For every skin concern that you may have, social media seems to have a quick DIY solution that also promises fabulous results. However, dermatologists caution against such hacks, urging one and all to not fall prey to them. In a similar vein, Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, a skin expert, shared an Instagram video that she titled '3 most dangerous TikTok trends'. “Every skin is different and what works for someone may not always work for you. If you have some skincare concerns then instead of taking help from the internet, visit your doctor,” she wrote. First up was a trick to get rid of blackheads. She said that blackheads on the nose are pretty common, "but you don’t need pore strips as they can be harsh on your skin and can even dry them out further." She instead suggested using products with salicylic acid or other acids to remove them. "Also, treatments like hydra-facial work perfectly to remove blackheads and the easiest way to find a solution to it is to visit a dermatologist who will suggest products or treatments based on your skin’s specific concern and requirements," she continued. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta (@drgeetika) Homemade coffee masks. Coffee scrubs are great for brightening and removal of dead skin cells but then again, using coarse coffee can be abrasive on sensitive skin like under the eyes, underarms or even the face. Natural food items like turmeric. There are plenty of reasons to use natural skin care instead of traditional products, but not everything you eat can be put on your face. "Since the time I have been growing up I have heard this, if you can eat it, you can apply it on your face. I would not suggest that. Just imagine using chillies on your face or cinnamon powder, your face will actually burn it," she said. Why should you stay away from DIY treatments? According to Dr Kalpana Sarangi, Senior Consultant, Cosmetic Dermatology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital such unsupervised remedies may cause skin infections, pigmentation or aggressive acne which may lead to permanent scarring. "Tricks to fight blackheads can, especially, be risky because they may involve using harsh or abrasive ingredients that can damage your skin," she added. For example, some DIY remedies involve using baking soda or lemon juice, which can be too acidic and irritate your skin. "Additionally, some methods - such as using a blackhead extractor tool - can lead to scarring or infection, if not used properly. Products like abrasive scrubs, can cause allergic contact dermatitis,” she shared. Things that actually help fight blackheads Dr Swapna Priya Consultant – Dermatology, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad shared things that might actually help you get rid of blackheads. They are: • Consistent skincare routine: A consistent skincare routine that includes gentle cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturisation can help prevent the buildup of excess oil and dead skin cells that cause blackheads. Gentle cleansing with a mild cleanser twice a day can help remove impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Exfoliation with a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant can help unclog pores and remove dead skin cells. Moisturizing with a non-comedogenic moisturizer can help keep the skin hydrated and prevent the overproduction of oil. • Topical treatments: Over-the-counter topical treatments like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids can help unclog pores and reduce blackheads. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that can penetrate the pores and exfoliate the inside of the pore lining, reducing the buildup of oil and dead skin cells. Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial agent that can kill the bacteria that contribute to acne. Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that can help normalise the skin's oil production and exfoliate the skin, reducing the formation of blackheads. • Professional treatments: Professional treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or extractions performed by a dermatologist can effectively remove blackheads and prevent their recurrence. Chemical peels use a solution of acids to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. Microdermabrasion uses a machine with a diamond tip or crystals to exfoliate the skin and suction out impurities. Extractions involve the manual removal of blackheads and other impurities using specialized tools. 📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don't miss out on the latest updates!
