Targeted ads accelerate this trend, exposing young minds to a plethora of dermatological serums, creams and solutions.
But there is a catch.Most of these young individuals do not consult dermatologists before starting to do these intense regimes. They do not even do a patch test to see what suits their skin before taking the plunge into what are clinical interventions.
Self-medicating can have serious consequences.
As Delhi-based dermatologist Dr. Lipy Gupta points out, “a lot of people have reactions because all these serums must be used in specific combinations. In active acne, you can’t use vitamin C, you should be using niacinamide. They are not aware of such things.”
The lack of clinical consultations can create unnecessary complications. For example, most of these chemical-based products have high levels of alcohol content and can also have high pH value. Such products can lead to skin burns, redness, rashes, reactions, acne formations, or pigmentation.
Dermatologists prescribe specific acid-based products for different conditions based on skin types. People who do not have expert medical knowledge may end up using the wrong combination of acids for the wrong skin type.
As Dr. Gupta added, “Some are day applications, some are night applications. You mix them, and some of them react with each other. So, a strict and a properly formulated regime is important.”
Improper regimes too can lead to many serious problems, including irritation, redness, rashes, burns, dryness, or acne formation.
The ideal age for using these products, except in the case of vitamin C and niacinamide, is after 25 or 30 years. The skin of people who follow an elaborate and strong regime gets used to the intensity, which can also lead to faster aging. Simply put, many of these formulations should not be tried until there is a skin condition in the first place.
There is a specific use case where indiscriminate use can lead to serious consequences.
Culturally, fair is perceived to be the more attractive skin tone in India. This puts pressure on young brides-to-be, who use a chemical compound called retinol to brighten their skin before their wedding.
This is often a choice they make without consulting their dermatologists.
Dr. Gupta recalls multiple incidents where these soon-to-be brides develop reactions due to retinol and their skin becomes red.
It is when they finally visit a dermatologist that they realise that using any products on the skin without consultation with someone qualified isn’t a wise decision.
The consequence of this avoidable retinol use is that they end up having to take a combination of oral and application-based steroids, along with oral anti-allergic pills.
Dr. Gupta believes that it is the marketing push that has made these dermatological products seem attractive for youngsters. “The results that are shown are quite amazing on Instagram, and social media. So that makes them go for these products because everyone is looking for something that is known as a Korean glass skin,” she points out.
This craze for extreme skincare has spread from the affluent to the middle class and the poorer sections of society, says Dr. Gupta.
The extent of their zeal depends on education, the amount of time spent on Instagram, and peer pressure.
She suggests that people should ideally go back to the basics of skincare, especially if they don’t have any skin condition.
Morning: Facewash, moisturiser and sunscreen.
Evening: Facewash, moisturiser or night cream.
For those wanting herbal products the doctor recommends the use of aloe vera and calamine lotion.
Being sensitive, youngsters’ skin can improve quickly and deteriorate fast. Consulting a dermatologist before jumping on to elaborate skincare routines is critical.
