Indians are moving away from elaborate skincare routines towards simpler, more mindful approaches. Deepti Kulkarni, founder and certified skincare formulator at KASS, explains this shift in consumer behavior. The brutal summers and harsh climate have prompted a break from multi-step routines, with many now adopting minimal essential skincare.
From Trends to Conscious Choices
Initially, the shift was driven by influencer culture and ingredient obsession. People incorporated niacinamide, vitamin C, and azelaic acid without understanding their needs. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated self-care, but the change was impulsive rather than strategic. However, as information flooded the internet, dermatologists' content gained traction alongside influencers. Today's young generation researches thoroughly before purchasing, relying on community discussions, reviews, and transparency.
The Rise of Mindful Skincare
Consumers have evolved from following trends to genuinely caring for their skin. This generational shift, combined with easy access to information and constant evaluation, leads to simpler, long-term beneficial routines. The focus is now on actual skin health rather than fleeting trends.
About the Author: The TOI Lifestyle Desk is a dynamic team of dedicated journalists who curate lifestyle news for The Times of India readers, covering fashion, travel, food, wellness, and more.



