5 things I would never do as a dermatologist

In the digital age, countless pieces of information, trends, and product recommendations bombard us daily, especially regarding skincare. The influence of social media has led to more and more influencers, sometimes with millions of followers, disseminating supposed expert advice and product tips—often without sound medical knowledge.

Given this background, it is all the more important for real experts to have their say in order to provide guidance for consumers. For this reason, we spoke with Premium Medical Circle member and dermatologist Dr. med. Hanna M.D. Halter and asked her to name the five biggest no-gos from a dermatological perspective.

1. Going out in the sun without sunscreen or visiting a solarium

By now, everyone should know: UV rays, especially in the solarium, are the most important preventable cause of skin cancer, including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. UVA and UVB rays permanently damage the collagen in the skin, leading to premature skin aging, wrinkles, pigment disorders, and actinic keratoses.

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Particularly dangerous is that UV damage accumulates over a lifetime, and even "unnoticed" everyday radiation (such as through windows) contributes to it. As a dermatologist, I recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily—even on cloudy days. Visits to solariums multiply the personal risk of skin cancer and quickly lead to irreparable light damage, which is why I would generally advise against it.

2. Popping pimples by yourself

Improperly squeezing pimples worsens inflammation, increases the risk of deep infections (e.g., abscesses), and promotes the formation of scars or permanent pigment changes (post-inflammatory hyper- or hypopigmentation). In certain locations—such as the so-called "danger triangle" of the face—bacterial infections can even be transmitted through the bloodstream to the brain. Therefore: instead of squeezing yourself, have a professional acne treatment performed by dermatologists or trained cosmeticians and, if necessary, use active ingredient creams (e.g. benzoyl peroxide or adapalene).

3. Going to an unprofessional tattoo or piercing studio

If hygiene, sterile techniques, and comprehensive education are lacking, bacterial or viral infections (including Hepatitis B/C, HIV, herpes, tetanus), allergies to metals or dyes, as well as unsightly scars and keloids threaten. Particularly dangerous is the use of cheap or unauthorized pigment colors: they can cause allergies, foreign body reactions, and, in the worst case, carcinomas. A high-quality studio focuses on: sterile disposable materials, documented pigment composition, qualified staff, and medical consultation for skin problems or pre-existing conditions.

© PMC

Dr. Hanna Halter practices in Munich.

4. Ignoring a skin change that grows rapidly, changes color, or bleeds

Rapid changes in moles or other skin lesions can be early signs of malignant melanoma, but also indicate other aggressive skin cancers. Everyone should pay attention to the ABCDE principle: Asymmetry, Border (blurred), Color (mixture), Diameter (>5 mm), and Evolution (change). Warning symptoms include rapid growth, crusting, spontaneous bleeding, and discoloration.

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When detected early, skin cancer is almost always curable – delayed diagnoses dramatically worsen the prognosis, especially with melanoma. If you notice skin changes on your body that have any of the mentioned characteristics, you should immediately consult a dermatologist. Generally, everyone should go for skin cancer screening every two years.

5. Trying new creams on the skin blindly, without looking at the ingredients

Before blindly following all the trends in skincare and cosmetics, you should always look at the ingredients and especially question the so-called active ingredients, and what of it is actually evidence-based in skincare. Cosmetics and care products often contain allergens, fragrances, or skin-irritating substances such as alcohol, preservatives, or aggressive acids.

Thoughtless application – especially on sensitive, pre-damaged, or diseased skin (e.g., atopic dermatitis, rosacea) – can trigger allergies, contact dermatitis, or worsen chronic dermatoses. My tip as a dermatologist is: critically check the ingredients (also known as the INCI list), prefer scientifically proven active ingredients, and carefully integrate new products into your routine.

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