets fine lines, wrinkles, and dull, tired-looking skin. Better yet, it has been clinically tested on Asian skin types – with stellar results.
MOISTURISER: Nykaa SKINRX Illuminate+ Vitamin C Day Moisturizer
Now comes a more luscious formula to seal in all the goodness. Nykaa SKINRX’s Illuminate+ Day Moisturizer boasts ascorbic acid, amla, Kakadu plum, and sodium ascorbyl phosphate to treat dark spots, dullness, fine lines, and wrinkles, all while improving skin elasticity and brightness. Apply a generous lay all over your face before you hit the hay.
SUNSCREEN: Dr Sheth Ceramide & Vitamin C Sunscreen
A concentrated concoction of ceramide complex, vitamin complex, hyaluronic acid, and mineral and organic filters to the rescue! These skin-loving ingredients prevent micro-pigmentation, UV and blue light damage, and maximise hydration while strengthening the epidermal barrier. Another selling point is that the formula has garnered a whopping 4.4 rating on Nykaa, and over 47k reviews.
A CSMS Skincare Routine To Fight Acne
Were you aware that a whopping 72.3% of Indian adolescents suffer from acne vulgaris – with it having a significant impact on their quality of life? If you, too, are a victim of stubborn zits, join the club. Reach for formulas imbued with salicylic acid, retinol, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to banish adolescent and adult breakouts.
CLEANSER: The Face Shop Tea Tree Pore Clarifying Gel Cleanser
A renowned Korean skincare brand, The Face Shop Tea Tree Pore Clarifying Gel Cleanser deeply cleanses the skin sans stripping it of its natural moisture. Tested by dermatologists, it boasts three types of exfoliating acids, namely AHA, IP-BHA, and PHA, and is also hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, making it ideal for acne-prone skin.
SERUM: Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum
Minimalist’s 2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum delivers on its promise by curbing sebum production, breakouts, and blackheads. Ideal for oily and acne-prone skin types, trust this well-priced potion to make way for spotlessly clear skin while reducing inflammation.
MOISTURISER: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel
80% stronger skin barrier, 5x hydration, and up to 72 hours moisturisation – Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel caters to all skin types, including acne-prone skin. The non-greasy, weightless texture defends and fortifies your epidermal barrier, locks in moisture, facilitates ingredient absorption, and the list goes on.
SUNSCREEN: CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 30
Meet CeraVe, USA's #1 dermatologist-recommended brand. The scientifically sound range of products is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, paraben-free, and fragrance-free, banking on MVE technology to lend 24-hour-long hydration. The Facial Moisturising Lotion provides SPF 30 broad-spectrum sun protection, while niacinamide helps calm agitated skin.
A CSMS Skincare Routine To Fight Open Pores
We all possess pores, but enlarged ones are a no-go. If you’d rather save up on exorbitantly priced, invasive treatments to dwindle pore size, consider our simple CSMS routine, perfectly curated with product recommendations for your concern. It’s time to turn to retinol, salicylic acid, and niacinamide, among other active ingredients.
CLEANSER: The Ordinary Squalene Cleanser
Revel in the goodness of squalene that works to zap dirt, grime, and grease. The Ordinary’s Squalene Cleanser keeps the skin hydrated and nourished while dissolving light makeup. Plus, it supports your epidermal barrier, leaving your skin feeling velvety smooth.
SERUM: The Derma Co Pore Minimizing Face Serum
Attack pesky, congested pores and recharge your skin with The Derma Co Pore Minimizing Face Serum. Formulated with 4% niacinamide and p-Refinyl, the fragrance-free elixir reduces the appearance of dilated pores while stimulating collagen synthesis. Better yet, the hard-working formulation also accelerates cell turnover and prevents the slackening of pores.
MOISTURISER: COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream
A medley of 92% snail secretion filtrate and 1,000ppm hyaluronic acid, COSRX’s Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream is known to relieve redness, repair damaged skin, and provide long-lasting hydration. Suitable for all skin types, the gel-based concoction glides on to even out texture for healthier-looking skin.
SUNSCREEN: Foxtale Cover Up Dewy Sunscreen SPF 70 PA++++
A high-performance sun protectant – SPF 70 sounds unheard of – is just what you need to halt skin ageing and open pores, so grab this before you regret it. When used as directed, Foxtale’s Dewy Sunscreen can prevent UV damage and improve skin integrity. Additionally, it’s infamous for brightening your complexion for enhanced luminosity. What more can you ask for?
A CSMS Skincare Routine To Fight Dullness
Plagued by tired-looking, dull skin? Let power-packed actives take the stage. Allow a combination of natural-origin and active ingredients to battle the lack of skin luminosity. Our top-recommended CSMS staples promise to deliver on their promise; the proof is in the pudding – buy it to believe it.
