[{"content":"There\u0026rsquo;s a specific kind of pressure that comes with starting something in public.\nYou\u0026rsquo;re supposed to have a reason. A niche. A growth strategy. An audience in mind. A monetisation plan tucked somewhere in the back of your head, just in case someone asks.\nI built this space to escape all of that.\nThis isn\u0026rsquo;t a newsletter. It isn\u0026rsquo;t a content strategy. LinkedIn is banned, and honestly, that might be the best thing that\u0026rsquo;s happened to my writing. Because now there\u0026rsquo;s no algorithm to optimise for. No engagement metric watching me from the corner of the screen. No one to perform for.\nJust this. A text editor. A blank page. And something I noticed today that felt worth writing down.\nI\u0026rsquo;ve been thinking about how most things we do online are transactional by design. We post to grow. We share to network. We write to get clients. Every piece of content is a little fishing line thrown out into the feed, hoping something bites.\nWhat happens when you remove the hook?\nWhat happens when you write something and the only person who needed to read it was you?\nI don\u0026rsquo;t know what this space will become. Maybe an impossible list. Maybe half-finished thoughts. Maybe long essays about nothing in particular. Maybe it goes nowhere.\nBut it\u0026rsquo;s mine.\nThat feels like enough for now.\n","permalink":"https://naveenkumarv.com/personal/writing/on-starting-without-a-reason/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eThere\u0026rsquo;s a specific kind of pressure that comes with starting something in public.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou\u0026rsquo;re supposed to have a reason. A niche. A growth strategy. An audience in mind. A monetisation plan tucked somewhere in the back of your head, just in case someone asks.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI built this space to escape all of that.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis isn\u0026rsquo;t a newsletter. It isn\u0026rsquo;t a content strategy. LinkedIn is banned, and honestly, that might be the best thing that\u0026rsquo;s happened to my writing. Because now there\u0026rsquo;s no algorithm to optimise for. No engagement metric watching me from the corner of the screen. No one to perform for.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"On Starting Without a Reason"},{"content":"\nEvery day, over 100 hours of skincare content are published online The total worth of the skincare industry is $184 billion They keep uploading new content But most are the same Just repackaged\nTL;DR It may feel like a chemistry class because of too many chemical names.\nDon’t worry follow the simple trick:\n\u0026ldquo;Select the products → compare with the list below → buy\u0026rdquo; Pro Tip: Do a patch test, before using it fully to avoid reactions.\nProducts: Cleanser, Moisturizer, Sunscreen, Retinol.\nDaily routines:\n• Day: Cleanser → Moisturize → Sunscreen\n• Night: Cleanser → Retinoid \u0026amp; Moisturizer\nWebsites (To check about ingredients): INCI Decoder, EWG Skin Deep\nBefore purchasing, refer to the image Reference from Dr. Usama Syed, dermatologist.\nThe Rules Rule 1: Don’t spend more than Rs. 2,500 ($30) on a single product.\nRule 2: Products alone won’t fix everything. Drink water. Get 7-8 hours of sleep. Eat a balanced diet. Change your bed sheets, pillowcases, and towels regularly.\nFind Your Skin Type Before finding the products, find your skin type.\nKnowing your skin type is key to choosing the right product. It will help you avoid one that could worsen your skin.\nWash your face with water. Check after 1-2 hours: If Shiny, oily -\u0026gt; Oily skin If Dry, tight -\u0026gt; Dry skin If Shiny and tight in different areas -\u0026gt; Combination skin Choosing The Right Product 🫧 Cleanser (Removes dirt and oil) (Optional) You can use soap, face wash, or cleanser to remove dirt.\nOily Skin: Get Foaming cleansers with salicylic Acid (start with low) niacinamide. Dry Skin: Get Non-foaming cleansers with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, and aloe vera (not all) Combination/Normal Skin: Any Gentle cleanser Product Recommendation: Cetaphil Face Wash for Dry to Normal Skin CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin CeraVe Foaming Cleanser For Normal To Oily Skin Retinoid (Start Low Concentration%) (Only at Night) Benefits: Anti-aging, Anti-pigmentation (dark spots) and acne, anti-skin cancer. Causes: dryness, irritation, skin peeling (at the beginning). Usage: Use a pea-sized amount for the whole face. Avoid the eye area and the folds between the nose and cheeks. Use every other night at beginning, Use at least for 4 to 8 weeks. Combine with moisturizer to reduce side effects. Pro Tip: It’s difficult to get it without a prescription, so check a dermatologist.\nFor reference: Tretin 0.025% Cream\n💧Moisturizer (Keeps your skin hydrated) (2 Times a day) Oily Skin: Salicylic Acid (start with low), Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol (in the evening) Dry Skin: Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Shea Butter, Aloe Vera (not all) Combination/Normal Skin: Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, and Vitamin B5. Products Recommendation: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Dry To Very Dry Skin Dot \u0026amp; Key moisturizer for dry, normal Skin [DermaCo Moisturizer Oil-Free](https://amzn.to/3YKzBLw?utm_campaign=the-only-skincare-routine-you-need-the-basics\u0026amp;utm_medium=referral\u0026amp;utm_source=the-20s-playbook.beehiiv.com 🌞 Sunscreen (A must-have) Why: It protects your skin from UV rays. It prevents aging and skin cancer. Fun fact: Clouds don’t stop UV rays, So use it every day. Avoid: Parabens, Ethanolamine, Phthalates, Polyethylene Glycol, Formaldehyde Releasers. and check the list below. Ingredients to avoid in sunscreen.\nProducts Recommendation: WishCare SPF 50+ Invisible sunscreen WishCare SPF 50+ Sunscreen Body Lotion Foxtale Niacinamide sunscreen for Normal to oily skin Avoid these ingredients: Parabens (isopropyl-, butyl-, isobutyl-) Ethanolamine (DEA, TEA, MEA) Phthalayes (DBP, DEHP, DEP) Polyethylene Glycol (PEG compounds) Formaldehyde Releasers (Quaternium, Diazolidinyl urea, DMD hydantoin) 🛒Shopping List: 🫧Cleanser: Cetaphil Face Wash for Dry to Normal Skin CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin CeraVe Foaming Cleanser For Normal To Oily Skin 💧Moisturizer: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Dry To Very Dry Skin Dot \u0026amp; Key moisturizer for dry, normal Skin DermaCo Moisturizer Oil-Free 🌞Sunscreen: WishCare SPF 50+ Invisible sunscreen WishCare SPF 50+ Sunscreen Body Lotion Foxtale Niacinamide sunscreen for Normal to oily skin Stick to the basics and start today; that will save both your skin and your wallet.