Skincare advice on social media is not always safe for every skin type; here's why and how to protect your skin
Social media plays a remarkably powerful position nowadays. Social media influences how individuals look at and perceive skin and how they take care of it. Skincare is now one of the most talked about and discussed elements of everyday self-care with millions looking for the ideal routine to treat their skin with concern and efficacy.
A well-planned skincare routine nourishes healthy, radiant skin through nourishment and protection.
In the age of TikTok virality and Instagram reels, skincare hacks are just a scroll away. Influencers post routines with flawless skin results, and product hacks usually come tagged with hashtags like #glassskin or #miraclecream. What most viewers don't realise, though, is that these tips are often based on people's experiences neither science nor dermatological insight.
What works for one skin type can harm another. That so-called "duo" exfoliant might be great for oily skin but irritates the skin of a person with rosacea. Likewise, layering too much of an active product like retinol, AHAs, or vitamin C into your routine can weaken the skin barrier, causing it to become red, break out, and become oversensitive.
Understanding your skin is the first step to effective care
Identify your skin type
Understanding your skin type is the key to developing a routine that actually works for you.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Upto 15% Discount for Salaried Individuals
ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan
Get Quote
Undo
Whether you have oily, dry, combination, sensitive, acne-prone, or normal skin, all types need special attention. By determining your skin type, you can customize your routine to give your skin just the right amount of pampering and protection it needs.
Don't be tempted to keep switching routines
Social media tends to urge us to experiment with new products and routines all the time. Experimenting is okay, but constant switching can interfere with your skin's natural equilibrium.
Rather, be patient, watch what really works for your skin tone and texture, and be consistent.
Listen to your skin's signals
Stop focusing solely on how your skin looks; pay attention to how it feels. Dryness, redness, irritation, breakouts, and other signs are important signals your skin sends. Understanding these signs helps you adjust your routine effectively rather than just chasing appearance.
Monitor skin reactions carefully
Your skin's reaction may vary based on numerous variables: new products, ingredients, weather, diet, and changes in your lifestyle.
Monitor closely the way your skin reacts and prepare to adjust your routine if adverse reactions happen.
Maintain consistency and flexibility
Healthy skin care is a compromise between consistent routine and flexibility. As you get older or as environmental conditions change, your skin's needs will change. Consistent care with flexibility guarantees your routine works well in the long term.
Skin care mistakes
to avoid for
healthy glowing skin
Caring for your skin is a loving act, yet even with good intentions, many people unknowingly do wrong that defeats the health of their skin.
The following are some wrongs which you should never commit in order to maintain soft, radiant, and healthy skin.
Roughly rubbing or tugging your skin
Sweating, rubbing aggressively, or pulling tugs at the skin, causing it to lose its elasticity and become irritated. Rubbing your moisturizer in a rush is one such example; this can leave your skin rough and damaged. Treat your skin gently, using light strokes upwards with products.
Not cleaning your phone screen
Your phone screen carries with it many germs that are transmitted to your face when you hold your phone.
Keeping your phone screen clean regularly—preferably every day or at least twice weekly—helps keep your skin clean and avoids breakouts due to bacteria.
Not hydrating your skin appropriately
Hydrating is important not only for your body but also for the shine and function of your skin. Dehydrated skin feels dry, tight, and dull. Apply products that contain moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid in order to rebuild and protect your skin's moisture barrier.
Not removing makeup before bed
Sleeping in makeup clogs your skin's natural healing process and confines oil and dirt, clogging pores and making your skin look dull. Make sure to clean thoroughly at night to let your skin breathe and renew itself during the night.
Using the wrong products for your skin type
Even the most excellent products can damage your skin if they don't match your particular type. Opt for skincare products formulated for your skin type to prevent irritation, oiliness, or dryness.
Dipping fingers directly into products
Using fingers to scoop out products brings bacteria into the containers, which can then result in skin problems. Instead, use spatula or applicator tools to maintain your skincare products as clean and hygienic as possible.
Inconsistency in your routine
Skincare outcomes need consistent and regular attention. Skipping days or changing products too often makes it more difficult for your skin to adjust and gain improvement. Stick to a routine and let your skin have time to react.
How to protect your skin from
wrong skincare advice
Before you implement any social media skincare advice into your routine, keep the following dermatologist-approved steps in mind to protect your skin:
Know your skin type first
It's crucial to understand your skin type (oily, dry, sensitive, acne-prone, or combination) to follow safe skincare. Don't apply products just because they're trending right now. Apply only those that meet your unique skin needs.
