Skincare & Haircare Myths You Should Stop Believing: What Dermatologists Really Recommend

Social media is flooded with skincare hacks, haircare tips and beauty trends promising glowing skin, faster hair growth and a youthful appearance. But not every viral trend is safe—or suitable for everyone.

Lifestyle changes, stress, poor sleep, junk food and increasing social-media influence are contributing to a rise in concerns such as acne, pigmentation, premature ageing and hair loss among young people. At the same time, blindly following online advice and using products without proper dermatological guidance can sometimes make these problems worse.

Consultant Dermatologist and Hair Transplant Surgeon Dr Anita Tirumala Reddy explains some of the most common skincare and haircare myths and what people should actually do.

Acne, Pigmentation and Hair Fall: Common Concerns Among Young People

Dermatologists are increasingly seeing young people with acne, pigmentation, dandruff, hair fall, sunburn, sun rashes, eczema and psoriasis.

According to Dr Anita, junk food, processed foods, disturbed sleep and stress can play an important role. Excessive consumption of processed and junk food may contribute to inflammation and hormonal disturbances, which can aggravate acne.

Trying to squeeze pimples or using multiple over-the-counter acne products can also lead to pigmentation, scarring and new breakouts.

DIY Acne Treatments Can Make Things Worse

Many people turn to home remedies or products marketed for acne-prone skin as soon as pimples appear. But acne has different grades, and treatment should depend on its severity.

Instead of experimenting with acne patches, creams or homemade remedies, it is better to identify the grade of acne and follow an appropriate treatment plan under dermatological guidance.

Toothpaste and Lemon on the Face? A Big No

Applying toothpaste, lemon juice or other household ingredients directly to pimples is a popular home remedy—but dermatologists strongly advise against it.

Toothpaste contains ingredients designed for cleaning teeth, not treating facial skin. It can cause irritation and dermatitis. Lemon is acidic and may trigger chemical reactions and damage the skin barrier, potentially worsening pigmentation rather than treating acne.

Sunscreen Is Not Just for Outdoor Use

One common misconception is that sunscreen is necessary only when stepping outside.

Dr Anita recommends sunscreen even for people who spend considerable time indoors, as radiation can penetrate through glass. Exposure during routine activities can contribute to pigmentation and melasma.

For outdoor activities, sunscreen should be applied around 10–15 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two to three hours. Choosing an appropriate product for your skin type is also important.

SPF 50 or Higher: Is More Always Better?

The dermatologist in the discussion says SPF 50 provides adequate protection for Indian skin types and that extremely high SPF numbers may offer only a marginal additional benefit. Consumers should therefore focus on using sunscreen correctly rather than simply choosing the highest number advertised.

The Right Order for Your Morning Skincare Routine

A basic morning routine can be simple:

Cleanser → Moisturiser → Sunscreen

After cleansing the face with a gentle cleanser or suitable face wash, apply moisturiser and then sunscreen in the morning. At night, products such as a brightening, anti-ageing or pigmentation serum can be considered depending on individual skin concerns and professional advice.

Why Are Young People Showing Signs of Premature Ageing?

Premature ageing is increasingly being noticed even among people in their 20s and early 30s.

Factors mentioned in the discussion include smoking and alcohol consumption, hormonal disturbances, disturbed sleep and improper skincare. Overuse of skincare products and excessive exfoliation can also damage the skin and make fine lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores more noticeable.

The key is not to use more products, but to use the right products in the right quantity according to your skin type.

Retinol: Effective but Not Something to Use Blindly

Retinol can be useful, but beginners need to introduce it carefully. The discussion recommends starting with a low concentration and using it gradually according to individual skin type and tolerance.

Using stronger retinol products without professional guidance can cause problems. The concentration, quantity and frequency should be selected appropriately rather than simply copying what is seen in advertisements or social-media posts.

Why Is Hair Loss Increasing Among Young People?

Hair loss is no longer seen only among middle-aged adults. Dermatologists are increasingly seeing young people—even those in their late teens and early 20s—with significant hair loss.

Increased screen time can reduce sleep, while junk food can result in inadequate nutrition. Hormonal disturbances and nutritional deficiencies may consequently contribute to hair problems. The discussion also highlights the increasing occurrence of male-pattern hair loss among very young people.

