8 Key Ingredients You Need in Your Desi Skincare Routine

Think of your Desi skincare routine like it’s a science experiment.

Ingredients, timing, layering, the correct mixtures and quantities are all key.

Add to this already complicated business, the fact that we are constantly bombarded with beautifully packaged products, promising eternal youth.

You may be left feeling that your quest for glowing skin is doomed from the very beginning. But fear not.

To navigate the maze of promised skincare saviours, we need to first turn these lotions and potions over and read the ingredient list.

This will save you time, money and skin irritation, which we have all experienced from our skincare misadventures.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to become a chemist to achieve glowing skin, as DESIblitz has done the hard work for you.

So, whether you know your Hyaluronic Acid from your Hydroxy Acids, get ready to discover the 8 key ingredients you need in your Desi skincare routine.

Sunscreen

It may come as no surprise that we are ranking sunscreen as the most important ingredient in any Desi skincare routine.

If you have not yet incorporated this holy grail ingredient into your skincare routine, you are limiting the effectiveness of anything else you try.

The feeling of being bathed in golden sunshine is amazing.

However, you can indeed have too much of a good thing, and this is the case with sun exposure.

Getting your daily dose of Vitamin D is essential, as long as you are adequately protected.

Some of the risks of overexposure to sunshine include redness, blisters and dark age spots.

Also, premature ageing is due to the breakdown of collagen and elastin and in the worst-case scenario skin cancer.

By regularly using sunscreen that has broad-spectrum protection, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays and at least SPF 30, you can help prevent sun damage.

Long gone are the days when using sunscreen meant smothering yourself in a thick, tacky concoction.

There is now a range of sunscreens that are suitable for different skin types, that blend like a dream and won’t leave you with a white cast.

Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to your face and neck every morning.

We recommend Heliocare 360° Gel Oil-Free SPF 50. It is available in full size (50ml) for £31.00.

Vitamin C

When you think of Vitamin C, images of a refreshing glass of freshly squeezed orange juice may come to mind.

Vitamin C is great for our diets and immune system, as it helps prevent infections and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

But it also works wonders when applied directly onto our skin and should therefore be a staple in your Desi skincare routine.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that strengthens the structure of collagen, resulting in firmer skin and reduced wrinkles.

It can protect the skin from environmental stressors including pollution, which can irritate the skin.

This vitamin can reduce pigmentation by lightening dark spots and reducing red marks left after spots.

Also, if you apply Vitamin C before sunscreen, it will increase the effectiveness of sunscreen and give the skin better protection from UV rays.

Apply Vitamin C to cleansed skin every morning and then follow with a moisturizer and sunscreen.

We recommend Medik8 C -Tetra. It is available in full size (30ml) for £34.90.

Hyaluronic Acid

When you drink a glass of water to quench your thirst, that is exactly what Hyaluronic Acid does for your skin.

A hit of hydration, without a drop of oil or heavy creams in sight.

Hyaluronic Acid is a molecule that is naturally found in your skin and one of the components that promotes skin cell renewal.

It can draw and bind water from the atmosphere into your skin.

Hyaluronic Acid can bind water up to 1000 times its own weight.

So, when you apply Hyaluronic Acid directly to your skin, it increases the skin’s moisture reserves, remedies dry patches, hydrates and instantly adds elasticity to the skin.

The application of this moisture magnet minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, whilst leaving the skin feeling deeply nourished.

Don’t be deceived by the word acid. Hyaluronic Acid is a perfect addition to your Desi skincare routine.

It delivers gentle, non-irritating hydration that is suitable for all skin types including sensitive, oily and acne-prone.

Apply Hyaluronic Acid to cleansed skin every morning and evening, then follow with a moisturiser.

We recommend Medik8 Hydra B5 Serum. It is available in full size (30ml) for £40.00.

Glycolic Acid

If you are looking for a product that offers fewer blemishes, more even skin tone and boosts your collagen production, look no further as Glycolic Acid is what you need in your Desi skincare routine.

Glycolic Acid is a form of Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), a naturally occurring acid.

Glycolic Acid acts as a chemical exfoliant. It can release old, dry surface skin cells and then stimulate cell renewal.

Ridding you of dry, flaking skin and leaving you with a more radiant complexion.

All without having to resort to manual exfoliation and the risk of micro skin tears.

Glycolic Acid can penetrate the skins’ layers deep enough to stimulate the production of collagen.

Thus, improving signs of ageing such as hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles.

Glycolic Acid is also great at fighting breakouts.

