Medical truth needs to expose cosmetic fiction
The fallout is becoming apparent as dermatologists report an increasing number of cases of skin damage, infections, vitamin overdose, hormonal and reproductive complications, and a disturbing rise in mental health issues linked to the misuse of steroid creams. The medical fraternity attributes this to the influence of social media and inadequate medical monitoring and prescription practices. Consumers fail to realise that these quick fixes, while enhancing beauty, have multiple side effects. Melanotan nasal sprays often lead to melanoma, and self-injecting Botox filler kits can cause infections and even blindness. It is high time that public discourse caught up with medical reality. Regulation of risky products and their marketing is necessary. Beauty norms should be challenged in visual and broadcast messaging and societal trends. Brands have to be accountable for the safety of their products as well as the narratives they create. Ethical guidelines must be drawn up for influencers to follow.
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New Indian Express
4 days ago
- New Indian Express
Medical truth needs to expose cosmetic fiction
At the heart of this trend is a generation growing up on internet advice and reel-life illusions, as well as assured beauty shortcuts to social acceptance and success. However, beneath the promises lies a menacing truth. A recent study revealed that formaldehyde, commonly used in embalming and industrial manufacturing, is also heavily used in cosmetics, face creams, and body lotions for darker skin. Darker-skinned consumers are disproportionately exposed to these toxins. Societal pressures make them consume more beauty products that may contain hazardous chemicals, such as parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. At least 30 percent of users have reported adverse reactions. The film industry plays its own role, celebrating the likes of Shah Rukh Khan and Tom Cruise for their youthfulness and setting unattainable vanity goals. The fallout is becoming apparent as dermatologists report an increasing number of cases of skin damage, infections, vitamin overdose, hormonal and reproductive complications, and a disturbing rise in mental health issues linked to the misuse of steroid creams. The medical fraternity attributes this to the influence of social media and inadequate medical monitoring and prescription practices. Consumers fail to realise that these quick fixes, while enhancing beauty, have multiple side effects. Melanotan nasal sprays often lead to melanoma, and self-injecting Botox filler kits can cause infections and even blindness. It is high time that public discourse caught up with medical reality. Regulation of risky products and their marketing is necessary. Beauty norms should be challenged in visual and broadcast messaging and societal trends. Brands have to be accountable for the safety of their products as well as the narratives they create. Ethical guidelines must be drawn up for influencers to follow.
The Print
4 days ago
- The Print
From botox to laser treatments—how to get a facelift without surgery
While many of these are viable options, always remember that the most important aspect is to be treated by a certified and medically legitimate dermatologist. If you scroll through any social media today, you're going to find 50 different treatments that promise younger skin without surgery. Ageing is a fact of life. Sure, we can just kick back and let gravity take over. But, for those of you who have been toying with the idea of a cosmetic treatment that will take a few years off your face—this article is for you. What is a non-surgical facelift? Yes, a non-surgical facelift is possible. They use mildly invasive techniques such as lasers, fillers, injectables, etc. It's a way to refresh, tighten, and plump your skin without the drama of an operating room. So, what's the difference between a non-surgical and surgical facelift? Surgical: Medically referred to as rhytidectomy, this facelift involves making actual cuts to your skin to tighten it up. It's a slightly more dramatic, more permanent method that will most definitely involve anaesthesia, post-surgery stitches and a recovery period that gives you enough time to watch Netflix for weeks. Non-surgical: This type of facelift involves no major incisions on your face. There's no general anaesthesia involved either. You can walk out looking (and feeling) like your younger self in a few hours. You might be a little redder than you're used to, but that fades in a few hours But there's a catch—the results are temporary, sort of like a subscription-based younger-looking skin. But this temporary nature can be an advantage for those who are unsure about anti-ageing procedures. You have the assurance that your face will go back to square one. Plus, it's cheaper than surgery. Also read: Exosomes are the latest buzzword in hair loss treatments. Do they work for everyone? Who can get a non-surgical facelift? Here's who can get these procedures done: People who are starting show early signs of ageing; fine lines, slight skin sagging, lost volume in the cheeks, etc. If you prefer to have an easier transition back into your routine, and almost zero post-procedural downtime If you're afraid of surgery. But more importantly, here's a list of people who aren't good candidates for this treatment. People with deep wrinkles or skin that's extremely loose might not see any difference with non-surgical treatments. Anyone with active acne, eczema, or skin conditions must consult with their trusted dermatologist before any procedure. Anyone expecting permanent results. Different types of non-surgical facelifts The world of skincare has no dearth of options for non-surgical interventions. Here are the popular ones. Injectables Botox: This one isn't new. Botox essentially freezes your muscle areas to smooth out wrinkles, which means you can say goodbye to frown lines and crow's feet. Its effects usually