The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
For tired skin, limited bandwidth, and an income that doesn’t allow for 10-step routines
I’ve spent years trial-and-error-ing my way through skincare advice, much of which seemed designed for people with unlimited time, money, and zero hormonal chaos. This isn’t that. This is what has actually worked for me — a chronically distracted, mildly sun-damaged, inflammation-prone desi millennial with budget constraints and a low tolerance for fluff.
1. Avoid Harsh Sunlight (Like Your Skin Depends on It — Because It Does)
I learned the hard way: sunlight and melasma don’t mix. After using a random facial kit at home and scrubbing my skin like a kitchen sink, I developed stubborn pigmentation — classic inflammation-induced melasma. Since then, I’ve become borderline nocturnal.
I avoid direct sunlight as much as possible, especially between 11 AM and 4 PM. If I have to step out, I wear sunglasses, stay in the shade, and never skip sunscreen. Which brings me to…
2. Sunscreen I Actually Use (Because It Came From Blinkit)
I started using the Dot & Key sunscreen because it came as a sample in a Blinkit order as a sample. I wasn’t expecting much. But it turned out to be a lightweight, non-sticky gem that didn’t break me out — and most importantly, I actually reach for it. It also did not burn my eyes literally every sunscreen on ther planet burns my eyes. That makes all the difference. Then I decided to go all in and ordered the whole big thing.
If your sunscreen is greasy or smells like paint, you won’t use it. Find one you don’t hate. This one is mine.
3. I Drink 4 Litres of Water a Day (But Not Because I’m Virtuous)
I’m not trying to be That Wellness Girl. I just realized I was tired, cranky, and dry-skinned all the time — and it had less to do with my products and more to do with my cells being thirsty. I fill a jug in the morning, add a pinch of pink salt and lemon if I remember, and try to finish it before dinner. Also, I have ADHD so I tend to hyperfocus and forget to drink water or get up to pee – and then I find myself insanely thirst and rush to the closest bottle of water – and gulp it down in one-go and I am still thirsty. So that’s how it works. Its not social media perfect but it is me nonetheless.
It works. My skin looks less angry. My lips stay normal. My brain works. It’s a win.
4. Supplements That Changed My Skin (And Head)
I take Vitamin D every alternate day — not daily — because daily gave me headaches and random acne. I use the Carbamide Forte Vitamin D3 with Calcium and Vitamin K2 MK-7 — a single supplement that was recommended in a YouTube video by Dr. Rajani. It supports D3 absorption, helps with calcium distribution, and surprisingly, has made my skin tone more even and reduced my breakouts over time.
Do I know the full science? No. Do I know that my skin looks more even and I break out less since I started? Is my energy better and my nails not brittle. Has my hair quality improved? Yes.
5. Dr Sheth’s Vitamin C Serum (Surprisingly Worth It)
This one’s a keeper. Dr. Sheth’s Vitamin C serum is lightweight, smells neutral, and doesn’t sting. It brightens without irritating, which is rare for me. I use it 3–4 times a week in the morning, right before sunscreen. That’s it. So I got this as a tester as well from Blinkit for Valentine’s Day gift or something. It worked better than the serums I had been used to so far and swore by – because no matter what I used my skin spots/melasma became worse – but after using this overall skin texture is clear and looks fresh.
No skin cycling. Just one pump, rubbed in half-asleep.
Anyway, us Millennials have naturally better skin compared to our Boomer and Gen Z counterparts – at least there is one thing we have, if not money bank balance or steady happy relationships or an owned house?!
6. Haircare = Simplicity + Zero Conditioner
I wash my hair thrice a week and completely skip conditioner — because it causes scalp buildup and triggers dandruff for me. No matter the brand. Instead, I let the water do most of the detangling and focus on rinsing thoroughly.
Post-shower, I apply hibiscus oil — yes, even on clean skin — around my hairline and on dry patches. It’s old-school, grounding, and makes my skin feel soothed without being sticky.
For the water I have installed a hard water filter in the shower pipes which works for me.
Also, I have curly-wavy hair, and my dream hair inspiration is that iconic Dimple Kapadia voluminous, layered look from the late 80s and early 90s. Thankfully, my natural texture leans in that direction. I air-dry my hair post-wash and then use this cheap-but-miraculous roller hair dryer (the kind that looks like a round brush with hot air) that has lasted me for 4 years straight. It sets the shape beautifully — and the style stays intact until the next wash. Zero frizz. Zero fancy heat tools. Just solid technique and low-cost tools that work.
7. Underarm Skincare That’s Simple and Actually Works
Back in 2017, I got my underarms lasered — and for a while, they were literally as smooth as a baby’s bottom. But over the years, life happened: razors, waxing, and inconsistent routines brought the darkness and irritation back.
What works for me now is the Glycolic Acid Toner from Thrive — I apply it post-shower 2–3 times a week, and it noticeably reduces pigmentation and texture. I avoid waxing because it makes the area darker and more inflamed. And conditioning — whether on the scalp or underarms — is a no-go for me. As soon as I have the cash and mental bandwidth, I plan to commit to a proper laser session schedule again. Until then, this is my maintenance plan.
Final Thoughts
This Is What “Caring” Looks Like for Me (And Yes, It Works for Guys Too)
There are no gua shas. No ice rollers. No expensive acids. Just the bare minimum that keeps my skin calm, protected, and slightly glowing without a meltdown.
I don’t believe skincare has to be complicated. For people like me — with ADHD, inflammation, a hormonal rollercoaster, and an affinity for burnout — the most powerful routine is one you actually do.
This one, I do.
And yes — all of this works for men too. Skin is skin. Scalp is scalp. If you’re tired of greasy sunscreens, flaky underarms, and conditioner-induced dandruff, this routine holds up regardless of gender. No shame in wanting to feel like your face isn’t fighting you every morning.
