This influencer is busting myths about 'good' skincare
skincare expert and digital creator Nipun Kapur Sohal of the United Arab Emirates on the dos and don'ts of success in a sales-driven industry
Have you ever pondered the exact moment that skincare became so crucial that it required eight to ten stages to be completely realized? Taking care of one's skin is a no-brainer in this age of constant self-criticism brought about by social media. Meanwhile, in this age of wellness, skincare has practically become a kind of self-care; after all, when you look good, you feel good, and our daily lives move at an incredible pace. A staggering $186.60 billion in revenue is anticipated to be generated globally by this industry, which has become synonymous with that feel-good factor. To sum up, skincare is a game with very high stakes.
That is why a lot of social media influencers will be raving about "skin hacks"—those easy ways to improve your skin's appearance and overall health. Among them, Nipun Kapur Sohal does not belong. The skinfluencer hails from the United Arab Emirates; she is a qualified consultant with a large following who dispels skincare myths that people tend to exaggerate. As an example, common knowledge states that actives aren't great for the skin. "That is just a myth," Nipun informs us. Though they've been around for more than a century, illustrious skincare brands like Elizabeth Arden and Shiseido were the first to use active ingredients. An AHA that occurs naturally in milk and sugarcane, milk extract has long been a staple ingredient. Salicylic acid was a component of Elizabeth Arden's renowned 8-Hour Cream. Today, we have lab-produced actives, which lower production costs for companies and ultimately benefit consumers.
Alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, among others, have become mainstays of contemporary skincare routines. Do you deal with acne? Scrub on some salicylic acid. Excessive coloring? Select lactic acid. As is all too often the case on social media, skimping on active ingredients can have terrible effects on the skin. "The issue is that they are now sold in individual formats by brands like The Ordinary. They are also available in medium to high concentrations, which means that they can be easily overused and cause long-term side effects and severe damage to the skin barrier. This is why education is crucial; some brands, like The Ordinary, have done an excellent job of informing customers through their online content, while others have just copied and pasted.
As a little girl, Nipun was captivated by her mother's vanity case and her products, which sparked her interest in skincare. She stuck to the same basic beauty routine for the rest of her life. In retrospect, I see a small girl who was enchanted by her mother's exquisite good looks and the delightful aroma of the creams she used. That is where my current work is based. It's deeply intimate.
Even the most basic skincare routine has become complicated. Additionally, Nipun has trademarked a recipe that she says gives the skin the best results. "C4" stands for "cleanse," "correct," "complement," and "cover" in the C4 Method. To cleanse, one must wash one's face on a regular basis; to correct, one must use serums or other treatments that address the skin's issues. When treating melasma, hyperpigmentation, or severe fine lines and wrinkles, it is best to supplement the main treatment with a serum. The common belief holds that covering up entails donning sunscreen both during the day and at night.
I also believe in and use Korean skincare products religiously. On the other hand, skin care needs can differ not only by ethnicity but also by geography, climate, lifestyle, and nutrition. As the Korean skincare trend gained popularity, I noticed that many people were also using too many different types of skin care products on their skin without taking the time to learn about their skin's unique needs and the ingredients that would work best for them. So, in an effort to make skincare routines easier, I trademarked the C4 Method. She began making skincare videos on TikTok in the middle of 2021, moved on to YouTube in April of 2022, and dove headfirst into Instagram in the fall of 2022, all with the message that consumers should "buy less but buy right.". Because I represent a rational voice in a sales-driven industry, my opinions are well-received. Instead of endorsing, I teach. Instead of trying to influence, I make an effort to influence.
This is clearly demonstrated by her forthright rejection of the idea that skincare products made by cosmetics companies are superior to those made by pharmaceutical or medical-grade companies. Because it is of a medical grade, a prescription is required. After that, it's all about the skincare. As an example, CeraVe can be purchased at any pharmacy. Its efficacy is comparable to that of other brands sold at Sephora. A pharmacy is just a building; it doesn't mean anything in terms of efficacy. The most misunderstood skincare ingredient, if there is one, is yet to be discovered. "Collagen, in my opinion. Collagen is a protein that our bodies produce naturally; however, it starts to break down around the age of 25. Creams and serums containing collagen, however, will not be able to restore the collagen that has been lost. Collagen, as an ingredient, can only hydrate and moisturise because its molecular size is too big to penetrate the skin. The claims made by collagen-based skincare products, however, are frequently deceptive.
Injectables have recently become a hot topic in the cosmetics market. Injectables have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in areas where skincare products have failed. At a time when ageism has intensified in many aspects of life, some women consider injectables as a way to look young and fresh, driven by their fear of ageing. "A lot of what I make has to be described as 'anti-aging.'" Although the word doesn't sit well with me, it seems that algorithms think people do. The point of skincare, whether it's injectables or topical products, is to make you feel confident in your skin. However, I truly believe that it is entirely feasible to navigate this miraculous gift of life without any sort of intervention.
You can say the same thing about hair care. It is commonly believed that moving to the UAE will cause some temporary hair loss. A lot of people think that the water in their city is to blame for their hair loss. On the other hand, insufficient vitamin D3 levels are a common cause of hair loss. Whether you're in the United Arab Emirates or somewhere else in the globe, the reality is that city life nowadays doesn't allow your body to get enough natural sunlight at the correct times to make vitamin D3. "So, it's important to get the right supplements, talk to your healthcare provider, and invest in annual checkups," Nipun says. Furthermore, sulfate-free shampoos can be a game-changer because sulfates are known to dry out hair, which in turn weakens hair follicles and causes hair loss.
While we're on the topic of dryness, prolonged use of air conditioning can exacerbate dry skin and itchiness. It would be prudent to purchase dehumidifiers, particularly for the bedroom," Nipun suggests. While we sleep, our skin naturally loses moisture and dries out. Another name for it is trans-epidermal water loss. When it comes to skin health, a dehumidifier is a lifesaver. Furthermore, ceramide and peptide-containing products are fantastic for skin health in general because they preserve the skin's natural protective barrier.
Nipun, a skincare consultant, says her goal is to empower women and men to embrace their natural beauty and achieve their full potential by using skincare products. "I will keep spreading awareness about skincare so that everyone can make an informed decision," she declares. "Robert K. Greenleaf's Servant Leadership has had a profound effect on my development as an individual and in my career. Serving one's community is an honor, and I am grateful for the opportunity to fulfill my role as a servant leader. My life's work is skincare, and I am deeply committed to using my skills for the benefit of others.
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