India, Dec. 25 -- As 2025 ends, the New Year is the perfect time to reset our skincare habits. Rather than chasing quick fixes and following social media trends, Dr Karuna Malhotra, aesthetic physician and skincare expert, encourages embracing simple, science-backed routines that focus on long-term skin health. Inconsistency is one of the biggest skincare mistakes. Dr Karuna recommends sticking to the basics: a gentle cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen in the morning, followed by cleansing and targeted treatment at night. Sun protection is the most effective anti-ageing step. Using a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher helps prevent premature wrinkles, dark spots, and loss of skin elasticity. Harsh cleansers and frequent DIY treatments can damage the skin barrier. Dr Karuna advises using barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol, and limiting exfoliation to once or twice a week. She emphasises hydration, an antioxidant-rich diet, healthy fats, protein, and quality sleep to boost collagen, reduce inflammation, and promote clearer, brighter skin. The expert cautions against blindly following social media trends, noting that what works for one person may harm another. She stresses the importance of professional advice, adding that an annual skin consultation helps identify concerns early and ensures treatments are safe and effective....