Build a Custom Skincare Routine with Expert Ingredient Advice
Stop chasing trends and confusing product lists. I break down ingredients, review products, and show you exactly how to build a routine that works for your unique skin needs.
Here is a look at my personal nighttime skincare routine. I walk you through each step, from makeup removal and cleansing to applying under-eye cream and serum, explaining the purpose of each product.
The most important step in your evening skincare routine is the cleanser. I share my genuine recommendations for different skin types, including options for dry, combination, oily, and sensitive skin.
Is your Vitamin C serum effective? This quick demonstration shows you how to tell if a serum has oxidized by its color and consistency, ensuring you get the full antioxidant benefit from your product.
Healthy aging is about nurturing your skin with powerful, gentle ingredients. I discuss the synergistic benefits of Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Acid and review a serum that combines all three.
For those with oily skin, a simple three-step routine can make a huge difference. I recommend a salicylic acid cleanser, a gel-based sunscreen, and a retinol-based night cream to manage excess oil.
I took a trip to Target to give my honest, dermatologist-edition reactions to popular drugstore skincare. See which products get a "yes" and which are a "hard pass," from brands like CeraVe, Neutrogena, and L'Oréal.
La Roche-Posay is a brand trusted by dermatologists globally, and it's finally in India. I review the Mela B3 serum, explaining how its key ingredients, Melasyl and Niacinamide, work to reduce dark spots on Indian skin.
Radiant skin is about more than just one product. While I review the True Derma Absolute Radiant Serum, I also emphasize that its effects are amplified by a holistic lifestyle including sun protection, exercise, and a healthy diet.
Why do your lips need extra care? This post begins a series explaining the unique biology of your lips, which makes them more delicate and deserving of special attention.
Your lips have fewer pigment cells than the rest of your skin. This anatomical diagram illustrates why they appear pink or red and are more vulnerable to sun damage.
About Building Your Routine: Products & Ingredients
The most common mistake I see is layering products in the wrong order. Your skin cannot absorb what it cannot reach. Always follow the golden rule of viscosity: start with your cleanser and toner, move to your lightweight serums, and finish with your thickest cream. If you are applying a heavy oil before a water-based serum, you are blocking the active ingredients from doing their actual job.
Building a routine is not about buying every viral product; it is about choosing ingredients that target your specific physiological needs. When I review products, I look for stability and efficacy. For instance, Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, but if the packaging is clear and not opaque, it oxidizes quickly, becoming useless before it ever touches your skin. I often see patients spending money on products that have already degraded on the shelf.
My approach centers on consistency, not complexity. Whether you are dealing with acne, pigmentation, or simply want to maintain a healthy barrier, your routine should focus on these pillars:
- Cleansing (Gentle, not stripping)
- Treatment (Targeted actives like Niacinamide or Retinol)
- Protection (Sunscreen is non-negotiable)
- Hydration (Tailored to your skin type)
We also need to talk about the 'viral product effect' – just because a product is popular or widely marketed does not mean it is right for your unique skin barrier. I frequently audit patient regimens and find that removing irritants is just as effective as adding new treatments. Your skin is an organ, not a marketing canvas. If you are feeling lost in the industry noise, let us look at your current stash, strip out what is not working, and build a regimen that respects your skin’s biology.
Radhika Kopikar
I am Dr. Radhika Kopikar. I run my clinic in Vikhroli, Mumbai, where I combine 14 years of dermatology experience with a holistic view of skin health. My goal is to empower you with the science behind your skin, not just sell you a routine.
Looking for specific skincare advice?
Search for ingredients, routines, or skin conditions.
More from Holistic Skin & Wellness Consultation by Radhika Kopikar
More services by Radhika Kopikar