last for about three to six months. This one isn't new. Botox essentially freezes your muscle areas to smooth out wrinkles, which means you can say goodbye to frown lines and crow's feet. Its effects usually last for about three to six months. Dermal fillers: These fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, make your cheeks and lips look plump and fill out deep lines. The effects of fillers usually last for six months to two years. These fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, make your cheeks and lips look plump and fill out deep lines. The effects of fillers usually last for six months to two years. Fat-based injections: This particular technique takes fat from one part of your body, such as your thighs, and moves it to your face. The effects of fat-based injections will last longer than fillers. Injectables give you instant results, with no downtime. Laser treatments These procedures use light beams to zap away old skin and boost collagen. Any mild sagging skin is taken care of and tightened, thus improving texture. It even helps with sun damage. Laser treatment also has minimal downtime, and it gives you a post-vacation glow even if you haven't gone anywhere. Threadlift This is quite an ingenious technique that uses tiny dissolvable threads, which are inserted under your skin to lift and tighten it. The results will last you from four months to over a year, depending on your skin. They also stimulate collagen for long-term benefits. The only post-treatment care is to avoid tugging at your face for a few days. Microneedling Tiny needles are used to create micro-injuries to boost collagen production within your skin. This technique helps with wrinkles, pores, and skin texture. While this takes a few sittings to see effects, the results are worth it. While all of these are safe and effective treatments, I would always suggest that you get a proper assessment done by your trusted dermatologist before setting any expectations. Ageing is inevitable, and with both surgical and non-surgical methods, there will be a cap on how much younger you can look. Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a Consultant Dermatologist, Max Hospital, Saket. She is also an anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal. (Edited by Theres Sudeep)
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Indian Express
Hair salon founder believes hair Botox is the ‘most damaging treatment' you can get done — we fact check
From celebrities to influencers, the recent trend on Instagram seems to be flaunting poker straight hair — not just a symbol of chic elegance, but an easy solution to tame frizzy hair when you are on the go. And the path to help you achieve this is through a treatment known as hair Botox. In a recent social media reel, Vaishakhi Haria, founder of Splash Salon, Mumbai, went on a podcast and shared her two cents on this recent trend, and its damaging effects on hair health. 'A lot of people are going to hate me for saying this, and it's going to cause a lot of controversy, but I think the most damaging treatment right now is hair Botox, also known by the term 'nanoplastia.' Anything that will straighten your hair internally, and leaves it like that once is fine, twice done, still fine, but that's about it. This should not be done,' she said. According to Haria, it became very famous because of the word Botox. 'People do Botox for their skin as it give you firmness and a youthful look. But because it is so cost-effective, people started doing this for their hair,' she shared, adding that without understanding its deeper technicalities, it is not possible to realise that it is not suitable for all types of hair.' Dr Khushboo Jha, Chief Dermatologist- Consultant Metro Hospital and Founder of One Skin Clinic, Faridabad shared that hair Botox is indeed not an actual Botox, rather a deep conditioning hair treatment that uses keratin, collagen, vitamins such as Vitamin B5 and E, hyaluronic acid etc. 'The aim behind this is to fill the gaps in the hair shaft, smoothen your hair cuticles, decrease frizziness and enhance skin shine. Though it displays temporary effects that typically last somewhere between 2-4 months, it resembles a salon grade deep conditioning mask,' she explained. 'It is generally considered gentler than chemical straighteners, since it does not use formaldehyde like some keratin or Brazilian blowouts,' Dr Jha told However, she also listed out its risks and side-effects: Frequent use (more than 3–4 times/year) can lead to hair thinning, brittleness, dullness, or breakage. Some users report hairfall, weight‑loss of volume, or a 'poker straight' effect that flattens hair. Overloading fine or protein-sensitive hair can make it dry and brittle. 'Is it really damaging? Not in a universal sense—it's less harsh chemically than treatments like Brazilian blowouts or formaldehyde-based keratin, but can still damage or weaken hair if overused or improperly applied,' revealed the expert, adding that the rhetoric going around on Instagram claim is sensationalized. 'Properly used and spaced out, it can be nourishing—but misuse can lead to real issues,' she mentioned. Dr Jha shared a couple alternatives for those looking to get similar effects to hair Botox without causing long term or permanent damage: (1) Deep conditioning and protein treatments – bond-repair as well as hydrating masks can strengthen hair without flattening it. Example: weekly hair masks. They show gradual improvements but are comparatively safe. (2) Keratin or taninoplasty treatments – Semi‑permanent smoothing of hair (3–6 months) is ok, but it may sometimes contain formaldehyde. Choose formaldehyde-free formulas, done by certified professionals. (3) Hair spas – Salon-based deep treatments with massages, heat, and masks. These are less invasive. (4) Clinical treatments for thinning of hair – PRP (platelet‑rich plasma): uses your own blood to stimulate growth. Even topical application of Minoxidil is approved by FDA for hair loss.
