The skincare revolution of recent times has resulted in everything from complex acids to potent active ingredients placed over the counter within the reach of the everyday skincare enthusiasts. However, the collateral damage from spoon-feeding your skin multiple active ingredients at the same time in high concentrations can result in redness, irritation and sudden, unexplained breakouts. If that defeats the purpose of your diligent skincare efforts, allow microdosing to play referee by negating the side-effects of multiple active ingredients and monitoring its dosage to only allow your skin as much as it can take. Ahead, a detailed guide on how and why to introduce microdosing to your skincare routine and which ingredients to begin with.
What is skincare microdosing and why do we need it?
Dr Madhuri Agarwal, founder of Yavana Aesthetics Clinic, believes that more isn’t always merrier in skincare. “Anything used in excess is not good, and the same principle applies to your skincare. Over the past few years, we have observed an increase in skincare actives, such as retinol, vitamin C and AHAs/BHAs, which have become easily available over the counter in higher concentrations. The use of multiple actives in the same day over a period of time can lead to skin changes, known as irritant or allergic contact dermatitis,” she explains. The fallout of consistently feeding your skin too many active ingredients can result in redness, peeling, itching, burning, dry flaky skin and breakouts. Over time, it can lead to damage to the skin barrier which causes skin sensitivity.
This is where skincare microdosing comes in, as a saviour for stressed skin. However, the concept isn’t unique to the world of skincare—with its roots in the pharmaceutical industry, microdosing has since found popularity in the form of baby Botox for a more natural appearance. And now, it has come for the world of skincare. Dr Agarwal adds, “The concept of microdosing is often practised in medicine for maximising the benefits of drugs without adverse effects. Similarly, microdosing in skincare involves introducing small (micro) quantities (dose) of skincare products with lower concentrations to your everyday routine to gradually give the skin time to adapt to it and start showing results.”
Should you try skincare microdosing?
The payoff for making the switch is manifested in sustained results over a long period of time as opposed to immediate, one-time effect. If you’d like to get in on the former, Dr Agarwal would like you to know that everyone is an ideal candidate for it. She says, “There is no one-size-fits-all rule but the less-is-more motto is applicable to anyone using skincare. Microdosing helps the skin become less irritated, reactive and more stable. The benefits of the active ingredient you are using will be even more prominent in the long run, leading to healthy, glowing skin. While everyone is welcome to avail the benefits of microdosing, it should definitely be mandatory for dry and sensitive skin types.”