Hair Transplant Is Not Always the First Answer

Young people experiencing hair loss may feel distressed about their appearance and immediately consider a hair transplant. But the first step should be identifying the underlying cause.

Hair loss may be related to nutritional deficiencies, family history, stress or other causes. Depending on the diagnosis, medical treatments, serums, PRP or GFC may be considered. Hair transplantation may be appropriate for selected candidates, particularly when other treatments are unlikely to provide sufficient results.

Why Hair May Shed Initially With Minoxidil

Some people stop minoxidil treatment when they notice increased hair shedding soon after starting it.

The explanation given in the discussion is that weaker hairs may initially shed as part of the treatment process, allowing healthier hair to grow from the follicle. Stopping treatment prematurely may mean losing the potential benefits. Treatment generally requires several months, and some patients may need additional therapies depending on their condition.

Post-Pregnancy Hair Loss: Will It Grow Back?

Significant hair shedding after pregnancy can occur due to a condition known as postpartum telogen effluvium.

Hormonal changes can push a large number of hairs into the shedding phase. Many women can experience substantial recovery, but nutritional deficiencies, inadequate protein intake, crash dieting, stress and poor sleep can affect recovery. Adequate nutrition and appropriate supplementation may help when deficiencies are present.

Oily Skin Still Needs Moisturiser

One of the common myths is that people with oily skin do not need moisturiser.

In reality, cleansing can leave the skin feeling dry, even when the skin is oily. A suitable moisturiser can therefore be part of a basic skincare routine.

Other common myths include the belief that excessive face washing makes skin clearer and that expensive skincare products automatically produce better results. Over-washing can damage the skin barrier, while a simple routine with suitable ingredients may be sufficient.

Stress and Pollution Can Affect Your Skin and Hair

Stress can contribute to inflammation and increase cortisol levels, potentially leading to hormonal disturbances, acne breakouts and hair loss. Pollution can also leave residues on the skin, clog pores and contribute to acne and pigmentation.

Pollution may also aggravate dandruff and contribute to hair fall in some people.

Foods That May Trigger Acne

People struggling with acne may benefit from limiting:

Junk food
Highly processed foods
High-sugar, high-glycaemic-index foods
Certain dairy products, including skimmed milk

The discussion notes that dairy products may trigger acne breakouts in some individuals. Dietary changes should ideally be considered in the context of individual needs rather than following blanket restrictions.

Does Drinking More Water Give You Glowing Skin?

Good hydration is important for overall health and healthy-looking skin. However, drinking excessive amounts of water does not automatically produce a “celebrity glow” or directly cure acne or hair loss.

The important point is maintaining adequate hydration rather than forcing yourself to drink excessive quantities.

The Biggest Skincare Mistake? Blindly Following Social Media Trends

According to Dr Anita, blindly following skincare trends promoted by influencers is one of the biggest mistakes people make.

A product that works for one person may not suit another person's skin type. Oily skin and dry skin require different approaches, and using an unsuitable product can increase oiliness, dryness or damage to the skin barrier.

A patch test can provide some information about immediate skin tolerance, but it does not necessarily guarantee that a product will remain suitable for long-term use. Professional guidance can help identify the appropriate products for individual skin concerns.

Are Monthly Facials Really Necessary?

Facials may provide temporary relaxation and an instant glow, but aggressive scrubbing, bleaching and excessive rubbing can disturb the skin barrier.

If someone wants a facial treatment, professional guidance is preferable. Medicated or dermatology-guided procedures may be more appropriate for specific skin concerns.

Chemical Peels and Lasers: Effective, But Choose the Right Professional

Chemical peels and lasers can be useful for acne, pigmentation, unwanted hair and acne scars. However, different concerns require different procedures, strengths and techniques.

The same applies to laser treatments. They should be selected according to the individual's skin concern and performed by a qualified professional. Incorrect treatment can cause additional side effects.

Botox and Fillers Should Never Be Self-Selected

Botox and fillers are increasingly popular cosmetic treatments.

Botox can help reduce dynamic wrinkles, while fillers such as hyaluronic-acid-based injections can be used for concerns such as under-eye hollowness, facial volume loss or contouring.

