Dermatologist Debunks Skin & Hair Myths

I need to be direct about this: collagen powders do not work as advertised. Your body can't absorb collagen whole. Instead, I explain how to naturally boost your body's own collagen production through diet, like with bone broth or 'elumbu soppu', and proven skincare ingredients like retinoids.

A very common myth is that shaving makes hair grow back thicker and darker. This is completely false. I explain the science with my colleague Dr. Santhoshi; shaving only cuts the hair at the surface, which creates a blunt tip that might feel coarse as it grows, but it doesn't change the hair's actual thickness or growth rate.

Is this a recipe or a hair removal method? Applying flour and other kitchen ingredients to your face is not an effective or safe way to remove hair. A simple facial razor is a quick, painless option, and for a long-term solution, I perform laser hair reduction in my clinic. Leave the flour for cooking.

Face steaming is promoted by many influencers, but it is not suitable for all skin types. For those with sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema, or inflammatory acne, the heat can worsen the condition, strip natural oils, and cause irritation. A much safer and more effective alternative for clearing pores is using a product with salicylic acid.

The weather in Bangalore can be cloudy and rainy, but that is not an excuse to skip sunscreen. Clouds do not block harmful UVA and UVB radiation, which are the primary causes of skin aging and damage. Whether it's sunny, cloudy, or raining, you must apply sunscreen if you are going outside.

There is a stigma that skincare is only for women, which is untrue. Men's skin also deals with tanning, pigmentation, and aging. While men's skin is typically thicker and produces more sebum, you don't need a special "men's" product range, just the right ingredients for your specific skin concerns.

Many people believe that just drinking a lot of water is enough to hydrate their skin. While drinking water is essential for your overall health, it doesn't directly hydrate the outermost layer of your skin. For that, you need to apply a topical moisturizer to lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier.

A common myth is that popping a pimple will help it heal faster. The opposite is true. Popping pimples can push bacteria deeper into the skin, leading to more inflammation, infection, and a higher risk of permanent scarring and hyperpigmentation.

Let's share the myth, then the fact. The myth is that you don't need sunscreen on a cloudy day. The fact is that up to 80% of the sun's UV rays can pass through clouds, so you are still at risk for sun damage. Sunscreen is a daily necessity.