Glycolic Acid’s exfoliating powers allow it to effectively target the build-up of sebum and dead skin cells, which can cause breakouts.

By using a product containing Glycolic Acid, you are preparing your skin to absorb other ingredients more effectively and it can help makeup cling to the skin.

Glycolic Acid can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Therefore apply to cleansed skin at night and apply sunscreen the following morning, to protect your skin.

We recommend Glycolic 10 Renewal Overnight. It is available in full size (50ml) for £80.00.

Retinol

Many tales have been told about the effects of Retinol and its seemingly endless benefits.

This is indeed a powerhouse ingredient.

Retinol, also called Vitamin A, works by increasing collagen production and increasing the rate of skin cell turnover.

Retinol is made up of small molecules, allowing it to penetrate deep into the skin.

All of this means that Retinol is one of the best age-prevention ingredients you can add to your Desi skincare routine.

It will target fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, uneven skin tone and enlarged pores. It is also great at combating acne.

Even if you do not have ageing or acne-prone skin, Retinol can help maintain an even skin tone and brighter complexion.

When using Retinol, the skin can sometimes react negatively with dryness, redness and light sensitivity.

To minimize the downsides of using retinol, it is important to let your skin get used to it gradually.

It is best to start with a lower concentration of Retinol and increase to a more concentrated variant afterwards and increase the frequency of application slowly.

Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Therefore, apply to cleansed skin at night and follow with a moisturiser. Apply sunscreen the following morning, to protect your skin.

We recommend Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1. It is available in full size (30ml) for £39.00.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is an ingredient that we are hearing more and more about, and that is because every skin type can benefit from having Niacinamide in their Desi skincare routine.

Niacinamide is great at minimising the appearance of large pores, by strengthening the skin’s elasticity and making the pores contract so they appear smaller.

It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

This makes it great for acne-prone skin as it treats blemishes and helps to regulate sebum production.

Niacinamide also has age prevention properties such as collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and improve texture.

Also, Niacinamide can help create a more even skin tone by reducing the appearance of existing discolouration and it helps prevent new discolouration from appearing.

Niacinamide can also offer a boost of hydration to the skin.

This is a great ingredient for anyone looking for improved hydration, smoother skin texture and tone and a reduction in blackheads, breakouts and redness.

Apply Niacinamide to cleansed skin in the morning and evening, followed by a moisturiser.

We recommend Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster. It is available in full size (20ml) for £44.00.

Peptides

Looking a little lacklustre? Why not add some pep in your step and Desi skincare routine, quite literally with Peptides to firm, plump and smooth your skin.

Peptides are chains of amino acids that are found naturally in the skin.

Peptides act as building blocks of proteins such as collagen, elastin and keratin.

These proteins act as the foundation for your skin and are responsible for its texture, strength and resilience.

As we age our skin loses these proteins. Applying Peptides to the skin helps prevent the signs of ageing caused by the loss of these proteins.

Peptides improve firmness and elasticity, repair the skin’s barrier and soften fine lines and wrinkles.

Even if you do not have ageing skin, every skin type benefits from a Peptide boost.

Apply Peptides to cleansed skin in the morning and evening, followed by a moisturiser.

We recommend Medik8 Liquid Peptides. It is available in full size (30ml) for £45.00.

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic Acid is a triple threat, in that it can help tackle three of the most troublesome skin concerns: acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation.

Azelaic Acid is great at battling acne.

It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help prevent the spread of bacteria which can cause breakouts.

It can also reduce the appearance of post-breakout marks.

To tackle rosacea, Azelaic Acid uses its power to calm inflammation, which in turn reduces redness.

It is also rich in antioxidants which strengthen and protect delicate skin.

Azelaic Acid is effective in helping with hyperpigmentation, as it can slow down the overproduction of melanin to brighten dull areas and reduce dark spots.

Due to Azelaic Acid’s skin-soothing properties, this is an ingredient that can improve any Desi skincare routine.

Apply Azelaic Acid to cleansed skin in the morning and evening and follow with a moisturiser.

We recommend Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster. It is available in full size (30ml) for £37.00 and travel size (5ml) for £8.00.

With filters being applied to every aspect of our lives including our skin, it can be difficult to exist IRL with less than perfect skin.

But, if your skincare routine is something you are dedicating time and energy to every morning and evening, why not make it as enjoyable as possible.

Consider incorporating a quick facial massage into your routine.

You need no more than three minutes.

You can use a jade roller, Gua Sha or your own beautiful hands.

It is a great addition to any Desi Skincare routine, as it relieves facial tension and when you feel good on the inside, this will always shine through.