Why Your Skin Needs a Doctor, Not an Influencer
Skincare isn't just about looking good, it's about staying healthy. And that's worth more than likes and follows.
There was a time when social media was just a fun distraction – dance challenges, filters, makeup hacks. But somewhere along the way, it became a place where people started getting serious advice about health and skincare. And that's where things got risky.
Skincare isn't just about beauty; it's about health. Your skin is an organ, the largest one, just like your heart, liver, or lungs. And yet, we're more likely to take advice from an influencer with good lighting than from a doctor who's studied skin science for years.
Think about it: you wouldn't take heart medication based on a reel. But when it comes to skincare, many people follow trends without knowing how they'll affect their skin. And often, they end up in a dermatologist's clinic with breakouts, sensitivity, or long-term damage.
Dr. Falguni Shah, Dermatologist and Founder at Radiance Skin Clinic, shares what you need to know:
There's No Such Thing as Perfect Skin
Thanks to filters and unrealistic beauty standards, people now chase skin that doesn't exist — things like 'glass skin" or 'poreless skin." But real, healthy skin has:
● Texture
● Pores
● Variations in tone
That's normal. That's human.
'When I assess someone's skin, I look for just three things," says Dr. Shah.
That's it. You don't need flawless skin. You need healthy skin.
What Goes Wrong?
The trouble starts when people overload their skin with trending products, acids, serums, or peels without understanding what they do.
Take salicylic acid, vitamin C, or retinols, these are fantastic when used correctly. But when used in the wrong combination or dosage, they can damage your skin's barrier — the outer layer that keeps your skin hydrated and protected.
Once this barrier is compromised, your skin becomes:
● Dry and flaky
● Prone to acne
● Sensitive to sun and pollution
'I see it so often that we now use the term 'Sensitive Skin Syndrome' — it's not even in older textbooks, but today, it's real and common," says Dr. Shah.
The Problem with DIY Hacks
Home remedies might feel 'natural," but they aren't always safe. Rubbing toothpaste, tomato, lemon, or multani mitti on your face can cause burns, dehydration, or long-term irritation.
'Here's what people often forget: your skin doesn't absorb everything you apply. Only molecules of the right size and structure get through. That means applying food items on your face usually does nothing or worse, it harms your skin. These things are far more helpful when you eat them."
Blindly Following Influencers? Think Again
Dr. Shah recalls, 'I've had patients come in asking for chemical peels just because they saw it on Instagram. But what they didn't see was whether that influencer had a proper skin consultation first. And unfortunately, many salons offering such treatments don't have trained dermatologists."
The result? Burns, scars, or pigmentation that could take months (or more) to treat.
So, Is Social Media All Bad?
Not at all. In fact, many dermatologists — Dr. Shah included — now use social media to share accurate, science-based advice. The platform itself isn't the issue. The problem is not verifying who the advice is coming from.
Before you try any new product or treatment, check the source. And when in doubt, talk to a professional.
If there's one thing Dr. Shah wants everyone to remember, it's this: treat your skin like an organ, not a beauty project. Be kind to it. Be patient with it. And please, don't let a trending reel dictate how you care for it.
Skincare isn't just about looking good, it's about staying healthy. And that's worth more than likes and follows.
About the Author
Swati Chaturvedi
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl...Read More
The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!
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First Published:
June 08, 2025, 08:47 IST
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