For countless, it is hard to give up skincare—specifically, skincare products, skincare practices, and the whole skincare culture that’s basically dominating people’s lives, costing them thousands of dollars a year, and countless hours in front of the mirror (and away from the mirror). Why is it so hard to give up those practices and products?
1. Peer Pressure and Conformity
The first thing to consider is that skincare culture is saturated with peer pressure and conformity. Meaning, everyone around you is doing it. Most likely, everyone you’ve ever known is using skincare products and following skincare routines. And many people swear by them, crediting those products and practices for the condition of their skin—especially the ones with awesome, impeccable skin (or at least skin that looks flawless). These people often swear by certain products, routines, gurus, tips, or hacks.
This makes it really difficult to see that the claims these people make may or may not be directly related to the condition of their skin. They might have great skin regardless of what they do. Or they might have great skin because of one thing they do—or because of things they don’t do, despite claiming other practices are the secret. It’s hard to break free from the idea that there’s a magic solution when everyone else around you believes in one.
2. The Commercialization of Skincare
Then there’s the commercialization of the skincare industry. Skincare products are everywhere—on your TV, in your social media feed, in newspapers, billboards, and bus stops. They are literally everywhere. And all of them are promising perfect skin. The skincare industry has an endless stream of messages telling you that this product will solve all your problems, making your skin flawless. This constant bombardment can really start to take its toll. You’re being told, day and night, that you need to do something to make your skin better, more beautiful, or more "perfect."
And, of course, it’s not just coming from brands. It’s being reinforced by your friends, family, peers, influencers, and professionals. Everyone seems to be on this skincare train, so it’s tough to avoid feeling like you must join in.
3. The Role of Professionals
Skincare professionals and medical experts don’t help much either. Most recommend some form of skincare routine or a set of skincare products. Everyone seems to have an opinion on what’s best for your skin. Whether it’s dermatologists, aestheticians, or your favorite beauty influencers, there’s no shortage of advice. With all this information coming at you from every direction, it’s no wonder people stick to their routines—they feel like they have to.
4. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
All this exposure to skincare trends, tips, and routines can lead to a powerful feeling of FOMO (fear of missing out). If you don’t follow the latest trends or use the "right" products, it feels like you’re somehow falling behind or making a mistake. This fear drives people to take action—whether that means buying the latest product, trying a new routine, or following the newest skincare guru. The FOMO is a huge motivator, and the skincare industry knows exactly how to play into that fear.
5. The Sunk Cost Fallacy
Finally, there’s something called the sunk cost fallacy, which plays a big role in why people keep going with their skincare routines—even if they’re not seeing the results they hoped for. The sunk cost fallacy is when you continue investing time, money, and energy into something that clearly isn’t working just because you’ve already invested so much.
If you’ve spent thousands of dollars on skincare products, invested years into a skincare routine, and invested emotional energy into believing it will work, it can be really hard to walk away—even if it’s not delivering the results you were promised. You start thinking, “I’ve already put in so much, I can’t just stop now,” even when it’s clear that the product or routine isn’t doing anything for you.
6. The Skincare Industrial Complex
All of these influences—peer pressure, the constant commercialization, the expert recommendations, and the sunk cost fallacy—work together to create a cycle that’s hard to escape. The real winner here? The skincare industry itself. While you keep investing time, money, and energy into products that may have little to no proven benefits, the industry continues to rake in the profits.
It's important to be aware of these forces. Many skincare products have zero proven value, and some can even be harmful to your skin. The truth is, most of the claims about skincare products and routines are completely baseless. So before you buy into the next trend or invest in an expensive routine, take a step back and ask yourself: Is this really necessary?
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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