CLEANSER: Lakmé Glycolic Iluminate Facewash
Glycolic acid armours up to fight dull, dehydrated skin. Brightening your complexion by removing dust, oil, and makeup, the potent formula is known to gently exfoliate the skin without abrasive particles. Take our word for it – this power-packed cleanser fits perfectly into your CSMS routine for brighter, radiant skin!
SERUM: Pilgrim Alpha Arbutin & Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Expose your epidermis to the goodness of blueberry extract, alpha arbutin, and vitamin C, all in one! Pilgrim’s coveted offering boasts a trinity of powerful elements, with 93% of consumers claiming it results in brighter skin, 91% agreeing it reduces the appearance of dark spots, and 85% reporting a smoother surface. Skin firmness, even tone, radiance, hydration, and more, all in one bottle!
MOISTURISER: Lotus Herbals White Glow Gel Crème
Lotus Herbals’ bestselling product visibly brightens your complexion, fighting sun damage and tan with SPF 25 PA+++ coverage. An amalgamation of mulberry, saxifrage, and grape extracts, the rich formulation revives, defends, and nourishes the skin throughout the day, perfectly placed at #3 in your healthy-looking skin CSMS routine.
SUNSCREEN: NIVEA Sun UV Face Sensitive Sunscreen
Why is the NIVEA Sun UV Face Sunscreen any different than its competitors, you ask? It’s designed for sensitive skin, is fragrance-free, and boasts a sustainable formula and packaging. Besides being dermatologically tested, the weightless formula is non-sticky, non-irritating, and leaves no white cast on the skin.
A CSMS Skincare Routine To Fight Ageing
All skin ages over time – it’s but a natural growth process. However, if you’d rather save up on exorbitantly priced, invasive treatments to stall or reverse this ageing process, consider our simple CSMS routine, perfectly curated with product recommendations for your concern. It’s time to turn to peptides, ceramides, retinol, and glycolic acid, among other active ingredients.
CLEANSER: Kama Ayurveda Rose & Jasmine Face Cleanser
Revel in the goodness of Ayurveda and rejuvenate your skin with Kama Ayurveda’s gentle face cleanser. It keeps your skin hydrated and nourished while removing light makeup, offering protection against pollutants and preventing blemishes and scarring.
SERUM: L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Action Renewing Anti-Aging Serum
Attack fine lines and wrinkles and recharge your skin with L'Oréal Paris’ potent offering. Formulated with high-performance ingredients, this serum does everything from boosting skin elasticity and density to stalling the telltale signs of ageing. Lightweight and quick-absorbing, this hard-working potion penetrates deep into your skin to improve your overall appearance.
MOISTURISER: Lotus Herbals YouthRx Anti-Ageing Transforming Crème
Featuring a breakthrough Gineplex Youth Compound, Lotus Herbals’ YouthRx Anti-Ageing Transforming Crème is clinically proven to lift and firm your skin. Visibly reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles within a week, it’s also enriched with SPF 25 PA+++ for sun protection that helps keep premature skin ageing at bay.
SUNSCREEN: Clinique Mineral Sunscreen Fluid For Face
A broad-spectrum sun protectant is just what you need to halt skin ageing – so grab this before you regret it. When used as directed, SPF 50 can filter up to 98% of UV rays! Clinique’s high-end skincare offering is a no-nasties formulation that is ultra-lightweight, dermatologically tested, and fragrance-free. It’s safe for children and all skin types, including sensitive skin. What more can you ask for?
Frequently Asked Questions
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How to treat wrinkles, fine lines, and crow’s feet?
Several natural remedies and over-the-counter topical ointments can help minimise the appearance of mature lines. Pick formulae that boast potent active ingredients, including retinol, peptides, ceramides, and kojic acid. To avoid photoaging and prevent sun damage, apply – and reapply – sunscreen when stepping outdoors.
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Is poreless skin a myth?
The fact is, everyone has pores; pores allow for the penetration of substances, help keep your skin clean and healthy, and facilitate the transportation of molecules and ions necessary for cellular function. While some possess microscopic pores that mimic so-called ‘poreless skin’, others have dilated or enlarged pores due to sebum overproduction and dirt buildup, among other factors.
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Should I add a toner to my CSMS skincare routine?
While toners help balance epidermal pH levels and efficiently eliminate excess sebum, dirt, and grime, they aren’t necessary for healthy skin. Today, most cleansers do the job of a toner, so unless you possess extremely oily or acne-prone skin, you do not require a toner.
