Many people seek a quick fix for their skin concerns, but dermatologists say achieving healthy skin requires a collaborative effort between patient and doctor. Several Swiss dermatologists recently shared common habits they spot among patients that hinder results – and what they wish patients would do differently.
Overdoing Skincare Can Be Detrimental
Dr. Duve frequently treats patients with perioral dermatitis – an inflammatory skin condition caused by “over-care” of the skin, often presenting as small pimples on the face. “I had another case just today,” he said. Drs. Meli and Schmelter also recognize the issue, which could be avoided by reducing the number of different skincare products used.
Knowing Your Limits is Key
More aggressive treatments can also be problematic. “CO₂ lasers, excessive microneedling, strong medical peels – sometimes patients don’t know their limits and don’t give the skin a chance to heal,” explained Dr. Schmelter. “We, as doctors, have to intervene and make it clear: ‘That’s enough.’”
When was the last time you visited a dermatologist?
Picking at Pimples Can Cause Lasting Damage
Dr. Meli strongly warns against picking at pimples, which can lead to inflammation, scarring, or hyperpigmentation. “Anyone who picks at their pimples risks these complications,” she said. Dr. Schmelter added, “Anyone who repeatedly touches their face with dirty hands isn’t helping things.”
Early Intervention with a Dermatologist is Beneficial
Many patients delay seeking medical attention until a problem becomes acute. However, early appointments can be advantageous. Dr. Duve explained, “With newly beginning hair loss, the right treatment can prevent the problem from getting worse and keep the remaining roots alive longer.” Once hair follicles are dead, treatment is often ineffective.
Tanning Oils are a Definite No-No
As people prepare for summer and increased sun exposure, Dr. Meli considers tanning oils to be a major concern. “Tanning oils or generally applying various oils to enhance tanning is a definite no-go. Oils form a shiny layer on the skin that intensifies the effects of sunlight, leading to increased UV absorption and a higher risk of skin cancer.”
Daily Sunscreen is Essential
All three experts agree on the importance of daily sunscreen use. “Unfortunately, there are still some patients who believe sunscreen is harmful to the body,” said Dr. Meli. “However, UV radiation is one of the strongest factors in skin aging and skin cancer, so protection against it is crucial.”
Honesty with Your Dermatologist is Crucial
“Alarm bells go off for me when someone says they’ve never had anything done by a doctor, but it’s obvious they’ve been heavily injected or had various chemical peels and laser treatments,” said Dr. Duve. Patients who have undergone previous treatments are more prone to complications like poor wound healing or scarring. “Being honest avoids those risks.”
Give Products Time to Work
Skincare, especially creams and serums with active ingredients, doesn’t deliver instant results. Dr. Schmelter said, “Anyone who constantly changes their routine doesn’t give the ingredients enough time to actually work. You should wait at least four to six weeks to see a visible result.”
Don’t Rely on Skincare Alone
“Too much rapid food, sugary foods and drinks, and an excess of dairy products can show up on your face and trigger breakouts or eczema,” said Dr. Schmelter. Dr. Duve added, “Gut health also has a strong impact on skin appearance. Paying attention to it will become increasingly important for dermatologists and their patients in the coming years.”
Understand What Your Skin Needs
“You don’t need as many active ingredients in a skincare routine as are available on the market,” said Dr. Schmelter. “A moisturizer, cleanser, and sunscreen are enough. If you like, you can supplement with one or two active ingredients, such as vitamin C and retinol.”
Be honest: Are you making any of the mistakes the skincare professionals mentioned?
Malin Mueller (mmu) has worked for 20 Minuten since 2021. She is the deputy head of Lifestyle and Beauty editor. Her focus: skincare, hairstyles and trend checks.
