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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hüray Hügül, a board member of the Academy of Cosmetology and Dermatology Association, warned that overusing dietary supplements can damage the kidneys and liver and urged people to follow a physician's advice for healthy skin.

Hügül, co-chair of the congress, spoke to an Anadolu Agency reporter during the 'Aesthetics Summit from A to Z' in Antalya, organized by the Department of Dermatology and Venereology at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine together with the Academy of Cosmetology and Dermatology Association.

Turkey's experience in aesthetic treatments

Hügül said Turkey has significant experience in aesthetic practices and treatments, and that Turkish physicians share their knowledge and expertise with the international scientific community. Alongside a long and healthy life, preserving the youthful appearance of the skin has become increasingly important, Hügül said.

For healthy skin, Hügül pointed to balanced nutrition, healthy lifestyle habits and psychological well-being.

Treatments that work for others may harm you

Hügül stressed that skin health and aesthetic procedures should be handled by specialist physicians, and that people should not turn to uninformed practices simply because something worked for someone else.

"Treatments done on hearsay, assuming that what works for everyone will work for you, thinking 'it worked for my neighbor, so I will try it too,' end up being very wrong," Hügül said. "So do not hesitate at all, consult your dermatologist. They will guide you in the most appropriate way. Preparations made at home, remedies based on hearsay or unlicensed procedures always harm your health and your skin. So stand on the side of science, education, beauty and health."

Use supplements on a doctor's recommendation

People who want young, healthy skin should avoid uninformed supplement use, Hügül said, adding: "Using excessive supplements to look good and stay healthy is very wrong. When you use too many supplements, your kidneys and liver can be damaged. Very improper uses can occur."

Supplements should be used on a doctor's recommendation, Hügül said, pointing to the importance of assessing healthy nutrition, exercise and physician-recommended practices together. Hügül added that scientific knowledge and expert opinion should be valued to protect skin health and appearance.

Key takeaways

• Excessive dietary supplement use can damage the kidneys and liver, Hügül warned.
• Supplements should be used only on a doctor's recommendation.
• Home-made or unlicensed aesthetic practices can harm health and skin, the dermatologist said.
• People should consult a dermatologist rather than copy treatments that worked for others.