The Influencer “Glow” vs. Medical Reality: Do You Really Need All Those Serums?
Scrolling through social media, it’s hard not to feel that your skin is behind influencers with porcelain skin who promote 10-step routines filled with kojic acid, salicylic acid, and tretinoin, but as dermatologists treat a rising number of chemical burns and ruined skin barriers, the truth emerging: much of what is preached online is marketing, not medicine. The trend is shifting from product overload to skin minimalism.
Influencers often treat potent chemicals like magic potions.
Kojic acid: it is primarily a brightening agent, while it helps fade the dark marks left behind by pimples (hypertension), it is not a primary treatment for active acne
Salicylic acid (BHA): This is the true pore cleaner. It is oil-soluble, meaning it gets deep into the pores to dissolve the gunk that causes blackheads
Tretinoin: This is a prescription-strength retinoid. It is the gold standard for anti-aging and severe acne, but it is incredibly powerful using it without a doctor’s guidance, especially when layered with other acids, often leads to retinoid ugly, where the skin burns and becomes painfully sensitive
The biggest mistake is layering influencers often show themselves using three different serums in one night.
The reality: your skin has a limit mixing salicylic acid, which exfoliates with tretinoin, which speeds up cell turnover, often strips the skin barrier, the protective oily layer that keeps bacteria out
The result: instead of clear skin, you end up with inflamed red, itchy, and breakout-prone skin that is actually caused by the products themselves
Most people don’t need a shelf full of glass bottles for 90% of skin types; only four things are truly necessary.
A gentle cleanser: to remove dirt without stripping oils
A basic moisturizer: to lock in hydration
Sunscreen (SPF 30+): the only true anti-aging product
One targeted treatment: use the meds once prescribed by your dermatologist
Well said. This is a much-needed reminder that more products don’t equal better skin. Over-layering actives without understanding their purpose or limits often does more harm than good. Skin barrier health, sunscreen, and dermatologist-guided treatment matter far more than influencer routines. Minimalism really is the new science-backed glow.
Everyone is obsessed with getting”glass skin,” but often forgets that genetics play a major role. Ageing is inevitable, and many marketing companies exploit our insecurities, playing on our confidence and self-worth for their own gain.
Very informative post, Using so many serums like influencers often show can mess up natural skin barrier and spark real problems. so skin needs simple care to stay strong and healthy.
I totally agree with this. I’ve witnessed how over-layering acids and retinoids can actually impair the skin barrier and exacerbate acne, despite social media’s portrayal of powerful active ingredients as harmless. My skin was much healthier after I reduced my routine to a cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and one targeted treatment rather than using several serums. Influencer-led regimes make significantly less sense than skin simplicity supported by medical advice.
So true our skin doesn’t need influencer routines, it needs consistency, restraint, and medical guidance. Minimal, barrier-friendly care often heals better than excess.
Yes, truly appreciate the point. It is not always necessary that more products are more beneficial, but if overdone then it causes more difficulty & issues. Hence, the approch of being simple and best Will make a better outcome.
Great perspective! It’s easy to get caught up in the ‘influencer glow,’ but you really don’t need endless serums - consistency, basics, and what works for your skin matter far more than trends.
People are different. What works for one may not do good for others. So when influencers generalizes it truly irks me. It is better to consult a proper dermatologist before applying all kind of serums.
Skin minimalism > 10-step routines. Great read!