We are currently alarmed by the large number of skin care products people are using. In our clinic, people often bring suitcases full of the products they are using, some with more than 50 products. We are largely attributing this to social media and influencers recommending products and lengthy skin care routines, with excessive numbers of products. Using too many products is hazardous for the skin. It can contribute to acne, eczema, and perioral dermatitis, to name a few conditions.
Consumers need to remember people on social media often have no experience in skin and dermatology but are more concerned about selling products.
You are best to keep the skin care routine to a minimum:
- A mild cleanser or micellar water
- A sunscreen
- A moisturiser for daytime (if needed, as sunscreen can act like a moisturizer)
- A night cream, and depending on age, an anti-ageing product.
A toner is not needed, as this dries the skin.
Reading ingredient lists is important, looking for products with short ingredient lists and ones that avoid fragrances and preservatives such as methylisothiazolinone.
Keep things basic and refer to reputable dermatology websites for accurate information such as:
