Three derms, five skin and hair solutions

Relying on just a second opinion? Not! On! Our! Watch!

- Ananya Rai

We asked our readers to drop their most burning skin and hair questions, and let's just say, they didn't hold back! So, we brought in three of our trusted dermatologists to clear things up-or, you know, bust the myths you've been holding onto. Spoiler alert: these answers will have you rethinking your seven-step skincare routine. PS: You might want to take notes!

DOES ACNE SLOW THE AGEING PROCESS?

Dr Jaishree Sharad: Not scientifically. However, if you have acne, you are more likely to have used actives such as retinoids, salicylic acid, and azelaic acid, which also help with anti-ageing.

Dr Kiran Sethi: Acne doesn't slow the ageing process having oily skin does the same. One can exist without the other, and vice versa. The more moisturised your skin is, the slower it ages and the more elasticity it retains.

Dr (Maj) Gurveen W Garekar: It is interesting to note that recent research has suggested a possible link between acne and delayed ageing. Historically, it was believed to be due to excess sebum or oil production in acne-prone skin, as oily skin tends to age slower in terms of fine lines and wrinkles. However, a 2016 study published in the Netherlands-based Journal of Investigative Dermatology proposed a genetic connection. The study found that individuals with a history of acne might have longer telomeres, which are DNA structures that protect chromosomes from deterioration. Longer telomeres are associated with slower biological ageing.

CAN RETINOL AS WELL AS ROSEMARY OIL PROMOTE HAIR GROWTH?