The Essential Indian Skincare Guide – Expert Tips for Indian Skin, Common Mistakes, and the Right Routine for Glowing Skin

Oct 15, 2025

—

Indian skin, known for its diverse tones, rich melanin, and resilience, requires a skincare approach that balances hydration, sun protection, and gentle nourishment. In a recent conversation on the GunjanShouts YouTube channel, Shaily Mehrotra, the Founder and CEO of Fix Derma, shared a comprehensive skincare guide specifically tailored for Indian skin types.

From daily habits to the science behind common concerns like pigmentation and acne, her insights help decode what truly works—and what’s just hype. This detailed guide compiles her expert tips, facts, and evidence-backed practices for maintaining healthy, radiant skin in Indian climates.

Understanding Indian Skin: What Makes It Unique

Indian skin is usually categorized as Type III to Type V on the Fitzpatrick scale—meaning it tans easily but rarely burns. This gives natural protection from UV radiation but also makes it more prone to hyperpigmentation and uneven tone.

Common Features of Indian Skin:

Feature	Description	Implication
Higher Melanin	Naturally darker pigment	Protects from sunburn but causes pigmentation and tanning
Combination Type	Oily in T-zone, dry elsewhere	Needs balanced hydration
Heat and Humidity Sensitivity	Prone to acne and clogged pores	Requires light, non-comedogenic products
Pollution Exposure	Urban pollution and hard water	Leads to dullness, roughness, and premature aging

The Founding Story of Fix Derma – From Problem to Purpose

Shaily Mehrotra founded Fix Derma after realizing that dermatologically tested, affordable, and effective skincare was largely missing from the Indian market. While luxury skincare dominated the shelves, very few brands addressed specific Indian skin concerns like tanning, uneven tone, acne scars, and dryness from hard water exposure.

Her brand philosophy focuses on “dermaceutical solutions”—a blend of dermatology and cosmeceuticals—ensuring clinical efficacy without making skincare unaffordable. Today, Fix Derma operates in over 40 countries and offers a wide range of dermatologist-recommended products designed for tropical climates like India’s.

The Truth About Indian Skincare Habits

One key observation Mehrotra made is that Indian women spend less than 5 minutes a day on skincare, compared to an average of 15–20 minutes in Korea or Japan. The result? Many rely heavily on home remedies or viral trends instead of consistent, science-backed care.

Common Mistakes:

Skipping Sunscreen Indoors: UV rays can penetrate windows; consistent SPF use is essential.
Overusing DIY Masks: Lemon, baking soda, or toothpaste can irritate and damage skin barriers.
Ignoring Hydration: Oily skin still needs moisturizer—dehydration triggers more oil production.
Layering Too Many Products: More is not always better; mixing actives like AHA, BHA, and retinol can cause irritation.
Neglecting Night Care: Skin regenerates at night; skipping night cream delays repair.

The Essential Skincare Routine for Indian Skin

A good skincare routine doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. According to Shaily Mehrotra, consistency and simplicity are the keys.

Time	Step	Product Type	Purpose
Morning	Cleanser	Mild foaming or gel-based	Removes oil and impurities
	Moisturizer	Lightweight, non-comedogenic	Hydrates without clogging pores
	Sunscreen	SPF 30+ broad spectrum	Protects against UV and pollution
Evening	Cleanser	Gentle face wash	Clears dirt and makeup
	Serum (optional)	Vitamin C / Niacinamide	Brightens and repairs
	Moisturizer	Hydrating cream	Locks in moisture overnight

Pro Tip:

Even in monsoon or winter, SPF is non-negotiable. Studies show that 90% of premature aging signs are caused by UV exposure, not age itself.

Sunscreen – The Most Underrated Product in India

One of the strongest points emphasized by Mehrotra is that Indians underestimate the power of sunscreen. Despite our melanin protection, India records one of the highest rates of pigmentation and uneven skin tone, mostly due to unprotected sun exposure.

Key Facts:

Use SPF 30–50, depending on outdoor activity.
Reapply every 3–4 hours when outdoors.
Opt for gel-based sunscreens in humid cities like Mumbai or Chennai.
Prefer cream-based formulas in dry regions like Delhi or Jaipur.

Quick Comparison Table

Type	Ideal For	Texture	Example Ingredients
Gel-based	Oily/Combination Skin	Lightweight	Zinc oxide, Niacinamide
Cream-based	Dry/Normal Skin	Rich, hydrating	Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides
Matte Finish	Humid Weather	Oil-free	Titanium dioxide, Silica

Tackling Common Indian Skin Problems

1. Acne and Breakouts

Caused by humidity, stress, or harsh cleansers. Use gentle foaming washes with salicylic acid and avoid thick creams.

2. Pigmentation and Tanning

Treat with Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and sunscreen. Avoid fairness creams with bleach or mercury.

3. Dryness from Hard Water

Many Indian cities have hard water, leading to flakiness. Use pH-balanced cleansers and hydrating serums.

4. Dullness and Uneven Tone

Exfoliate weekly with lactic acid or glycolic acid; eat antioxidant-rich foods for natural glow.

5. Cracked Heels and Rough Skin

Mehrotra recommends urea-based foot creams and mild exfoliation 2–3 times a week.

Trending Skincare Myths Busted by Experts

Myth	Reality
“Fairness creams lighten skin”	They often damage skin barrier and cause rebound tanning
“Sheet masks hydrate deeply”	Most offer temporary glow without lasting moisture
“Children can use adult serums”	Harsh actives can harm young skin; avoid under 16
“Natural = Safe”	Not all natural ingredients are suitable; lemon, turmeric, or essential oils can irritate
“You don’t need sunscreen indoors”	UVA rays pass through glass and screens

Adapting Skincare by Climate and Region

India’s vast climate variations mean skincare cannot be one-size-fits-all.

Region	Climate Type	Skincare Focus
North India (Delhi, Chandigarh)	Dry, cold winters	Rich moisturizers, creamy sunscreens
South India (Chennai, Kerala)	Hot, humid	Gel cleansers, light moisturizers
West India (Mumbai, Goa)	Coastal, high humidity	Oil-free products, anti-pollution serums
East India (Kolkata, Assam)	Humid, moderate sun	Hydrating yet light skincare routine

How to Build a Minimalist Routine That Works

Mehrotra emphasizes that the goal isn’t to own 20 products—it’s to use the right 4 or 5 regularly.

Ideal Starter Kit:

Gentle Cleanser
Moisturizer
Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
Targeted Serum (optional)
Night Cream

By following this routine for even 6 weeks, most people notice visible improvements in texture, tone, and hydration.

Final Thoughts

Indian skincare needs a balance of science, discipline, and protection. Instead of following Western or Korean routines blindly, it’s crucial to understand our own environment and skin physiology.

As Shaily Mehrotra puts it:

“Good skincare is not about being expensive—it’s about being consistent.”

Start simple, stay regular, and protect your skin daily. Over time, it rewards you with lasting health and natural glow.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional dermatological advice. Always consult a certified dermatologist before starting or changing your skincare routine.

About the author

I’m Himanshu Dhar, a dedicated MIS trainer proudly associated with I Turn Institute. My journey in the realm of data management and automation spans over 14 enriching years. My passion for this field extends to freelancing projects, where I bring real-world practicality into my teaching. My impact in education is marked by the success of over 25,000 students I’ve had the privilege of mentoring, hailing from diverse backgrounds. Beyond the classroom, I’ve had the honor of conducting corporate training sessions and seminars, catering to the unique needs of businesses. Let’s unlock your potential together in the realm of data analysis and automation.