Fight pigmentation with this dermatologist's impressive skincare routine
Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta reveals her secrets
A dermatologist’s skincare routine is like biryani, everybody has their own version. For some, it’s a basic cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen. Others indulge in self-care by layering acids through multiple steps.
In this series, we turn to professionals for guidance on what to choose, and what to avoid, by peeking into a dermatologist’s skincare routine.
Delhi-based Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta of ISAAC Luxe shares her skincare essentials.
Pigmentation-fighting products to steal from this dermatologist’s skincare routine
1. Bioderma Micellar Water
“On a regular day which includes a workout, spending time with my clients and family, I come back home and start by double cleansing my face. I wet my cotton wipe with Bioderma Micellar Water and gently wipe my face and neck,” says Gupta.
Micellar water is a great first cleanser, and the Bioderma Micellar water has a cult following of its own.
It contains cleansing molecules that break up long-stay foundation and waterproof mascara, but follow it up with a face wash like Gupta does to avoid leaving a residual film on your skin.
2. Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
When you have a full face of makeup, it’s best to leave the heavy lifting of proper cleansing to a cleansing oil or balm.
Gupta explains, “If I’ve come back from an event or a party where I was wearing heavy makeup, I like to use an oil cleanser, like Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil to make sure I get all my foundation off before I use my face wash.”
3. Filorga Foam Cleanser
French brand Filorga’s cleanser seems to be a favourite among dermatologists.
The Filorga mousse demaquillante foam cleanser is infused with hyaluronic acid.
It gently cleanses your face, giving it some hydration and “doesn’t strip my skin of all oils,” says Gupta. “My skin feels squeaky clean but not stretched or dry.”
3. SkinCeuticals C E serum with Hyaluronic acid
The benefits of Vitamin C in your skincare routine are aplenty. Clarity, smoothness, brightness and overall skin health, there’s a concentration of ascorbic acid for pretty much every skin type. You just have to find the one that works best for you.
Gupta’s pick is the SkinCeuticals C E serum which contains power-packed ingredients like 15% L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), glycerin, tocopherol, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid and panthenol.
“This serum is my go-to skin elixir for antioxidant-rich repair and protection.”
4. SK-II R.N.A.POWER Radical New Age Cream
SK-II has already garnered a devout following around the world with its Facial Treatment Essence, dubbed “Miracle Water” in Asia. Adding to the fanfare is their anti-ageing face cream.
“This is a fairly new product that comes with its patent R.N.A complex and I feel it does wonders for pigmented skin. It makes it more firm and hydrated. With winters drying the skin, I sometimes add 2-3 drops of La Mer facial oil for more intense hydration.”
5. Shangpree Gold Hydrogel Eye Mask
Eye masks aren’t exactly essential in a skincare routine. But they can be a quick pick-me-up in the morning for puffy eyes and a soothing indulgence in an evening routine. Shangpree is a favourite in this bracket, with different variations targeting different problems.
“This is really the time when I treat my eyes to a spa-like moment,” says Gupta. “It’s a hydrogel under eye mask made with gold and pearl extracts. It helps control puffiness, tiredness and feels super luxurious.”
6. Foto Ultra 100 ISDIN Active Unify Fusion Fluid SPF 100+
No dermatologist’s skincare routine would be complete without the use of sunscreen. Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful sun damage, skin cancer, and is the first line of defence when it comes to skin ageing.
“I am religious when it comes to sunscreen and this one not only protects me from UVA and UVB rays but also corrects pigmentation caused by sun exposure.”