Expert.Verse Conversation: Understanding Your Skin and Hair — 3 Common Concerns, Explained by Dr. Anwesha Marandi

For our latest Expert.Verse conversation, we asked Dr Anwesha about the three concerns that frequently bring patients to a dermatology clinic: unusual-looking skin lesions, hair loss, and facial pigmentation.

When a Skin Lesion Looks Concerning

Dr Anwesha explains: 

Patients often become anxious when they notice a new or unusual-looking lesion. However, many lesions that appear concerning to patients can be completely benign — for example, melanocytic nevi (moles), seborrhoeic keratoses, milia, and other benign skin lesions. At the same time, some lesions may require further evaluation to rule out malignancy.

This is where clinical examination and, when indicated, a skin biopsy become important. A biopsy does not mean that we are assuming the lesion is cancerous; rather, histopathological examination can help establish the diagnosis with greater certainty and guide appropriate management.

Hair Fall: Look Beyond the Supplements

Hair loss is another concern where patients often look for an immediate solution.

Our recently featured dermatologist, Dr Anwesha explains:

“I mention that hair loss has multiple causes ( it’s multifactorial) and that identifying the underlying cause is more important than simply taking supplements.”

A dermatologist can assess the pattern of hair loss, examine the scalp and, when necessary, recommend appropriate investigations before deciding on treatment.

The message is simple: before deciding how to treat hair loss, it is important to understand what may be causing it.

Tanning and Pigmentation: Prevention Matters

Dr Anwesha explains: 

Pigmentation can be frustrating, particularly when it repeatedly returns despite a skincare routine.

Consistent photoprotection is the key. 

Daily photoprotection is important, particularly when spending time outdoors or when there is significant exposure to daylight through windows, and reapplying during prolonged sun exposure. Hats, umbrellas and shade provide additional protection.

Avoiding unnecessary skin irritation and treating acne or inflammation early can also help prevent pigmentation.

The key is consistency—prevention is always better than treating pigmentation later.

Finally: Questions Young Adults Often Ask About Skin & Hair 

Expert.Verse: What’s the biggest skincare mistake you see?
Dr. Anwesha: Using too many active ingredients at once. More products ≠ better skin.

Expert.Verse: Does oiling reduce hair fall?
Dr. Anwesha: Oiling can condition the hair shaft and reduce dryness and breakage, but it does not treat most causes of hair loss at the follicle level.
Also, applying oil directly to the scalp is not necessary for everyone. An oily scalp can be more prone to dandruff/seborrhoeic dermatitis and other inflammatory scalp conditions, and heavy oiling may sometimes aggravate these.