THere are some skin care trends and products that have no place near the skin – but unfortunately still find their way into our daily routine.

It’s easy to get carried away by the latest trends and products that promise flawless skin. However, not all popular products are good for your skin in the long run. Some can do more harm than good.

Makeup wipes

Makeup wipes are an integral part of many beauty routines due to their convenience. They promise quick and easy makeup removal, which is especially pleasant after a long day or night.

Why you should avoid them

• Harsh ingredients: Many makeup wipes contain alcohol and other harsh chemicals that can strip your skin of its natural oils, ultimately leading to dryness, skin irritation, and possible breakouts.
• Skin irritation: Wiping the skin with these products can cause friction, leading to redness and irritation. This is even worse for people with sensitive skin.
• Ineffective cleaning: Makeup wipes often leave residue behind, meaning your skin isn’t truly clean. Makeup residue and dirt can clog pores and lead to acne and other skin problems.
• Environmental impact: Most makeup wipes are not biodegradable. They often end up in landfills or, worse, in the ocean, harming wildlife.

Alternative: For gentle yet effective makeup removal, you can use micellar water or oil-based cleansers. These options dissolve makeup without harsh rubbing and are generally much gentler on your skin. Additionally, combining them with reusable cotton pads or soft washcloths can make your routine more sustainable.

The bottom line is: no matter how late it is or how tired you are, don’t rely on a quick fix.

Read also: Natural products and home remedies are good for Indian skin. Remember, they are not a cure-all

Loofahs

Loofahs are valued for their exfoliating properties, which promise a smooth and refreshed skin feeling.

Why you should avoid them:

• Abrasive nature: While exfoliation is important to remove dead skin cells, loofahs can be too aggressive. Their rough texture can cause micro-tears in the skin, leading to irritation and increased sensitivity.
• Bacterial growth: Loofahs are a breeding ground for bacteria, mold and mildew. Their porous nature retains moisture, making them the perfect environment for microbial growth, which can then be transferred to your skin and cause infections.
• Risk of over-exfoliation: Regular use of loofahs can strip your skin of its natural oils and compromise its barrier function. This can lead to dry, irritated skin and make your skin more vulnerable to environmental damage.

People with conditions like leukoderma, vitiligo, autoimmune diseases like lichen planus or black spots above the bra strap area called amyloidosis, which is very common among Indian women, should be especially careful. Using loofah sponges and scrubs can aggravate their condition and potentially spread the disease further in the body.

Alternative: Consider gentler exfoliating options such as soft washcloths or silicone sponges, which are easier to clean and harbor fewer bacteria.

Here are some questions I ask my patients when advising them about the best alternatives to a plastic loofah:

1. Is the alternative budget-friendly? If it is expensive, will it be usable in the long term and justify the price?
2. Does it need to be replaced regularly? If so, how often and at what cost?
3. Is it made from safe materials? Check to see if it is antimicrobial, eco-friendly, sustainably sourced, non-toxic and allergen-free. Are these claims backed by research?
4. Is it easy to clean? If the cleaning process is laborious, does it help extend the life of the product?
5. Is it suitable for your skin? Could the materials it contains cause allergic reactions?

Read also: Monsoon is no fun for hair. Here are some tricks to avoid dandruff, frizz and hair loss

Apricot-based peelings

Apricot scrubs have been a popular skin care product for decades. They are marketed as natural and effective exfoliators and promise smoother, clearer skin by sloughing away dead skin cells. But it’s not that simple.

Why you should avoid them:

• Hard particles: The ground apricot kernels in these scrubs have jagged edges that can cause micro-tears in your skin. These tiny cracks can lead to inflammation, irritation, and increased sensitivity over time.
• Skin Damage: Regular use of apricot scrubs can cause significant skin damage, especially on sensitive or acne-prone skin. The abrasive effect can worsen the skin condition, leading to more breakouts and longer healing times.

Alternative: I can speak for dermatologists everywhere when I say that anything you use to exfoliate your skin should not have a gritty texture. This type of product should never be used on your skin, let alone scrubbed on it.

If you still crave the freshly polished feeling that a physical scrub provides, consider opting for hydrogenated jojoba beads instead. They are found in salt scrubs and face washes. Enzyme-based scrubs made from fruits like papaya and pineapple are another great option for a gentle exfoliation. These ingredients help dissolve dead skin cells without the risk of physical damage.

While makeup wipes, loofahs, and apricot scrubs are popular in the skincare world, their potential to harm your skin far outweighs their benefits. By opting for gentler, more effective alternatives, you can maintain a healthier skincare routine that promotes lasting skin health. Short-term solutions always lead to long-term disasters if you’re not careful. Your skin needs to feel healthy from the inside so it can glow on the outside, and to do that, it needs all the nutrients it can get.

Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj is a consultant dermatologist at Max Hospital, Saket. She is also an allergist, laser surgeon and internationally trained aesthetician. Twitter handle: @dermatdoc. Her opinion is personal.

(Edited by Theres Sudeep)