AIIMS doctor reveals 7 common skincare mistakes that are quietly damaging your skin
In the age of trending skincare hacks and 10-step routines, it's easy to fall into habits that seem harmless but quietly damage your skin over time. Whether it's overwashing your face, relying on home remedies, or skipping basic hygiene, even well-intentioned skincare practices can backfire.
AIIMS dermatologist
Dr Aanchal Panth recently took to social media to bust some of the most common
skincare mistakes
and share healthier alternatives. Her tips serve as a much-needed reality check for anyone trying to build a skin-friendly lifestyle.
Here are the seven habits Dr Panth says you should reconsider:
1. Over-cleansing your face
Overwashing face can damage skin. (Pic courtesy: Istock. Image used for representative purpose only)
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Join new Free to Play WWII MMO War Thunder
War Thunder
Play Now
Undo
Washing your face more than twice a day can strip the skin of its natural oils, disrupting its barrier and leading to dryness or irritation. Dr Panth advises cleansing only twice daily—morning and night. If you work out or are exposed to dust, rinse with water, but don't exceed two cleanser uses per day.
2. Neglecting scalp hygiene
A clean scalp contributes to healthier skin, especially around the forehead and hairline. If necessary, shampoo every day or every alternate day to prevent buildup that could lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
3. Dirty pillowcases
Your pillowcase collects oil, dirt, and bacteria over time, which can transfer onto your skin and cause breakouts. Dr Panth recommends changing pillow covers every 2–3 days to maintain skin hygiene.
4. Sharing towels for face and body
Use a separate towel to pat dry your face. (Pic courtesy: Istock. Image used for representative purpose only)
Using the same towel for both body and face can spread bacteria and aggravate skin issues. Always keep a separate, clean towel for your face to reduce the risk of breakouts and infections.
5. DIY pimple popping
Never pop your pimple by yourself. (Pic courtesy: Istock. Image used for representative purpose only)
If you have pus-filled pimples, resist the urge to pop them at home. Instead, consult a dermatologist who can deroof them using a sterile needle. Improper popping can lead to scarring, pigmentation, and infections.
6. Using products without understanding your skin
Dr Panth emphasises the importance of choosing skincare based on your specific skin type and concerns. Randomly following influencer recommendations can do more harm than good if the product isn't right for your skin.
7. Trusting home remedies for dark spots
While home remedies might temporarily moisturise your skin and give it a slight glow, they won't fade dark spots. Effective treatment requires ingredients that reduce melanin synthesis—something home kitchen ingredients simply can't offer.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Weight-loss drug Wegovy starts at ₹17,345 in India
Mumbai: Wegovy (semaglutide), the popular weight-loss drug from Danish drug maker Novo Nordisk , is priced between '17,345 and '26,015 across dosages in India. The company announced at its launch that the easy-to-administer once-a-weekly pen-filled injectable will have the advantage of convenient dosing. The drug will be available in five dosing strengths (0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.7 and 2.4 mg) and will be prescribed for long-term chronic weight management and reduction in risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Vikrant Shrotriya, MD, Novo Nordisk India, said obesity is a chronic disease and a national epidemic. "Wegovy is a transformative therapeutic solution with the convenience of a world-class, state-of-the-art pen device," he noted. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Нов таблет с Android Pro 14 Murreice Купете сега Undo Ambrish Mithal, chairman and head, endocrinology and diabetes, Max Healthcare , said although the price of Wegovy is not within the reach of the Indian masses, the potential for the drug is huge. Live Events Over time, he said, the cardiovascular benefit of Wegovy 2.4 mg is an important addition to the weight loss benefits. It is clinically proven to reduce cardiac events by 20%, both in people suffering from overweight/obesity with pre-existing heart disease. The drug can be prescribed for patients with BMI over 30 and those with BMI above 27 and pre-existing co-morbidities. Bariatric surgeon Mufazzal Lakdawala told ET that weight-loss drugs are proving to be the game-changers and they have just unlocked the potential for obese patients. He said the new age weight loss drugs could potentially complement bariatric surgery for patients beyond BMI of 45-50 as a weight-loss option. Compared to Wegovy, Mounjaro's 2.5 mg and 5 mg vials, which are also given on a weekly basis, are priced at '14,000 to '17,500 for a month's dose.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Novo Nordisk's Wegovy debuts in India: How it works, who it's for, and how much it costs
Source: iStock In a major development for India's fast-growing anti-obesity drug market, Novo Nordisk on Tuesday officially launched Wegovy, its highly anticipated weight-loss medication, marking a direct challenge to Eli Lilly's already available Mounjaro. Wegovy will be rolled out as a once-weekly injectable, delivered via a FlexTouch pen-like device—a user-friendly, self-administered format that eliminates the need for vials or syringes. The drug is expected to be available in Indian pharmacies by the end of June 2025, according to Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director of Novo Nordisk India. A market ripe for disruption Novo Nordisk is betting big on India, where nearly 254 million people live with generalized obesity and 351 million with abdominal obesity. The Danish pharma giant sees India as a key market for future sales, aiming to capture a large share of the country's ₹576 crore anti-obesity drug market, which has quadrupled from ₹133 crore in 2021, according to PharmaTrac. 'Obesity is not just a personal health concern — it is a chronic disease and a national epidemic that India cannot afford to ignore,' said Shrotriya. 'We are bringing Wegovy with the convenience of a world-class, state-of-the-art pen device, and an India-specific price.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Source: iStock How Wegovy works: Science behind the shot Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which mimics a natural hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar, reducing appetite, delaying gastric emptying, and improving satiety. While related drugs like Ozempic are used primarily for type 2 diabetes, Wegovy is specifically approved for chronic weight management in cases of morbid obesity. The FlexTouch device allows patients to dial in their weekly dose, with four needles included in each monthly pack. The drug works on key centers of the brain that regulate hunger and food cravings, promoting weight loss while offering additional metabolic benefits. According to diabetologist Dr. V. Mohan, 'Clinical data on semaglutide demonstrates not just weight loss but also considerable improvement in cardiovascular risk factors and inflammatory markers. For Indians, where diabetes and heart disease are on the rise, access to such evidence-based therapy offers holistic benefits.' India-specific pricing for Wegovy: Full dose list With a pricing strategy tailored for the Indian market, Novo Nordisk is offering the same cost for the initial three dosing strengths: Dose Monthly Price (₹) Per Dose (₹) 0.25 mg ₹17,345 ₹4,366 0.5 mg ₹17,345 ₹4,366 1 mg ₹17,345 ₹4,366 1.75 mg ₹24,280 ₹6,070 2.4 mg ₹26,015 ₹6,503 By comparison, Mounjaro, which contains the dual-action compound tirzepatide, is priced more competitively: Source: iStock Mounjaro Dose Monthly Price (₹) 2.5 mg ₹14,000 5 mg ₹17,500 Results comparable to bariatric surgery — but with caveats Wegovy has demonstrated remarkable outcomes in clinical studies, positioning it as a breakthrough in the treatment of obesity and related conditions. Patients using the drug experienced an average weight loss of nearly 15%, with one in three shedding as much as 20% of their body weight. Beyond weight loss, Wegovy also significantly reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. The drug also had notable benefits for liver health and showed improvement in liver fibrosis. However, the benefits of Wegovy are tied closely to continued use. Discontinuation often results in weight regain, and medical experts have raised concerns about potential muscle mass loss over time, underscoring the need for long-term management and monitoring. Wegovy vs. Mounjaro: Key differences Aspect Wegovy (Semaglutide) Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) Mechanism GLP-1 receptor agonist Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist Effect Reduces appetite, delays gastric emptying Enhances insulin secretion, appetite suppression Indication Approved for weight loss Approved for diabetes, used off-label for weight loss Dosing Once a week via Flexpen Once a week via single-dose vials Price ₹17,345–₹26,015 per month ₹14,000–₹17,500 per month One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Officials: Chaibasa study shows 78% recovery rate in malnourished kids
1 2 Ranchi: A nutrition intervention piloted in Chaibasa (West Singhbhum) has demonstrated a promising 78% recovery rate among children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), signalling potential for a scalable solution to the state's ongoing child malnutrition crisis. The results were presented on Tuesday at a state-level dissemination programme held at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims) to assess the impact of the augmented Take-Home Ration (THR), known as 'Shishu Shakti.' The supplementary food product was developed in collaboration with the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad, under the Strategic Action for Alleviation of Malnutrition and Anaemia Reduction (SAAMAR) programme. You Can Also Check: Ranchi AQI | Weather in Ranchi | Bank Holidays in Ranchi | Public Holidays in Ranchi The pilot study was conducted in the Chakradharpur block of West Singhbhum district from January to May 2025, enrolling 139 children diagnosed with SAM. Of the 124 children who completed the intervention, 97 (78%) achieved recovery. The ready-to-eat formulation offers nutritional value, providing 490 kilocalories and 17 grams of protein per 100 grams, compared to 455 kilocalories and 12.7 grams of protein in the standard Take-Home Ration. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like A severe blood disorder has put her life at risk! Donate For Health Donate Now Director of social welfare, Kiran Kumari Passi said, "The pilot was implemented in one of the most difficult districts in terms of terrain and economic development. Understanding community-specific challenges is essential. Factors such as low milk consumption, alcoholism, child marriage, and high dropout rates among girls leading to low maternal education directly impact child nutrition." Palamu DC, Sameera S, stated, "Training of master trainers at the state and district levels has been completed, and block-level training of ASHAs and Anganwadi workers is underway. We anticipate expanding Shishu Shakti across Palamu shortly."
