Normalising Acne Issues and Busting Myths with Dermatologist, Dr. Aanchal

By Ruchi Sharma

Acne is something just like periods, it appears just when you least expect it. Before every party or special event, it ensures to mark its presence. But jokes apart, it’s as normal as periods. In some special cases, there might be an inherent medical condition which might lead to painful and consistent acne issues. There have been a truckload of myths around acne, right from it always leaves spots behind to it is only genetic. So, rather than relying on half baked facts, why don’t ke know about it all from an expert dermatologist? We have on board Dr. Aanchal from @dr.aanchal.md, an experienced dermatologist who will help us in understanding more about acne issues and breakouts. 

Dr. Aanchal is not only a dermatologist, she is also a hair transplant surgeon and has been sharing her expertise with everyone through her youtube channel too, where you can find answers to literally all dermatology related questions.

Not waiting any longer, let’s catch up on this amazing conversation we had with Dr. Aanchal for this extra special edition of SpeSHEalist Talks.

1. Hi Dr. Aanchal, welcome to Girls Buzz! We would love to know more about you.

I am a dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge on skin and hair to empower you to make better health decisions.  I started my YouTube channel in 2018 to just provide a platform for authentic scientific reliable information. And I never thought it would take off the way it did. I am grateful each day for my youtube and instagram community. 

2. Being a dermatologist, many people confuse it being the same as skin doctor, would you like to elaborate more on it?

Dermatologist is a specialist field. We need to do a post graduation in dermatology after completing MBBS. Yes, skin doctor and dermatology are the same. But currently a lot of unqualified professionals are calling themselves cosmetologist or trichologist. There is no field like cosmetology or trichology. A real skin doctor or a dermatologist is the one who has done post graduation in dermatology after MBBS.  

3. Are there different types of dermatologists?

Many dermatologists choose to practise in sub speciality of their interest such as core dermatology, cosmetic or aesthetic dermatology, hair transplant, dermatosurgery etc. 

4. Coming to our topic of the day, people often get troubled by skin issues like acne or warts, is it generally something that requires medical assistance.

Yes absolutely. It is disheartening to see patients come in with acne scars that could have been prevented. 

Warts are viral infections and should be treated as it is highly contagious. 

5. What can be some of the causes behind severe acne on the face or other parts of the body?

Causes of acne are : genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalance, increased secretion of oil from oil forming glands, inflammation. 

6. From a ladies perspective, lots of physical changes are noticeable during PMS or even during the period's cycle. Can you suggest some relief measures for clogged pores and breakouts during it?

Cleanse your face twice a day with a gentle exfoliant. On days that you break out, use salicylic acid serum at night. 

7. Following the nightmare of acne is the dark spots they leave behind! Is that normal? 

Yes it is. Especially in our skin type it is a rule more than an exception. Do not pop your acne, do not use physical scrubs and use sunscreen regularly. 

8. Are there some very common mistakes that women make which lead to bad skin and hair health? 

Neglecting diet: A healthy balanced diet is important. 

Not taking enough sleep: Prolonged screen time makes you look tired. 

Not exercising: It is not only for body health but for skin and hair too. 

Too much stress: Stress makes everything worse including giving your dull skin and can also cause hair fall. 

9. Coming to busting some myths, many women notice frequent hair loss during pregnancy, can it be reversed post birth? 

Yes. Actually most women have great hair during pregnancy but have hair fall after childbirth. Don't worry, it is self limiting . It usually gets better after 6 months.

10. Another myth is regular use of sunscreen is not good for the skin, is that true? Any caution one must take while using sunscreen? 

Regular sunscreen use is a must. If you are someone with sensitive skin or are pregnant, then use a plain zinc oxide sunscreen. 

11. Next myth on the list is waxing causes ingrown hair, what’s the expert’s take on this one? Any other myths you would like to bust? 

Yes, waxing does cause ingrown hair. Waxing leads to breakage of hair under the skin, this hair grows in a misdirected way under the skin leading to ingrown hair. If you have ingrown hair, avoid waxing, shave in the direction of hair (never reverse shave), and laser hair reduction is a good option. 

12. Now this is a curious one, waxing, shaving or epilating, which is the worst or best for the skin from skin health’s point of view? 

Shaving best, waxing worst for skin health.

13. Can you suggest some DIY tips for ladies reading this, to improve their skin and hair health and reduce the two basic common issues- acne and hair fall? 

For Acne: Use hone  and rose water pack twice a week .

For hairfall: No DIY will work. We need to find the cause first.

14. We saw your amazing Youtube channel which has so many videos on anything and everything we can think of for any skin or hair issues! It’s a total paradise when you have a question in mind! So apart from your regular practice and creating these perfect videos, what’s next on the bucket list for you? 

There are many things I want to do. But the core of everything I do will always be to educate and empower people to make better skin choices for themselves. 

15. On the closing note, any piece of advice to the ladies reading this?

Keep your skin care simple. Embrace your bad skin days as you do your good skin days. Be kind to yourself and your skin . Instagram is not reality. 

Wow, those were some really crisp yet informative answers from Dr. Aanchal. Thank you so much doctor, for sharing your expertise with us. If you have any more questions or want to know about some really helpful tips, you can reach out to her on Instagram @dr.aanchal.md.