Skincare Obsession

Bini Dahal

I may miss an important meeting but there are certain things that are non-negotiable in the morning. They include a heavy breakfast, a light workout and a proper skincare routine. I do not know when this obsession with skincare came over me but it has become a big habit. The skincare industry seems to have evolved greatly. With the growing digitalisation in Nepal, searching for and buying foreign skincare products is no more of a problem. 

However, this was not the case before. The Ayurvedic traditional homemade packs were considered the best for healthier skin. But with growing consumerism and the need for instant results, consumers have begun searching for chemical products. Skincare is essential to protect the skin, the largest organ in the human body. Today, we are exposed to a high level of pollution, unhealthy food habits, stress and makeup. These factors lead to the deterioration of the texture and quality of the skin. Also, with growing age, collagen production starts going down, showing signs of ageing. So people apply skincare products to reverse ageing. 

Cashing on in these issues, cosmetic companies today earn millions and billions all through proper marketing. There are trends in ‘skincare routine’ that involve the use of more than five products, one after another for radiant and healthy skin. So, this is a heavy investment on the part of consumers.  The biggest issue with a growing cosmetic market or industry is the inability of individuals to identify the right product for themselves. For instance, sunscreen is considered to be one of the most important products that every individual should include in their everyday routine. 

But we are bombarded with a variety of products. There are mineral and chemical sunscreens. So, in general, a fragrance sunscreen with little coverage and the presence of harmful chemicals is not considered fit for the skin. You may ask why such hype for skincare brands and their products is there. It is simple. Today’s generation has a growing want for good health and overall wellness. And skincare is the way that aids in a happier and healthier wellbeing. 

There are products that have been designed to target skin-related issues that a person is facing. Social media influencers take up the trouble to test the effectiveness of a product and inform the viewers about its pros and cons. Efforts and consistencies are important for everything. So, the same thing applies to the use of skincare products, too. However, it is crucial to contemplate if our efforts are going in the right direction or not. But what is more important to understand is that the target should be right.

While we do get to learn a lot about skincare through social media, it is always a good idea to receive medical advice and help to ensure the effectiveness of the efforts we make. Everyone has a different skin type and there are genetics and internal health factors playing a key role in showing the condition of the skin. So, sometimes, the blanket approach can damage the skin barrier instead of improving it. As long as we ourselves don't take care of our health and diet, skin conditions cannot be solely dependent on the wonderfully packaged products. Individuals need to understand the careful use of these products. At the end of the day, it is a balance of one and many things!