More Melanin, Bigger Pores, Stronger Collagen: Indian Skin Is Unique

India-West News Desk

MUMBAI – ITC’s skincare brand Dermafique has unveiled the first-of-its-kind Dermafique Indian Skin Health Report. The study sheds light on distinctive characteristics, overlooked concerns, and evolving skincare aspirations of Indian women, offering a deep-dive into what makes Indian skin different.

Pigmentation: The Real First Sign of Ageing

While wrinkles are traditionally viewed as the first signs of ageing, the report challenges this notion for Indian women. Nearly 50% experience pigmentation, and a striking 74% face it before turning 30, long before wrinkles typically set in. The reason? Indian skin contains 50% more melanin than Caucasian skin, making it more prone to pigmentation, even as its higher collagen levels delay wrinkle formation.

The Glass Skin Aspiration Gap

The K-beauty trend of “glass skin” — a smooth, luminous, poreless look — may be hugely aspirational, with 98% of Indian women desiring it, but the report highlights a significant gap between aspiration and biological reality. Indian skin has almost 4 times larger pores and close to 5 times the pore density compared to Chinese skin, contributing to texture irregularities. Surprisingly, only 7% of women consider large pores a major issue, revealing a disconnect between perceived skin challenges and actual concerns.

Dryness and Moisture Retention

Despite having more collagen, Indian skin is also prone to dryness due to a weaker skin barrier and lower levels of Natural Moisturizing Factors. Environmental stressors contribute to this dryness, with 80% of women reporting dry skin and 87% experiencing under-eye dryness, even after moisturizing. The study emphasizes the need for hydration solutions tailored specifically to Indian skin’s physiology.

Other Key Insights from the Report:

• Sun Sensitivity: Unlike Caucasian skin, which often suffers from sunburn, Indian skin — rich in melanin — tans more frequently, with 81% of women reporting tanning over burning.
• Acne Concerns: Acne remains a persistent issue, not just in adolescence. Due to larger pores and higher sebum production, 68% of women cite acne as a top concern, with a staggering 94% of those aged 20–25 battling breakouts.