Skincare is a trend that almost every chronically online person has followed. Mostly since COVID-19, skincare routines have been so popularized that countless influencers have made their entire careers on it. However, the lies of the skincare industry continue to seep into our minds just as much as harmful chemicals from popular products do that are so limitlessly marketed to us. Let’s explore some of these trends and analyze if they actually help in improving skin health or not.
15-Step Hand Care Routine
Aesthetic hands, with perfectly manicured and polished fingers are currently the norm. The clean girl trope has flooded the internet with so much junk however, that after a point, selfcare videos are just carefully crafted marketing gimmicks. Take the 15-step hand care routine for example, where this one influencer uses wax, different mousses, serums, a ton of exfoliators and so many products just for her hands to look exactly the same as before. It should you make you wonder whether these products are for hand health, or after a point the hand skin will start to break because of over-exfoliation. This is most definitely not a serious healthcare trend.
Snail Mucin
Every influencer we have seen has recommended snail mucin as this magical, underrated gem that people looked over so easily. Over time, COSRX’s snail mucin became a movement in its own right almost overnight too. However, the components of snail mucin are right in the name: it’s a snail extract. According to an allergen report from the University of Manchester, an allergy of dust mites might deter from consuming any snail products, and a good snail mucin like COSRX claims there’s is, is no exception from this rule. Many people with sensitive skin and dust allergies have reported stubborn acne post using mucin. The general consensus is to avoid if you have an aversion to dust, but with less sensitive skin, it’s helpful to hydrate the skin pretty well.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid, particularly The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution have been the talk of the town for a few years now. And after careful consideration we have seen both sides of the product. The solution is beneficial without any doubt. You can use it as a dandruff removal solution, by applying it directly to the scalp, or as a tone lightening solution for underarms, and also against strawberry skin. The only backdrop is over usage on the face can lead to a burning sensation, which is to be expected since over usage of any product is not recommended. Overall, it has been proven to have plenty of skin health benefits.
Single-Use Sheet Masks and Other Plastics
Sheet masks with serums oozing out of them feel so soothing for your skin while putting them on. But how far can you go to justify purchasing 100s of eye-masks, nose-strips, single use towelettes, and wipes before you hit the overconsumption mark? These products may look aesthetic, specially while shooting a TikTok, but what different are they doing from a good cleanser, eye cream, and a cloth towel?
Pharmacy Products or High-end: Which Perform Better?
When it comes to skincare, the debate between pharmacy products and high-end luxury brands is ongoing, and it often boils down to what your skin needs and your budget. Pharmacy products, which are typically more affordable, can deliver impressive results, especially when they contain active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, or salicylic acid. Many dermatologists even recommend pharmacy brands due to their well-researched formulations and effectiveness at treating common skin concerns like acne, dryness, or pigmentation. On the other hand, high-end skincare often boasts innovative formulations, luxurious textures, and proprietary ingredients that promise advanced benefits. While these products may offer a more indulgent experience and some may even deliver superior results due to cutting-edge technology, it’s essential to remember that price doesn’t always correlate with performance. At the end of the day, both pharmacy and luxury brands can work wonders, but the key is to choose products that suit your skin’s unique needs, regardless of price tag.
Conclusion
Skincare trends are fun to look at as entertainment, but a serious overhaul of what reaches the market is needed. Moreover, many influencers seem to push the narrative of healthcare, which in reality is just overconsumption. Many times, what is marketed to us as a day in the life, or simple get ready with me TikToks are often carefully drafted advertisements than just portraying reality. With a critical lens, most of these ads become transparent for what they are, making it visible that there is no healthcare here.