Always patch test new products
Before applying a new cream or serum all over your face, apply a small test amount behind your ear or on your jawline for 24–48 hours.
This will help you detect any allergic reactions or irritation early.
Avoid layering multiple actives without instruction
Social media often boasts of regimens replete with actives like niacinamide, retinol, and acids. But too many at once can result in extreme skin damage. Take a small step and incorporate actives one by one, ideally under the supervision of experts.
Avoid DIY skincare hacks
Not all that you have in your kitchen should be on your face. Lemon juice, baking soda, and even toothpaste might be recommended online, but they can be abrasive, interfere with the pH of your skin, and even burn or lead to long-term sensitivity.
Choose evidence-based products
Use research-backed brands and formulas or clinical trial-tested products. Be on the lookout for non-comedogenic, fragrance-free if you're sensitive, and always read labels.
Seek professional guidance for personal concerns
Should you be facing repeated acne, pigmentation, or unusual skin responses, don't rely on influencer guidance. Seek the services of a dermatologist, who will give you a personalized treatment protocol that caters to the special requirements of your skin.
So before following any skin care advice, know whether
'Skin care is really safe for you or just trending?
One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
8 minutes ago
- Time of India
Yoga and Ayurveda are keys to perfect skin and health
This international yoga day the most essential thing to remember is to reinforce the principles of Yoga & Ayurveda within our daily lives. Both are ancient practices rooted from our Vedas since time immortal. It is important to note that the belief of both these practices is to lead a holistic life for the wellbeing of the body. While physical practices of yoga helps in achieving physical harmony, the practices of ayurveda are all about balancing the internal doshas, dietary and lifestyle changes that also impact the skin health. How Yoga & Ayurveda are keys to perfect skin Leading a life of stress and chaos, trying to strike balance between work / personal life is taking a toll on our wellbeing. With this it becomes essential to set aside some time for self-care and reset your rhythm. A holistic approach that is an amalgamation of yoga and ayurveda enables in addressing your ailments and mental aspects of health as well. Not only your flexibility is enhanced, but you feel more at ease, your gut health improves, you have a better immunity and your skin is free of toxins. Reducing stress requires practicing yoga moves that enables in inducing the feelings of peace. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scam Exposed: What They Won't Tell You about zero trust! Expertinspector Click Here Undo Mindfulness and meditation help in release of anxiety from the body. When you are at ease, your nervous system relaxes, the skin health improves dramatically. Balancing your bodily functions internally impacts the skin, leading to enhanced skin quality. Benefits of Yoga & Ayurveda on skin health Yoga and Ayurveda when these work in combination the body and mind come into perfect harmony with nature. While you might not be aware that even certain yoga poses offer benefit to the skin health, it is essential to pay attention that principles of ayurveda helps in achieving overall skin health. Yoga helps balance your mind and provides clarity by balancing its three essential qualities, the mind therefore becomes calm. With a calm mind it is easy to achieve in optimum productivity. Ayurveda helps in achieving balance between doshas through the use of certain cleansing and therapeutic practices. The products that are based on ayurveda therefore are more of treatment and therapeutic products. Use of full body massage through the incorporation of ayurveda practices enhances muscular and skin quality. With it your skin is nourished greatly and supplied by ample nutrients to keep it healthy. Use of medicated oil therapy is more of a treatment that enables in achieving better mental health. Using ayurveda based products for skincare and haircare containing herbal and floral extracts directly improves skin health and enhances the quality of the skin. With all the above mentioned reasons, yoga and ayurveda are both important in achieving overall beauty that radiates from inside out with healthy body you will be able to have a healthy and youthful skin. Shahnaz Hussain One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
12 minutes ago
- Time of India
Sushmita Sen was told to take a medicine every 8 hours for the rest of her life to survive. How she overcame health challenges and pill dependency
Sushmita Sen is no stranger to battling a health crisis. The 'Main Hoon Na' actress, who survived a massive heart attack in 2023, had been living with Addison's Disease, a rare autoimmune disorder , since 2014, and was told point-blank by her doctors that she had to take a steroid called hydrocortisone every eight hours to prolong her life. 'There is a hormone in the body called cortisol. My adrenal glands had stopped producing it. I had gone into an adrenal crisis. I was declared steroid-dependent for life,' she told Rajeev Masand in 2019. However, the actress was determined not to rely on drugs to stay alive. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Costco Shoppers Say This Wrinkle Cream Is "Actually Worth It" The Skincare Magazine Undo Choosing a Different Path Despite the diagnosis, Sushmita wasn't willing to accept a future that relied solely on pharmaceuticals. As soon as she grasped the seriousness of her condition, she made a decisive call to her fitness trainer and asked to begin training in gymnastics—something completely out of the ordinary for someone in her condition. 