We’ve all been there—one day you’re following a 10-step celebrity skincare routine, and the next, you’re wondering why your skin feels like the Sahara Desert.
I’ve had a lot of patients come in with skin issues after experimenting with expensive, influencer-endorsed products with ‘magic ingredients’. Except, some of those products are only about as ‘magical’ as an expired snack from the neighbourhood departmental store. These products, and haphazard skin routines, will only worsen problems.
Here are the most common mistakes people make while choosing and using their skin and hair care products.
Using sunscreen with no sunscreen
Yes, this sounds crazy, but it’s a real problem. You’d think sunscreen would, you know, contain sunscreen filters? But in the wild, wild west of beauty products, some shady brands sell “SPF” that’s only as effective as butter. What makes the problem worse is that there’s no official licensing system that guarantees your sunscreen isn’t just a glorified moisturiser.
So, try to get a sunscreen recommended by your trusted dermatologist. Another option could be to go for sunscreens that come with accredited lab reports ascertaining their SPF level, and, if possible, have them verified by your doctor.
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Over-exfoliation
Exfoliation is very good for your skin. But scrubbing your face like you’re trying to buff out a car dent isn’t.
Moderation is key. Use gentle scrubs after doing a patch test about once or twice a week. Steer clear of harsh apricot scrubs and AHA/BHA acids. They can damage the skin barrier and cause extreme sensitivity and irritation.
Your skin isn’t a crime scene that needs deep cleaning. Don’t make it one.
Don’t blindly follow influencers
Some influencer with glowing skin tells you to buy a “miracle potion” or “life-changing serum,” and suddenly, your bank account takes a hit.
But here’s the tea: just because it’s trending doesn’t mean it works. Most of these products aren’t even scientifically studied, and before you know it, you’re dealing with breakouts. It’s important to turn the bottle, read the label, and do your research. Bottom line: Don’t fall for a fad.
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Overloading on products won’t do much
There are two types of people: those who follow a 12-step skincare routine, and those who haven’t washed their face since 2019.
Neither is winning.
Overusing lotions and potions won’t help. Slathering your face with three serums, a moisturiser, an eye cream, and a random elixir might just end up suffocating your skin, resulting in acne, rashes and a lot worse. Less is more – figure out which products work best for your skin and use them judiciously.
On the flip side, doing nothing isn’t great either. Just because you have “good genes” doesn’t mean you can skip the basics. Cleansing, toning, moisturising and putting sunscreen are absolute essentials. No matter how oily your skin is. Remember that there are products for every skin type, and a dermatologist can help you pick the right ones. So don’t be either person. Be the in-between.
Waxing your face won’t solve anything
Waxing to remove tanning? Waxing sure has its benefits, but it’s not a magic fix for sun damage. Constant face waxing leads to saggy skin, premature ageing and irritation. Unless you’re auditioning for the next season of Real Housewives, that’s not a look anyone wants.
Opt for gentle and simple home remedies. If you have normal or dry skin, make a mask with lemon and tomato juice, a pinch of turmeric and some parboiled milk. Leave for 5 to 10 minutes and wash off. People with sensitive, acne-prone skin can go for an aloe vera and water mask.
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You’re not a cactus, hydrate
Skipping moisturiser is never a good choice—again, even if your skin is oily. In fact, without it, your skin will start over producing oil to compensate. Go for a lightweight formula that doesn’t make you feel like a greaseball. And if you’re someone who struggles with dry skin, go for products with glycerine, hyaluronic acid and ceramides. It’s important to keep that hydration locked in, no matter the skin type.
Upside-down hair washing
If you wash your hair like you’re about to star in a shampoo commercial, flipping your head upside down and letting the water cascade dramatically, just stop.
If you have long hair, this method will only tangle them further and increase breakage. Gravity is not your friend here. Stick to washing your hair in a regular upright position.
Oil isn’t a cure for dandruff
Coconut, tulsi, and other random oils wouldn’t ever fix your dandruff problem. Dandruff doesn’t care how much oil you slather on your scalp—if anything, oiling only makes things worse. The yeast on your scalp, scientifically known as Malassezia furfur, feeds on oil. The result? Your dandruff multiplies like gremlins after midnight.
Oil is more of a temporary fix than a long-term solution for dandruff. Besides, if you live in a city with smog thicker than the plot of Inception, the last thing you want is for all that pollution to stick to your oil-soaked scalp.
Also read: Natural products, home remedies benefit Indian skin. Remember, they’re not a cure-all
Playing ‘cocktail chemist’ with hair colours
One day, you’re using salon hair colour, and the next, you’re ordering some random “herbal” dye from Instagram that promises zero chemicals. The reality? Those herbal concoctions can contain allergens such as Indigo black, which can lead to inflammatory scalp conditions such as Lichen Plano Pilaris. If you want to avoid looking like an extra from Avatar, please stick to reputable brands. You can use shikakai and amla powders, or simply embrace your natural greys.
Not following doctor’s orders
If your dermatologist gave you, say, a strict six-week treatment plan, don’t take it for granted. There’s simply no room for customisation. When they say six weeks, they mean it. Extending it to six months because ‘it’s working’ will backfire. It’s like continuing to take antibiotics long after your cold is gone—just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
Something that has always held up for me in my 13 years of practice is this absolute golden rule: balance.
Avoid the extremes—whether that’s using too many products, following influencer fads blindly, or doing absolutely nothing. And, of course, always trust the medical experts over Instagram’s latest skincare guru.
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 Zoya Bhatti)