Every journey begins with a backstory, and mine is no different. Here’s how it all started, the lessons I learned along the way, and where it ultimately led me.

2020: A Small Step, A Big Beginning

My skincare journey began during the 2020 lockdown. With plenty of time to reflect and experiment, I impulsively purchased a cleanser and a dot and key sunscreen (not available in market now). What seemed like a small decision turned out to be the first step in an extensive transformation.

At the time, my skin had its fair share of struggles: red patches, acne marks, dark spots, pigmentation—you name it, I had it. Like many, I ignored these issues, not realizing their impact until the world became increasingly skincare-conscious.

The Social Media Trap: The 12-Step Skincare Routine

Inspired (or overwhelmed) by social media trends, I dove headfirst into a 12-step skincare routine. For someone who didn’t even own a moisturizer, this was a radical change. At first, the results were encouraging—my skin looked brighter and felt softer.

However, as I researched more about ingredients and products, I learned a harsh truth: not everything marketed as “essential” is good for your skin. Some products worked wonders, but others left me with breakouts and persistent pimples. My routine became a rollercoaster of homemade remedies, harsh chemicals, and trial-and-error experimentation.

2023: My First Dermatologist Visit

By 2023, I decided to seek professional help. My first dermatologist surprised me by saying my skin was “perfect.” While the comment boosted my confidence, I knew my skin wasn’t as flawless as she suggested. Her prescribed products included a night cream, supplements (which made me nauseous), and a new sunscreen. Unfortunately, only the night cream suited my skin. The experience was expensive and disheartening.

2024: The Turning Point

In 2024, a friend recommended her dermatologist in Nagpur. After a 2-3 hour wait, I finally met her (Dr. Shivani Mane). She immediately identified issues I hadn’t even considered and completely revamped my skincare routine. While her advice showed some improvement, certain products didn’t suit me, like a sunscreen that left a chalky, white-yellowish residue.

Finding Balance: My Personal Routine

After years of trial, error, and expensive experiments, I realized the key wasn’t in chasing trends or trying every new product. Instead, it was about consistency, understanding what my skin truly needed, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

I crafted a routine that combined the best advice from professionals, simple homemade remedies, and products that genuinely worked for me. Along the way, I discovered the importance of staying hydrated, eating mindfully, and being patient with my skin. This holistic approach transformed not just my skin but also my confidence.

What’s Next?

Caring for my skin every day, without skipping the essentials, has transformed not just my skin but my approach to self-care.

My skincare journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions, experiments, and lessons. In my next blog, I’ll share the exact skincare routine I follow. This includes the homemade remedies. I’ll also discuss the products that finally made a difference.

Until then, remember: Skincare isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.