Top Instagram Dermat-Creator Reveals 5 Things You'll Never Find in a Dermatologist’s House, & Why You Should Ditch Them Too

In a world where skincare aisles are packed with miracle products and trendy hacks that promise glowing skin, a leading dermatologist has taken the internet by storm by dropping a truth bomb. Dr Gurveen Waraich Garekar, popularly known as Dr Garekar on Instagram, recently shared a carousel post entitled "5 things you’ll NEVER find at a dermatologist’s house.” With her sharp clinical lens and a dash of humour, she explained how some commonly used products may be wreaking havoc on the skin without us even realising it.

5 Things You'll Never Find in a Dermatologist’s House

Here's ar five commonly found household things that Dr Garekar avoids as a dermatologist, and why you might consider doing the same:

1. Loofahs

“They are cozy Airbnbs for bacteria and fungus,” hared Dr Garekar. Loofahs often get touted as the ticket to smooth, exfoliated skin. But the truth is:

• They trap moisture, body oils, and dead skin, making them a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.
• Aggressive scrubbing over-exfoliates the skin and disturbs the protective lipid layer.
• Most of the loofas are plastic-based, which means non-eco-friendly, just piling up in landfills.

When the skin barrier gets compromised, irritation, breakouts, and infections follow, all from something meant to clean skin. In another reel, Dr Garekar suggested alternatives such as washing the body with just hands, soft washcloths, or gentle chemical exfoliants.

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2. Plastic Comb

According to her, ”Plastic comb creates static electricity, which welcomes the frizz and flyaways." Plastic combs are easily accessible but she said they come with hidden drawbacks including:

• Plastic generates static electricity, causing frizz, flyaways, and worsening dryness.
• They can also irritate sensitive scalp conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis.
• The material is non-biodegradable, thus contributing to plastic waste.

As an alternative, use a wooden or carbon comb as they are gentle to the scalp, anti-static, and eco-friendly.

3. Nose Strips

Nose strips are a temporary fix but causes permanent damage. Pulling off a nose strip might be somewhat satisfying, but the damage underneath is real:

• They not only lift blackheads but rip away skin barrier and essential oils.
• Can cause sensitivity, enlarged pores, micro-tears, and a damaged barrier.

In another reel Dr Garekar also shared that nose strips traumatise the skin. Blackheads aren’t surface dirt, they’re clogged pores. If you really want to get rid of them, use dermat-approved chemical exfoliants with BHA,  salicylic acid, as they are safer in the long run.

4. Makeup Wipes

Makeup wipes are a favourite travel hack, but Dr Garekar warned against them. She explained:

• They change the skin's pH and cause irritation.
• Loaded with drying alcohols and artificial fragrances.
• They only clean halfway, pushing makeup deeper into pores and leaving residue behind.

Instead, try double cleansing with an oil cleanser followed by a gentle face wash.

5. Anti-Hairfall Shampoo

Anti-hairfall shampoos are bold claim that is back by zero science. The tagline "reduces hair fall in 7 days" sounds comforting  it is pure marketing. Dr Garekar shared, "Hair fall isn't a surface issue. It starts from within." And, is usually associated with:

• Nutritional deficiencies
• Poor lifestyle and stress
• Hormonal changes
• Harsh chemical treatments or heat styling

 

 

 

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A post shared by Dr Garekar l Dermatologist (@garekarsmddermatologyclinic)

Expert Consensus: Good Skin is About Healthy Habits

To further validate this, the editorial team also reached out to  Dr Adithi Jain, Consultant, Dermatology at CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, and she confirmed that she not only agrees with Dr Garekar's list but also advises patients to avoid these items. According to her, "These products look harmless, even appealing, but they do more damage than good. Skincare should strengthen the skin barrier, not constantly challenge it."

Skincare is not about products; it's about behaviour. Protecting the skin barrier is more important than adding five new steps to your routine,” she added. The smarter thing is to focus on:

• Gentle cleaning
• Barrier-friendly moisturizers
• Sunscreen
• Minimalism and consistency

Sometimes, the better thing you can do for your skin is not adding new products, but skipping the wrong ones.

Bottomline

Healthy skin is built by protecting the skin barrier, not punishing it. If dermatologists avoid loofahs, makeup wipes, plastic combs, nose strips, and anti-hairfall shampoos-maybe it's time we rethink them too.