But asking for a particular filler and receiving it immediately is not considered appropriate. A dermatologist should first assess the concern and determine whether a filler is actually necessary or whether another treatment would be more suitable.

Fairness Creams: Beware of Unlabelled Products

Products marketed as “fairness creams” may promise quick results, but the focus should be on achieving healthy, well-maintained skin rather than changing one's natural skin colour.

The discussion warns against unlabelled creams that promise dramatic results within days. Such products may potentially contain ingredients such as potent steroids, hydroquinone or mercury, which can cause serious skin problems. Mercury-containing products have also been associated with kidney damage.

Lemon, Toothpaste and Baking Soda Are Not Skincare Treatments

Applying lemon, toothpaste or baking soda directly to the face is unsafe.

Lemon can be consumed as part of a normal diet, but applying concentrated lemon juice to the skin can cause irritation and dermatitis. Viral DIY skincare treatments can sometimes cause burns and long-lasting or irreversible skin damage.

Does Sunscreen Cause Vitamin D Deficiency?

The dermatologist rejects the claim that sunscreen itself causes vitamin D deficiency.

According to the discussion, sunscreen protects the skin from UV radiation, while vitamin D can be obtained through dietary sources and supplements when needed. Sunscreen should therefore not be stopped simply because someone is concerned about vitamin D.

Does Wearing a Helmet Cause Hair Loss?

Helmet use itself is described as a major myth when it comes to hair loss.

Hair loss is more commonly associated with factors such as genetics, nutritional deficiencies and stress. However, wearing a helmet for long periods can cause sweating and may contribute to dandruff or scalp folliculitis in some people if scalp and helmet hygiene are neglected.

A properly fitting, breathable helmet and regular cleaning of its inner lining are therefore important.

Is a Hair Transplant Really Permanent?

Hair transplanted from the donor area at the back of the scalp can provide long-lasting results because these follicles are generally more resistant to androgenetic hair loss.

However, a successful long-term result depends on choosing the right candidate, using the appropriate technique and following proper post-transplant care. Existing non-transplanted hair can continue to weaken or fall, meaning a hair transplant does not eliminate the need for ongoing hair care or medical treatment.

Hair Transplant Results Take Time

A hair transplant is not a quick fix before a wedding or major event.

Visible results generally take several months. Initial shedding can occur during the first few months, while better results may become noticeable after four to six months. More complete results can take around eight months or longer.

Can Indians Achieve Korean “Glass Skin”?

The viral concept of Korean “glass skin” has encouraged many people to follow elaborate multi-step skincare routines.

However, the discussion stresses that skin characteristics differ between populations and individuals. Rather than chasing an unrealistic “glass skin” ideal, the more practical goal is healthy, hydrated and glowing skin achieved through an appropriate skincare routine.

The Simple Formula for Healthy Skin and Hair

You do not necessarily need a shelf full of expensive products.

According to the dermatologist, the basics include:

Six to eight hours of sound sleep
Regular physical activity
A healthy, balanced diet
A simple skincare routine suited to your skin
Professional dermatological guidance when needed

Maintaining these basics consistently can go a long way towards healthier skin and hair.

Quick-Fire Skincare & Haircare Facts

Sunscreen: Essential, not overhyped.
Vitamin C: Can help with pigmentation and tanning in suitable individuals.
Retinol: Beginner-friendly when used at the correct dose; potentially problematic when misused.
Facials: Medicated/dermatology-guided facials may be beneficial; aggressive scrubbing and bleaching should be avoided.
Hair oiling: Does not promote hair regrowth.
Biotin: Useful when there is a deficiency, but not a universal solution for hair loss.
PRP: Can be useful for certain types of hair loss, but is not a universal treatment.
Hair transplant: Can provide permanent results in appropriately selected candidates.
Celebrity skincare: A celebrity endorsement does not guarantee that a product will suit your skin.

The Bottom Line

Healthy skin and hair are not achieved by blindly following every viral trend. Lifestyle, sleep, nutrition and stress management matter just as much as skincare products.

The best approach is simple: understand your skin and hair concerns, avoid risky DIY treatments, choose products according to your needs and seek proper dermatological advice before trying advanced procedures.