The trend of skincare as an art and science has evolved dramatically in the past 10 years. Social media platforms such as Tiktok have led to an explosion of interest in skincare as a way of life. Many of us are watching skincare influencers on social media who promote various skincare products and show us elaborate routines and flawless complexions.

As soon as a product goes ‘viral’, many users want to try it right away to see if it will improve their skin. People use multiple products, such as serums, toners, and exfoliants, to achieve rapid improvement in their skin’s appearance.

The increasing obsession with clear skin has created a culture in which people believe achieving healthy-looking skin requires a multitude of products and steps. However, dermatologists advise against using too many products, as it may overwhelm the skin, leading to irritation, breakouts, and sensitivity rather than improving it.

Dr Shrujana Shrestha, consultant dermatologist and managing director at Absolute Aesthetic Clinic, offers insights into why people may be overusing skincare products based on her experience as a practising dermatologist.

Do people really need to follow a ten-step skincare routine?

Unless you have a specific dermatologic concern, most people do not need to follow a ten-step skincare routine. The idea that using multiple products on your skin leads to better results is largely influenced by social media and marketing, not medical necessity.

In fact, many times using a number of different products can overwhelm your skin and cause breakouts. Therefore, establishing a simple and consistent skincare routine is essential for maintaining good skin health.

What is the minimum skincare routine required for healthy skin?

The most basic way to care for your skin is to cleanse, moisturise, and use sunscreen. Cleansing helps remove dirt and oil that builds up; moisturising helps keep your skin hydrated by providing it with moisture; and sunscreen prevents UV rays from damaging your skin. UV rays cause everything from premature ageing and skin cancer to dark spots and discolouration.

Can using too many products damage the skin barrier?

When creating a skincare routine, there are two things you must consider. The first is your specific skin type, and the second is what you want to achieve with your routine. Instead of buying every new product that comes out, focus on finding products that work for your skin type and address the issues you are trying to solve.

Using too many products containing exfoliating acids or retinoids can strip your skin of its natural ability to fight off bacteria and other invaders. Too many products can also make your skin sensitive, dry, and irritated, and can even lead to breakouts.

Skin needs stability to function properly, and when you’re constantly adding and removing products from your skincare routine, you can disrupt your skin’s natural defense mechanisms.

How does influencer culture contribute to skincare overconsumption?

Social media has played a huge role in shaping our skincare habits and the way we think about beauty. In addition to the pressure we place on ourselves to look good, the rise of influencer culture has led to a trend of buying and trying new products based on recommendations from others, whether they know anything about our skin or not. As a result, we’ve created a system of trial and error that often leads to poor choices and negative side effects like breakouts, allergic reactions and hyperpigmentation.

Does excessive skincare reflect anxiety about appearance or unrealistic beauty standards?

Excessive skincare isn’t always directly related to the societal pressures we face to look flawless. More often, people end up doing too much to their skin simply because they don’t have the right guidance. People often turn to social media for advice and rely heavily on influencer recommendations, even though they never speak to a dermatologist. This can lead to choosing products that aren’t right for your skin and setting unrealistic expectations.

And while trying new products might seem fun, it can ultimately create more problems and stress for your skin.

How long does it take to decide whether a new product works?

The consistency of the product application process is very important when determining the effectiveness of your skincare. Many skincare products will begin to produce results in anywhere from four to six weeks. Frequent changes of products can limit the ability to effectively evaluate their performance and can create irritation or breakouts. Introducing one new product at a time also enables you to monitor any adverse reactions and assess its overall suitability for your skin.

Has there been an increase in the number of patients seen by dermatologists with damaged skin as a result of their participation in ‘trend’ based skincare routines?

Yes. There has been an increase in skin-related problems among people following viral skincare trends, including increased sensitivity, disrupted barrier function, acne flares, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This is typically caused by either the improper selection of products or the improper use of otherwise suitable products. People who do not have a full understanding of compatible ingredients and proper layering techniques may be creating these problems.