Tribe Verified· Evidence-based dermatology from a practicing specialist.

Real Skincare Facts: Debunking Viral Myths

byVandhana ManoharanOnline consults available; Clinics in Bengaluru (Whitefield, Koramangala, HRBR) & Tamil NaduStarts from₹500 Per SessionView full gallery

Influencers sell trends; I practice medicine. Stop the skin abuse and let's get back to actual science.

Please stop putting kitchen ingredients on your face. A patient came to me with irritated skin after trying a DIY face pack with milk powder and coffee. I explain why these things don't work as skincare and can cause irreversible damage. Always trust a dermatologist, not a random YouTube video.

A viral video claims you can test your shampoo's safety with turmeric. This is completely unscientific and misleading. I explain the simple chemistry behind why this 'test' is fake and tell you what to actually look for in an ingredient list to find a good shampoo.

Instagram is flooded with sales, but don't rush to buy products you might not need. Impulsive buying based on discounts can lead to a cabinet full of unsuitable products and irritated skin. Be an informed consumer, not just a collector of skincare.

Face steaming is promoted by many influencers, but it's not for everyone. I explain how steaming can damage the skin barrier, worsen conditions like rosacea and eczema, and even cause burns. A better, safer alternative for clearing pores is using salicylic acid.

Would you ask a dermatologist for heart issues? Of course not. So why would you trust anyone other than a dermatologist for your skin issues? Your skin is an organ, and it deserves expert medical care.

Just because a moisturizer is popular in "pharmacy skincare" videos doesn't mean it's right for you. I explain why a famous cream like Emolene, while great for dry skin, is highly comedogenic and a bad choice for anyone with acne-prone skin. Always check ingredients for your specific skin type.

Stop the skin abuse. Layering every single ingredient you see on social media is not a skincare routine, it's a recipe for irritation. You probably don't need most of them. Let's build a simple, effective routine that works for your specific concerns.

Skincare is for everyone, and it's time to break the stigma around men using it. Men's skin also deals with tanning, aging, and sensitivity. I explain that you don't need a separate "for men" product line, just the right ingredients for your skin type.

Don't listen to influencers, listen to your dermatologist. Your skin health is a medical matter that requires a professional diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, not trendy advice from social media.

Can adults use baby products? The answer is no, and I explain why. A baby's skin structure, pH, and oil production are completely different from an adult's. Using baby products can actually clog your pores and lead to acne.

About Myth Busters: Science vs. Social Media

Before you follow that viral DIY face pack recipe, check the ingredient list. Many 'natural' remedies, like milk powder or coffee, aren't just ineffective; they are potentially damaging. Using non-sterile kitchen ingredients can compromise your skin barrier and lead to long-term irritation. If you're dealing with persistent breakouts, avoid the trial-and-error phase and let's identify the actual root cause together.

Evidence-based dermatology from a practicing specialist. — Approved by the tribe

Vandhana Manoharan

Online consults available; Clinics in Bengaluru (Whitefield, Koramangala, HRBR) & Tamil NaduStarts from ₹500 Per Session

Hi, I’m Dr. Vandhana. I see too many patients coming to my clinics in Bengaluru with damaged skin because they trusted a social media hack over medical advice. I’m here to stop the 'uruttu' (bluffs) and show you what actually works for your skin, not what's trending.