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Doctor warns 'your skin doesn't need as much skincare as you think'

A doctor has issued a warning to people who use multiple skincare products and insists 'less is more'

News
Andrew Nuttall
15:41, 08 Jul 2024
Less is often more - and that's true for our skin, according to a medical expert
Less is often more - and that's true for our skin, according to a medical expert(Image: JAROMIR CHALABALA / Getty Images)

For many people, maintaining a skincare routine that is full of various creams, gels and serums is a top priority. However, an NHS doctor is advising people to simplify their skincare routines, stressing 'less is more'.

Dr Karan Rajan claims our skin doesn't need as much help as we think it does. He even warns that overdoing it could be causing more harm than good.


The NHS surgeon and university lecturer, was prompted to discuss this on TikTok. He issued a word of warning after watching a viral video of a young woman who claimed she had 'destroyed' her skin in less than a year by using too many products.

In the clip, the woman confesses that she was influenced by other TikTok users to adopt certain skincare routines. However, Dr Rajan argues that our skin, the body's largest organ, can "moisturise, exfoliate and cleanse itself pretty well if you allow it to".

He further added that our skin "probably doesn't need as much skin care as you think", reports the Express.


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He said: "The natural oils on your skin like sebum - that's not grime, that's actually a pretty effective moisturiser. The nightmare bugs that live on your face and eat dead skin cells - natural exfoliation."

The NHS surgeon highlighted that our skin is protected by a natural barrier known as the acid mantle. However, he warned that this protective layer can be compromised by the excessive use of beauty products, which may strip away "essential nutrients" vital for our skin's health.


He explained: "This can lead to flare ups of inflammatory conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis which leads to the use of more products to fix the problems caused by the first products. An endless vicious cosmetic cycle."

Skin disorders, such as acne and eczema, vary greatly in symptoms and severity. They can be temporary or permanent and may be painless or painful.

The medic has advised individuals seeking medical assistance for their skin issues to consult a dermatologist and follow their recommended skincare regimen.

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