Have you ever wondered when exactly skincare became so important that it demanded 8-10 steps to be fully realized? In the age of social media, where everyone is under scrutiny, it makes sense to care for the very foundation of beauty — the skin. The incredible pace of our daily lives has also ushered in an era where skincare has become a form of self-care. That feel-good factor now defines an industry expected to generate $186.60 billion in revenue worldwide. When it comes to skincare, the stakes are really high.
Many content creators on social media share skin hacks, quick fixes to help you look and feel your best. Nipun Kapur Sohal, a UAE-based certified skincare consultant and influencer, is different. She is known for debunking common skincare myths that others often rave about. For instance, the belief that actives are not good for the skin is a myth, she says. “Actives have existed in skincare for over 100 years and were used by prestigious brands like Elizabeth Arden and Shiseido. Ingredients like milk extract and sugarcane are natural sources of lactic acid, an AHA. The legendary 8-Hour Cream from Elizabeth Arden contained salicylic acid. Today, lab-produced actives are more affordable for companies and consumers alike.”
Actives like alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids are now staples in modern skincare. For acne, apply salicylic acid. For hyperpigmentation, use lactic acid. However, the skin can suffer if these actives are overused or improperly applied. “Today, these actives are available in individual formats from brands like The Ordinary, in medium-to-high concentrations. Overuse can severely damage the skin barrier and cause long-term side effects. Education is key, and while some brands have done a great job of educating consumers, many have not,” Nipun explains.
Nipun’s passion for skincare started when she was a young girl intrigued by her mother’s beauty regimen. “She had a simple but dedicated routine that she followed for as long as she lived. As a little girl, I was in awe of her beauty and the beautiful creams she used. That laid the foundation for what I do today. It’s incredibly personal.”
The simple skincare regimen is not so simple anymore. Nipun has trademarked a formula she claims delivers the best results: the C4 Method, which stands for Cleanse, Correct, Complement, and Cover. Cleansing involves routine washing of the face. Correcting means using serums or treatments that address skin problems. Complementing involves adding a serum that aids the primary treatment, ideal for issues like melasma, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines. Covering involves applying sunscreen during the day and night cream.
“I am also an ardent Korean skincare user and believer. However, the skin’s needs vary not just by ethnicity but also by location, weather, lifestyle, and diet. When Korean skincare boomed, people overdosed their skin with serums, essences, and creams without understanding their skin’s needs. Hence, I trademarked the C4 Method to simplify routines. Consumers need to buy less but buy right,” she says. Nipun started creating skincare content on TikTok in mid-2021 and moved to YouTube in April 2022 before diving into Instagram. “My views resonate because I am the voice of reason in an industry hyperfocused on sales. I don’t endorse; I educate. I actively influence.”
Nipun dismisses the notion that pharmaceutical or medical-grade skincare is more effective than products from beauty brands. “If you need a prescription, it’s medical grade. Anything else is just skincare. For example, CeraVe is sold in pharmacies but is not more or less effective than brands in Sephora. Pharmacy is a location, not an indication of effectiveness.” She also believes collagen is the most misunderstood skincare ingredient. “Our skin naturally produces collagen, which decreases after age 25. Collagen creams and serums cannot replace lost collagen because the molecule is too large to penetrate the skin. They only hydrate and moisturize. The marketing around collagen-based skincare is often misleading.”
Injectables are another hot topic in the beauty industry. Where skincare products fall short, injectables deliver impressive results. Many women consider injectables to maintain a youthful look amidst growing ageism. “I label a lot of my content ‘anti-aging,’ though I dislike the term, because algorithms favor it. The goal of skincare is to feel good in your skin, whether through topical products or injectables. However, it is entirely possible to enjoy life without such interventions,” Nipun asserts.
Misconceptions extend to haircare too. “People moving to the UAE often blame local water for hair loss. Inadequate Vitamin D3 levels are a more prevalent cause. Modern city living reduces exposure to natural sunlight, necessary for Vitamin D3 production. Annual checkups, consulting healthcare providers, and taking the right supplements are crucial,” says Nipun. “Additionally, using sulfate-free shampoos can prevent hair dryness, which weakens hair follicles and leads to hair loss.”
Constant exposure to air conditioning can also dry out the skin. “Investing in dehumidifiers, especially for the bedroom, is wise. Our skin loses water while we sleep, known as trans-epidermal water loss. A dehumidifier supports skin health. Products with ceramides and peptides are also beneficial as they protect the natural skin barrier,” she advises.
As a skincare consultant, Nipun aims to help men and women see their beauty through skincare and become their best selves. “I will continue to educate as many people as possible on skincare to empower them to make the right choices,” she says. “There is a book called Servant Leadership by Robert K. Greenleaf that has deeply impacted me. I take my role as a servant leader seriously; it is a privilege to serve a community. Skincare is my passion, my passion is my purpose, and my purpose is to serve.”