It’s a new year! If you already have some health resolutions, grab your pen, you’ll want to add these to the list. We’ve asked some doctors for their insight on what you should NOT do in 2023.
If you live in a climate where it gets cold in the winter, your skin may be suffering right now. Whether you’re looking to fix redness, irritation or just overall dryness, the search for solutions sometimes brings us to the internet, where Tiktokkers hawk the latest moisturizers and so-called experts suggest do-it-yourself routines. The problem? Not all of these tips and tricks are proven to work, and some may even harm your skin.
“A lot of the products you see on social media platforms, like Tiktok and Instagram, can be really irritating to the skin,” says Dr. Rebecca Thiede, a dermatologist at Banner-University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona.
To help us navigate this complicated landscape, Thiede lists her skincare don’ts for 2023. Read on for some surprising revelations.
1. Never use anything with fragrance.
Although they smell nice, these products can cause irritation, sensitivity and redness, Thiede explains.
2. Never use physical exfoliants and harsh scrubs.
While a favorite of some online personalities, Thiede explains that these products cause too much irritation and sensitivity to be worth it. “I would recommend chemical exfoliants with proven benefits, such as products that contain glycolic or lactic acid,” she says. “These can properly exfoliate the skin, increase skin turnover and help with dyspigmentation.”
3. Never skimp on sunscreen.
This may sound like an obvious one, as the risk of skin cancer is well-documented in this day and age. Yet many of us might forgo the sunscreen in winter months, thinking the sun isn’t strong enough to do harm. “Cumulative small doses of sun damage can cause just as much damage as a day at the beach,” Thiede explains. “Our windows do not protect against UVA sun rays, which are the types of rays that can lead to aging and skin cancer.” To make sure we remember to add sunscreen to your daily skincare ritual. Thiede recommends keeping a tube of it next to your toothbrush.
4. Never use lip balm.
Ingredients in lip balm that cause that “tingly feeling” we know and love can actually dry out our lips even more, Thiede says. She suggests using Vaseline or Aquaphor instead, which can actually moisturize the lips.
5. Never use supplements like biotin or collagen.
While some say biotin can help with hair growth and that collagen can supposedly make your skin look more supple, Thiede notes that there’s limited research on their efficacy and many aren’t regulated. If you’re looking for some help with an issue, consult a real doctor. “There’s not one product that’s going to help everything,” Thiede says.“For hair loss — I think it’s worth talking to a dermatologist and figuring out why it’s happening.”
Other practices on Thiede’s blacklist include smoking, tanning beds and DIY microneedling with a derma roller (as it can damage the skin and lead to infection). When in doubt, don’t turn to social media for skincare advice. See a certified dermatologist who is familiar with your specific needs, and follow their guidance consistently to see results.