Acne, pigmentation and sunscreen: How India’s skincare habits are growing up fast

Causes of acne breakouts: Young people today live under stress, poor sleep patterns, high-sugar diets, pollution and humidity, all of which drive inflammation, say experts (Image: Pexels)

When it comes to skincare, the new generation is both conscious and careful. Acne is no longer just a teenage rite of passage, sunscreen is finally taken seriously, and popping supplements is now part of everyday beauty talk. According to experts, this shift isn’t cosmetic, it’s cultural.

Acne used to arrive with adolescence and leave by adulthood. Not anymore. Dermatologists now see breakouts starting earlier and lingering longer, even among pre-teens. “Hormones are only part of the picture,” Dr Anindita Sarkar, Chief Medical Officer, Clinikally, tells Moneycontrol. She adds, “Young people today live under stress, poor sleep patterns, high-sugar diets, pollution and humidity, all of which drive inflammation.”

Ironically, this generation knows its ingredients but not always its skin. Overuse of exfoliating acids and retinoids, often without guidance, has led to damaged skin barriers and stubborn breakouts. “They know ingredients, not integration,” Dr Sarkar notes, stressing the importance of simplified, expert-led routines.

Also read | Say goodbye to acne breakouts with these simple skincare secrets

The days of aggressively ‘drying out’ acne are numbered. Treatments now focus on understanding root causes, whether stress, microbiome imbalance or over-exfoliation. “Acne care today is about rebalancing, not suppressing. Barrier repair, mild actives, and proper product sequencing have become as important as spot treatments,” the expert says.

Once dismissed as optional, or worse, cosmetic, sunscreen is now a non-negotiable. “Education from dermatologists and social media has helped Indians understand that UV damage worsens everything from acne marks to melasma,” she says, and adds that the usage has moved beyond the face to necks, hands and even car commutes. “Lightweight, tinted formulas suited to Indian weather are making daily application far more realistic,” Dr Sarkar says.

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Furthermore, pigmentation remains one of the trickiest concerns for Indian skin. The new shift focuses on less bleaching, more healing. “Ingredients like tranexamic acid, azelaic acid and niacinamide are favoured for calming inflammation rather than shocking the skin. In clinics, microneedling and laser toning are used conservatively, paired with barrier support to prevent rebound pigmentation,” opines Dr Sarkar.

Perhaps the biggest change is internal. Supplements, collagen, omega-3s, zinc, biotin, are now routine, not indulgent. “Topicals can only go so far if internal balance is off,” says Dr Sarkar. With growing awareness of the gut–skin connection, dermatology is becoming more integrative, addressing stress, sleep and nutrition alongside creams and serums.

Skincare in 2025

Dr Sarkar shares what really shaped skincare in 2025:

Earlier onset and longer duration of acne

Barrier-focused, personalised treatments

Daily sunscreen as treatment, not add-on

Pigmentation care centred on inflammation control

Supplements as a core part of skin and hair routines

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.