Can You Actually Reverse Balding and Melasma? | Dr. Pooja Reddy

Is your skincare routine actually ruining your skin barrier? In this comprehensive episode of Kaushik&CO, Dermatologist Dr. Pooja Reddy breaks down everything you need to know about skin health, hair loss, and the biggest myths promoted across social media. From decoding SPF ratings and sunscreen ingredients to understanding the hidden triggers behind adult acne (like sugar and dairy), Dr. Pooja shares science-backed advice on what genuinely works. We also dive deep into hair thinning vs. hair fall, the truth about Minoxidil, PRP, GFC, and hair transplant success rates, and why sleep and lifestyle play the biggest role in how you look and age. What We Discussed: Skincare Basics: The ideal 3-step routine, testing skin type at home, and choosing pH-balanced cleansers. Sunscreen Guide: SPF 30 vs. SPF 50, physical vs. chemical filters, proper application, and indoor reapplication. Acne & Skin Health: Why milk, sugar, and insulin spikes trigger acne, treating pigmentation/melasma, and debunking viral DIY hacks. Anti-Aging Secrets: The role of deep sleep, collagen repair, and whether Indian skin can achieve "Glass Skin." Hair Loss & Regrowth: Hair fall vs. thinning, essential blood tests, and the reality of Minoxidil, Finasteride, PRP, GFC, and hair transplants. Debunking Myths: The truth about hair oiling, dandruff, hard water, helmet use, and gym supplements. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction & rating skin health 02:26 - Dr. Pooja Reddy’s dermatology journey 03:50 - Personal daily skincare routine 06:16 - Male vs. Female skin aging 08:28 - Melasma & Pigmentation triggers 12:47 - Face vs. Body skin differences 15:34 - Sunscreen history & UV protection 18:10 - Oral sunscreens & antioxidant foods 19:22 - SPF 30 vs. SPF 50 & filter types 21:15 - How to test your skin type at home 25:23 - Fitzpatrick skin types & tanning 27:54 - How much sunscreen to apply 29:52 - Reapplying sunscreen: Indoors vs. Outdoors 32:40 - Safe vs. harmful sunscreen ingredients 34:46 - Soap vs. Face Wash & skin pH 38:55 - Active cleansers (Salicylic, Glycolic, Lactic) 44:40 - Choosing the right moisturizer 48:50 - Vitamin C & morning serum mistakes 51:06 - Proper order of skincare application 54:30 - Debunking the 10-step Korean routine 57:48 - Korean Glass Skin on Indian skin 58:40 - Sleep, circadian rhythm & anti-aging 01:03:45 - Acne triggers: Dairy, milk & sugar 01:07:30 - Rosacea & damaged skin barrier 01:09:33 - Natural vs. Chemical skincare products 01:12:02 - Pimple patches & toothpaste myth 01:17:20 - Melatonin & cellular repair 01:21:05 - Protein intake for skin and hair 01:23:30 - Hair fall vs. Hair thinning 01:24:05 - Essential blood tests for hair loss 01:26:15 - Minoxidil, Finasteride, PRP & GFC 01:35:40 - Hair Transplants: Candidate evaluation 01:37:35 - Questions to ask your transplant surgeon 01:40:55 - Finasteride safety & myths 01:43:35 - Helmets, hard water & whey protein myths 01:46:15 - Best dietary sources of protein 01:48:55 - Hair oiling truths & dandruff 01:51:45 - Baby hair shaving myth 01:55:35 - Postpartum hair shedding 01:56:08 - Conditioner & scalp care 01:59:15 - Building a sustainable routine 02:04:32 - Microblading & permanent makeup risks 02:06:45 - Sunscreen for children 02:07:30 - Final advice & wrap up 📩 Guest requests & collaborations: kaushikandco.podcast@gmail.com 📱 Follow:   / kaushikandcoshow   🎙 A Kathanika Media production, partnered with Rojo Elephant Entertainment