Potion control: The simplest guide to great skin right now

Cleanse your skin in the morning and at night, moisturise it, and use sunscreen. “Everything else is an add-on,” says Sharad. “This is true for people of all ages and skin types throughout the year,” Agarwal agrees. But be consistent. Make it as much a part of your routine as brushing your teeth.

“Previously, we didn’t have great face washes; now, pH-balanced cleansers are available, so toners are obsolete,” says Agarwal. “Using a serum all the time is also unnecessary because not every skin requires niacinamide or retinol on an AHA, especially if you are in your early 20s,” says Sharad. Skin type changes with age, so products must change too.

If you’ve ever used salicylic acid for breakouts or an alpha-hydroxy facial peel, you’re familiar with chemical exfoliation. Facial scrubs can be replaced by chemical exfoliation, but the key (as usual) is moderation. “Exfoliating scrubs like the nut shell or salt or sugar ones might do your skin more harm than good. Replace with an AHA or BHA serum which is less abrasive,” says Sharad. “Keep in mind that even this is not mandatory.” Use it once a week at most, Agarwal warns. More than that and your skin will flare up.

If you’re using a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, you’re doing wonders for your skin already. But are you using enough? “Adequate sunscreen for the face means enough to cover two entire fingers,” says Sharad. Remember: Even the best sunscreens wear off after two-three hours, so top up through the day.

This is one of the thinnest, most sensitive areas of your body and the first to reveal signs of ageing. Use moisturiser for hydration and don’t forget the sunscreen.

Begin with light weight products and work up to heavier, thicker formulations. “So after cleansing your face, use a serum, which is a liquid, and then a lotion or a cream and then your sunscreen. And, when using an oil at night, use it last,” says Agarwal. “Avoid layering too many serums on the skin; use one at a time,” Sharad advises. “Don’t combine too many activities, such as retinol and vitamin C, or retinol and benzoyl peroxide, and so on.” And never skip moisturiser, says Agarwal.

Gua shas and jade rollers firm the skin and drain the lymph glands under the eyes. “But the best and most effective tool for this is a pair of clean hands,” says Agarwal.

New products generally show visible results after four to six weeks since the natural repair cycle of skin cells is roughly 28 days, says Agarwal. So stick to a product for at least two months to see what works and what doesn’t.