Having an approach to skincare is a great idea—encouraged, even. But here’s the catch: it has to be your approach, tailored to your skin. Across platforms like YouTube and Instagram, influencers and self-proclaimed skincare experts eagerly share their “skincare routines”—a curated list of products and practices, applied in a specific order, that they claim keeps their skin flawless. On the surface, it sounds appealing. If it works for their glowing complexion, why not for you? Well, let’s break it down.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with a skincare routine. If an influencer says their multi-step regimen makes their skin better—and let’s assume they’re telling the truth—that’s fine for them. But your skin isn’t their skin. Each of us has unique needs, shaped by genetics, environment, and lifestyle. What leaves their face radiant might leave yours irritated. Their routine is a custom fit for their specific canvas, not a universal blueprint.
Then there’s the issue of what’s actually in these routines. Many of the products peddled online—think cleansers, serums, or scrubs—lack solid evidence of real benefits for the skin. Worse, a good chunk of them fall into the abrasive category: hot water, steaming, soaps, body washes, loofahs, brushes, washcloths, and gritty exfoliants. These might promise a “deep clean” or a “fresh glow,” but they often do more harm than good. Abrasives damage the skin barrier, the protective shield that keeps moisture in and irritants out. Even if there’s some minor upside, the net result is usually a negative—think redness, sensitivity, or dryness.
Another oversight? Skin isn’t static. It’s a dynamic organ, shifting day to day and over time. One week it might be oily, the next it’s parched. A rigid, influencer-approved routine doesn’t account for that. Most of these regimens are pitched as timeless, one-size-fits-all solutions, ignoring the reality of biology’s ever-changing nature. What worked for your skin last month might not cut it today.
And let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: money. Many influencers are paid by skincare brands to plug their products. Some routines are essentially sponsored ads, built around a single company’s lineup. When an “expert” is on the payroll, their advice becomes less about your skin’s health and more about their bottom line. That conflict of interest should make you pause.
So, what’s the fix? Build an approach that’s yours alone. Get to know your skin—how it feels, what it signals, and what it needs. Is it tight and flaky? It’s asking for hydration. Red and stinging? It’s irritated. Learn which products are universally dicey (like abrasives), which are overhyped fluff, and how to meet your skin’s demands without breaking the bank. This way, you’re not gambling your time, money, or skin health on someone else’s highlight reel.
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.
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Thanks for reading, Happy 4th of July and God bless!
Yuval Bibi, MD/PhD - Board Certified Dermatologist.
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