A dermatologist in Ludhiana has raised concerns about the rising trend of miracle cures and skincare advice on social media, warning that such content is fueling insecurity and causing skin damage among young people.
Doctor Highlights Risks of Following Online Trends
Dr Gaganjot Kaur, a dermatologist based in Ludhiana, spoke to Sukhpreet Singh about the growing number of cases where patients have suffered adverse effects after following unverified skincare advice from social media platforms. She noted that digital platforms, while popular, often spread misleading information that can harm skin health.
Real Cases of Skin Damage
Dr Kaur shared examples of patients who experienced severe reactions. One young man developed painful, infected sores on his scalp after applying garlic paste, following advice from a reel. A teenage girl, influenced by skin transformation videos, used multiple products that did not suit her skin, resulting in redness, pimples, and irritation. These cases, the doctor said, are becoming increasingly common.
Why Social Media Skincare Advice Is Harmful
The dermatologist explained that many influencers recommend treatments without medical knowledge. Their content is often paid promotion aimed at increasing views, followers, and sales, rather than providing genuine help. She emphasized that skincare is not universal; factors like skin type, age, hormones, allergies, lifestyle, and weather all matter. Blindly copying someone else's routine can lead to acne, allergies, pigmentation, or damage.
Pressure to Achieve Perfect Skin
Social media creates pressure to attain what is portrayed as perfect skin. Teenagers and young adults compare themselves to filtered and edited images, leading to insecurity about their skin texture, pores, tanning, or occasional acne. Overuse of strong anti-aging creams, exfoliating acids, and harsh treatments is a worrying trend, often making skin more sensitive and causing damage.
Dangers of DIY Remedies
Do-it-yourself remedies popular online, such as using lemon, toothpaste, baking soda, garlic, and undiluted oils, are not safe. They can cause burns, irritation, infections, and permanent marks. Dr Kaur advised people to question the qualifications of the person giving advice, whether it is genuine or a paid promotion, and whether it is suitable for their skin type before following any trend.
She concluded that while social media can spread awareness, online trends should never replace medical advice. Consulting a qualified dermatologist is essential for safe and effective skincare.
