India, Dec. 28 -- In the age of viral skincare trends, peel-off charcoal masks have become a staple for those seeking an instant fix for blackheads and oily skin. However, Dr Pooja Reddy, a dermatologist based in Hyderabad, has issued a warning: what looks effective on camera might actually be damaging your skin's long-term health. Also read | Charcoal masks: The good and the bad; here's everything you need to know

Taking to Instagram on December 27, Dr Reddy challenged the popularity of these aggressive treatments. "Charcoal masks may look effective on video, but they don't always support your skin," she cautioned.

While the sight of debris being pulled from pores can be gratifying, Dr Reddy explained that the physical mechanism of the...