As a dermatologist, I get asked the same skincare questions almost every day in my office. Today, I want to break down the answers to some of the most common queries I hear. These simple, straightforward tips can help you rethink your skincare routine and save you both time and money!
1. How do I clean my face?
You don’t really need to "clean" your face the way you clean dishes or utensils. Your face isn't dirty in the traditional sense. The skin naturally sheds dead cells and renews itself. Just splash your face with lukewarm or cold water once or twice a day. If you wear makeup, a simple oil-based remover like coconut oil, shea butter balm, or even petroleum jelly works wonders to gently break down makeup. Afterward, just rinse with water. No harsh cleansers are necessary.
2. What’s the best shampoo?
Shampooing, believe it or not, is a relatively new practice in the skincare world. It was introduced in the 1960s, but there’s no proven benefit to it. In fact, shampoo can strip the natural oils from your scalp, leading to dryness or irritation. Unless you have a scalp condition like dandruff, try avoiding shampoo altogether. If you do have a specific scalp issue, consult with a board-certified dermatologist for advice.
3. What’s the best bar of soap?
There’s no single “best” soap, but the most important thing is to choose a soap that’s free of dyes and fragrances. I often recommend the Vanicream Cleansing Bar—it’s simple, effective, and gentle on the skin. For areas prone to odor, like your underarms or groin, look for an unscented bar to cleanse without irritating.
4. What’s the best scrub to use?
Scrubs are not necessary. The skin doesn’t need to be scrubbed like a dirty dish. In fact, scrubbing can damage your skin, disrupting the protective barrier and causing irritation. No matter what the packaging claims—whether "organic," "gentle," or "vegan"—scrubs should be avoided. Simply put, there’s no benefit to scrubbing your skin.
5. How often should I exfoliate?
Exfoliation, like scrubbing, is an unnecessary practice. It aims to strip away dead skin, but this can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier and lead to irritation. There’s no proven benefit to exfoliating, and it can do more harm than good. If you’re thinking of exfoliating weekly or monthly, ask yourself why you’re doing it in the first place—your skin doesn’t need it.
6. When should I moisturize?
Moisturization is misunderstood. It’s not about “hydrating” your skin, but rather about helping the skin maintain its barrier. People with dry skin, sensitive skin, or conditions like eczema or rosacea will benefit from moisturizing when their skin feels dry, flaky, or irritated. But for most people with normal to oily skin, moisturization isn’t necessary. When you do moisturize, use the smallest amount possible—just enough to cover the affected area without leaving residue or making your skin greasy.
7. What’s the best serum for my skin?
Serums are generally unnecessary. While they may sound fancy and high-tech, they offer no proven benefit over basic skincare. Most serums are packed with expensive ingredients that do little for your skin. Save your money and skip the serums altogether—they’re often just a marketing gimmick.
8. What about dirt on my skin?
There’s no such thing as dirt on your skin. What you may think of as dirt is actually natural oils, skin cells, and microorganisms that live on your skin. These are important for maintaining healthy skin and should not be scrubbed away. If your skin feels congested or you notice blackheads, it’s not “dirt”—it’s a natural process. So, stop thinking of it as something you need to remove, and focus instead on maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
Final Thoughts
I hope these simple answers have cleared up some common skincare misconceptions! The bottom line: less is more when it comes to skincare. Avoid harsh products, skip the scrubs and exfoliants, and let your skin do what it does best—heal and renew itself naturally.
If you found this helpful, subscribe to Dr. Bibi's Newsletter for cutting edge skincare and share this article. For further insights into skincare simplification, check out my book "Sick Skin - Skin Care Made Simple" on Amazon, now available in audio.
Thanks for reading and God bless.
Yuval Bibi, MD/PhD - Board Certified Dermatologist
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