- Not all skin care products are really necessary or very effective.
- We asked two dermatologists which items they think are overrated and not worth the money.
- They shared five things people are wasting their time on.
Hit TikTok or Instagram, and you’re sure to find claims to skincare “must-haves”—the supposed secret sauces to glowing, bouncy skin.
But lately, many users are abandoning superfluous routines for the simplestfollowing the advice of dermatologists to maintain regimens for 3-5 high-quality items. If anything, hoarding products can cause breakouts or irritation, especially if you’re trying to max out an expensive (but now expired) impulse purchase of eye cream.
So, in the spirit of skin care spring cleaning, we asked Dr Cameron Rokhsara board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, which we have to leave out.
Chuck creams that claim to be “skin tightening”
Beyond any other product, Rokhsar expressed her greatest skepticism toward any skincare product that promises instant “tightening” effects, whether it be for the face, neck, hands, or chest.
According to Rokhsar, the concept is “complete nonsense” because even prescription retinoids require years of consistent use to give skin a younger, firmer appearance. Which is why, if you’re looking for plumper-feeling skin, playing the long game and applying retinoids (while also doing the basics of using sunscreen and moisturizer) is his best bet.
Reduce the amount of serums you use
While serums such as niacinamide (vitamin B3) and hyaluronic acid have rejuvenating benefits, they are a bit over the top, according to Dr. Josué ZeichnerAssociate Professor, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research, Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai Hospital.
He told Insider that products like hyaluronic acid can plump the skin, but are not necessary parts of a solid skincare routine. “A traditional moisturizer certainly does the job,” she added. Also, the more products he uses, the more likely he is to experiencing breakouts and irritation.
According to him, the must-have anti-aging ingredients are vitamin C and retinolthat already increase cell renewal and stimulate collagen on their own.
Skip the toner if you don’t have oily skin.
toners and facial mists They are often incorporated into daily routines because they can instantly make skin dull.
“I only advocate toners if you have oily skin,” Rokhsar said. “Otherwise, I don’t think there’s a reason to use toners.” According to him, people with very oily, acne-prone skin can benefit from the drying effects of a toner. Everyone else won’t feel much of a difference in the long run.
If you have normal or dry skin, you can still use toners if you like – facial sprays can feel refreshing and nice! – but if you’re looking to vote for an off-island daily item, start here.
Swap mechanical exfoliants for chemical ones.
Mechanical cleansers tend to have a gritty texture and physically scrape away dead skin cells, which can be satisfying and effective for some people, Rokhsar noted. Zeicher said they’re most helpful “if you have to remove heavy makeup or dirt from your skin,” but in most cases they’re unnecessary.
The biggest risk of using mechanical cleaners is the damage they can cause to many different skin types.
Those with sensitive skin or rosacea may experience increased irritation, and those with darker skin tones may experience hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. For that reason, chemical exfoliants are preferred because they use acids to unclog pores naturally.
Swap Your Derma Roller For A Microneedling Session If You Have Deep Acne Scars
Derma rollers feature tiny needles that create micro-wounds, marking the start of new skin cell growth. Many see them as an affordable alternative to in-office microneedling sessions (which can cost hundreds of dollars), but for safety reasons, the needles won’t penetrate the skin as deeply.
According to Zeichner, derma rollers can still “improve skin radiance and even skin tone.” However, if you want to address issues like raised acne scars or deep wrinkles, just one professional session (and probably several) will make all the difference.
