Skincare Myths Busted: Science-Based Advice for Your Skin

Wearing spectacles can cause friction marks and pigmentation on the nose. To prevent this, choose a lightweight frame, massage the area gently, and take regular breaks from wearing your specs. At night, a routine with a gentle skin lightening cream can help reduce any existing pigmentation.

Yes, there is a very real connection between your gut and your skin, known as the gut-skin axis. An imbalance in your gut bacteria can show up as acne, rosacea, or psoriasis. To improve your skin, it's important to fix your gut by reducing processed sugars and incorporating prebiotics and probiotics.

If you have itchy skin, the single most important thing you can do is avoid scratching. Scratching creates an itch-scratch cycle that only makes things worse. Instead, press the area firmly with your palm or a damp cloth to get relief without causing further damage.

If you're breaking out despite a good skincare routine, check your snacks. Many "healthy" snacks are loaded with hidden sugars, which are a major enemy of clear skin. Always read the ingredients list on packaged foods to know what you're really eating.

To manage dry skin in the winter, take quick showers with lukewarm water, not hot. Apply a thick, cream-based moisturizer to damp skin immediately after. Also, increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids through foods like walnuts or supplements can help hydrate your skin from within.

I advise rethinking the daily use of talcum powder. Studies have found asbestos, a known carcinogen, as a contaminant in many talc products. Inhaling talc can also lead to lung issues. Safer alternatives for powders include those made from corn starch, arrowroot powder, or kaolin clay.

While you should apply moisturizer to damp skin, you must apply active ingredients like retinoids, Vitamin C, and AHAs to dry skin. Applying them to damp skin increases their penetration, which can lead to severe irritation, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation.

Don't fall for "pore removal" creams. Pores are natural openings for oil and sweat glands; they cannot be permanently removed. We can, however, minimize their appearance with treatments that control oil production and boost skin elasticity, like lasers or high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).

How often should you wash your face? It depends on your skin type and the climate. In hot, humid weather, oily skin may need washing up to three times a day. In dry, cold weather, twice a day is enough. Over-washing, even with plain water, can strip the skin and damage its natural barrier.