'The doctor said not to do any anti-gravity movements. The first thing I did was call my trainer... I don't like who I am becoming in the attempt to survive.' she told Masand She expressed a strong desire to try anti-gravity workouts, a form of aerial fitness, and pushed herself to defy the limitations that doctors had placed on her. She admitted that while this approach may not be advisable for everyone, especially those battling chronic diseases, she believed that her body was trying to guide her in a different direction. She also adopted a comprehensive detox program, trying every medical protocol she could. Along with that, she reintroduced yoga, aerial exercises, and anti-gravity training into her life. These became her tools not just for survival, but for transformation. An Unbelievable Turnaround One day, her journey took a shocking turn. After she collapsed unexpectedly, Sushmita was rushed from Dubai to Abu Dhabi for emergency medical care. Following her treatment, she was released and began her journey back to Dubai. During that time, her doctor from Turkey reached out with astonishing news. He told her to stop taking the hydrocortisone. Her body had started naturally producing cortisol again. The doctor, astounded, mentioned that in his 35 years of experience, he had never seen someone with adrenal failure regain natural hormone function. He had triple-checked the test results and was still in disbelief. For Sushmita, that moment was overwhelming—like receiving a divine message she had long waited for. Her body, once written off as steroid-dependent, had fought back and healed itself in a way that stunned even the most seasoned experts. Understanding Addison's Disease: A Complete Breakdown Addison's disease is a rare yet serious medical condition that arises when the adrenal glands fail to produce adequate amounts of specific vital hormones. According to a report from Harvard Health Publishing , this disorder particularly affects the production of cortisol—a hormone that plays a central role in the body's response to stress—and aldosterone, which is responsible for maintaining the balance of sodium and potassium. These minerals directly influence the volume of fluids in the body and help regulate blood pressure. Addison's disease falls under the category of adrenal insufficiency, where the glands don't function to their full capacity. What Causes Addison's Disease? The primary cause of Addison's disease is damage to the adrenal glands, which are small, triangular organs situated above each kidney. These glands are essential for the release of various hormones that control metabolism, manage blood pressure, and support immune system performance. In the majority of cases—up to 90 percent—this damage results from an autoimmune reaction. This means that the body's immune system, which is designed to defend against harmful invaders like viruses and bacteria, mistakenly attacks the adrenal glands instead. Over time, this misguided attack impairs the glands' ability to produce hormones, leading to the development of Addison's disease. Common Warning Signs People with Addison's disease typically experience a broad range of physical symptoms, many of which are related to hormonal imbalances in the body. These symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen over time if not treated. They include: Persistent nausea accompanied by vomiting Pain or discomfort in the abdominal region Frequent episodes of diarrhea A noticeable reduction in hunger or interest in food Unexplained weight loss Aching in muscles and joints Involuntary muscle cramps or twitching Ongoing feelings of muscle fatigue or weakness These signs are the body's way of signaling that the adrenal glands are not functioning properly. Because many of these symptoms are also found in other medical conditions, Addison's disease is sometimes misdiagnosed or goes undetected until the symptoms become severe.
Time of India
17 minutes ago
- Time of India
International Yoga Day: Haryana CM announces 5-min yoga break in govt offices
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday announced that a five-minute yoga break programme will be launched in all government offices and a hall will be constructed for the International Meditation Centre in Shri Krishna Ayush University. Saini was addressing a gathering at a state level programme organised on the occasion of the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) at the Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra. The session was was led by yoga guru Ramdev. Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, state's AYUSH and Health Minister Kumari Arti Singh Rao and MP Naveen Jindal were also present at the event. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What the Market May Be Getting Wrong About Nvidia Seeking Alpha Read Now Undo The chief minister announced that 100 more yoga and 'vyamshalas' will be opened in the state. Saini said the celebrations to mark the 11th IDY in Haryana started on May 27, with programmes being organised across the state since then. Live Events He further said that the theme for this year's IDY is 'Yoga for One World, One Health', while asserting that yoga is for the welfare of the entire humanity. "Yoga is just not a form of exercise but also an important science to live healthy," he said. On this occasion, Saini said to promote research in yoga, a 'Yoga Lekhak Protsahan Yojana' will be started under which, excellent writers will be honoured every year. He also said that yoga courses will be introduced in colleges and universities of the state and 40 yoga trainers will be recruited in Haryana's sports department.