\nI\u0026rsquo;m not a dermatologist. Consult one before starting any skincare routine. Some links may be affiliate links.\nDisclaimer: I\u0026rsquo;m not a certified professional. This is made for myself while learning and doing research — a super concise version most can follow. For a personal, safer version, always consult a medical professional and do your own research. Don\u0026rsquo;t just trust a random person on the internet, especially for medical or financial things.\nNote: I wrote this for a single-edition newsletter I made a few years back called 20\u0026rsquo;s Playbook. I spent more than a week making this a near-perfect, long-lasting guide. It\u0026rsquo;s a first-principles approach — so unless you have a specific problem or something major changes medically, I feel this will stay accurate for the long term.\n","permalink":"https://naveenkumarv.com/personal/writing/skincare-guide-the-basics/","summary":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Skincare meme showing routine differences\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"/personal/writing/skincare-guide-the-basics/The_skincare_meme.avif\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery day, over 100 hours of skincare content are published online\nThe total worth of the skincare industry is $184 billion\nThey keep uploading new content\nBut most are the same\nJust repackaged\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"tldr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTL;DR\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt may feel like a chemistry class because of too many chemical names.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDon’t worry follow the simple trick:\u003cbr\u003e\n\u0026ldquo;Select the products → compare with the list below → buy\u0026rdquo;\nPro Tip: Do a patch test, before using it fully to avoid reactions.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"The Only Skincare Guide You Need – The Basics"},{"content":" This is not a bucket list. A bucket list sits in a drawer until you die. An impossible list is something you actually look at.\nThe idea is borrowed from Thomas Frank. The impossible list keeps growing — new goals get added as old ones get checked off. The point isn\u0026rsquo;t to finish it.\nCurrently Working On Write and publish 12 pieces this year Read 15 books in 2026 Build one thing that people actually use Life \u0026amp; Experience Live in a different city for at least 3 months Travel solo to a country where I don\u0026rsquo;t speak the language Sleep under actual stars, far from any city lights Learn to cook 10 dishes really well (not just edible — good) See the sunrise from a mountain top Learning \u0026amp; Craft Get genuinely good at one instrument Build something from wood with my hands Learn enough of one language to hold a real conversation Read 100 books (running count: 12) Understand how the internet actually works, at the protocol level Writing \u0026amp; Thinking Write something that someone sends to a friend Keep this space going for 2 years without quitting Write one piece that I\u0026rsquo;m genuinely proud of Finish a long-form essay (5,000+ words) on something I actually care about Health \u0026amp; Body Run a 10K without stopping Do 100 consecutive push-ups Go a full month with no alcohol, no junk food Build a sleep schedule I actually follow Done ✓ (Nothing here yet. This is the beginning.)\nLast updated: June 2026\n","permalink":"https://naveenkumarv.com/personal/impossible-list/","summary":"\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a bucket list. A bucket list sits in a drawer until you die. An impossible list is something you actually look at.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe idea is borrowed from \u003ca href=\"https://collegeinfogeek.com/impossible-list/\"\u003eThomas Frank\u003c/a\u003e. The impossible list keeps growing — new goals get added as old ones get checked off. The point isn\u0026rsquo;t to finish it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"currently-working-on\"\u003eCurrently Working On\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e Write and publish 12 pieces this year\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e Read 15 books in 2026\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e Build one thing that people actually use\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"life--experience\"\u003eLife \u0026amp; Experience\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e Live in a different city for at least 3 months\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e Travel solo to a country where I don\u0026rsquo;t speak the language\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e Sleep under actual stars, far from any city lights\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e Learn to cook 10 dishes really well (not just edible — \u003cem\u003egood\u003c/em\u003e)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e See the sunrise from a mountain top\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"learning--craft\"\u003eLearning \u0026amp; Craft\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e Get genuinely good at one instrument\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e Build something from wood with my hands\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e Learn enough of one language to hold a real conversation\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e Read 100 books (running count: 12)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e Understand how the internet actually works, at the protocol level\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"writing--thinking\"\u003eWriting \u0026amp; Thinking\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e Write something that someone sends to a friend\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e Keep this space going for 2 years without quitting\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e Write one piece that I\u0026rsquo;m genuinely proud of\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e Finish a long-form essay (5,000+ words) on something I actually care about\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"health--body\"\u003eHealth \u0026amp; Body\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e Run a 10K without stopping\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e Do 100 consecutive push-ups\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e Go a full month with no alcohol, no junk food\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e Build a sleep schedule I actually follow\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"done-\"\u003eDone ✓\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Nothing here yet. This is the beginning.)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Impossible List"}]