I’ve been spending a lot of time scrolling through social media lately, and I’ve noticed just how much it influences our views on skincare. After seeing so many posts and heated debates, I felt inspired to share my own thoughts in this article: “My Unpopular Opinion: Skincare Edition.”
Now, let me just say up front, skincare is such a personal journey. What works for one person might be a disaster for someone else. Everything I’m sharing here is strictly my personal opinion, based on my own experiences. I totally get that not everyone will agree with me, and that’s perfectly okay!
I see this as a conversation, like I’m chatting with a friend about skincare. My hope is that by putting my thoughts out there, I can help someone look at things a little differently and encourage a more open-minded, critical approach to all those skincare trends we see online.
So, let’s dive in and explore some of my unconventional views on skincare. Whether you end up agreeing with me or not, I hope this gives you something to think about. Let’s get started!
MY unpopular opinion: Skincare Edition
1.You don’t need to wash your face with a face wash twice a day. Only water in the morning is sufficient, especially if you have sensitive skin.
2. You don’t need a 50-step skincare routine. Begin with the basics: face wash, treatment (targeting your needs, one or two products), moisturizer and sunscreen. The fewer products you use, the better your skin will be.1
3. Don’t buy a product just because it’s hyped on social media! Do your own research!
4. I don’t necessarily think that natural products are better, and I often find that chemical products work better for me. However, I’m open to changing my mind if I find a natural product that works.
5. Sheet masks are the only product you can buy in large quantities. Buying a lot of creams, products, etc., is a waste of money. Finish your current product before buying another (unless you have an allergic reaction or it makes you break out). For example, I hated a sunscreen that left a white cast, so I used it on my neck or arms. Or also, a moisturizer gave me a skin reaction on my face, so I used it on my body. Find alternative uses for products instead of throwing them away if you can!
6. I love sheet masks mainly for their relaxing effect! I often use moisturizing masks on days I take a break from treatments to provide extra hydration. So, yes, they treat my skin but they mostly bring me joy!
7. I HATE glowy sunscreen! I dislike how it looks and feels on my skin. I prefer a matte one and add glow with my makeup afterwards.
8. Following dermatologists on social media is a must, if you are a skincare freak. Follow at least 3-4 to get different opinions and points of view on skincare.
9. I’m sure Vitamin C is great, but it stains clothes! That’s why I stopped using it and switched to azelaic acid for brightness. I try to eat fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin C instead!
10. You can begin using retinoids in the summer2 ! Just put sunscreen on diligently and start slow to avoid irritating your skin.
11. 10% urea cream is excellent for foot crust and is the only cream that was efficient enough to make mine disappear! Apply it daily and be patient, it will go away without scrubbing.
12. I’m not convinced by dermaplaning at all! I believe fuzz hair protects our skin, and chemical exfoliation is sufficient. Especially for acne-prone skin, I don’t recommend it. And, after seeing a YouTuber, Natalies Outlet3 , try to shave her face and end up with acne, it appeals to me even less.
13. Don’t follow Skin Influencers blindly and try to use their skincare routines. See a dermatologist before starting your skincare routine for a thorough check-up. Determine your skin type, any conditions, and what your skin needs with a specialist first.
14. Using harsh skincare products can worsen acne. Going harder with treatments will only dry out your skin and won’t make pimples go away faster. In fact, it can do the opposite! Ensure your skin is well-hydrated while treating it.
15. I believe taking breaks from products and treatments occasionally allows your skin to “reset” and breathe.
16. For better, more visible results, I believe you need treatments at a dermatologist’s clinic. Skincare helps maintain results and improve skin subtly over time, but for quick, mind-blowing results, clinical treatments are best.
17. (No so unpopular!) Alcohol, cigarettes, exercise, good food, and good sleep play a big role in your skin’s quality!4
18. I don’t use an eye cream and don’t feel the need to buy one. My “normal” moisturizer does the job perfectly! At least for now!
19. You don’t need a super expensive cleansing oil. I use baby oil to remove dirt, sunscreen, makeup, etc. Then I add a bit of water on top of the oil to emulsify it, massage my face for a few seconds, and use my face wash to clean my face thoroughly.
20. Isotretinoin doesn’t treat the root of your acne problem! Dermatologists prescribe it because it works quickly to make acne disappear, but once you’re off it, the acne may come back (this happened to me and some people I know). I’m convinced the relapse rate is higher than reported online, even though the acne isn’t as severe as before. You still need good habits to maintain acne-free skin and use anti-acne products post-treatment because you still have acne-prone skin.
Wrapping up my list of unpopular skincare opinions, I hope this has given you some new perspective on skincare. Remember, skincare is incredibly personal and what works for one person might not work for another. It’s easy to get swept up in social media trends and influencer recommendations, but at the end of the day, your skin’s needs are unique.
I’ve shared these opinions not to convince you to abandon your routine but to encourage you to approach skincare with a critical and open mind. Do your research, listen to your skin, and don’t be afraid to seek professional advice from a dermatologist.
My journey with skincare has been filled with trial and error, and I’ve learned that less is often more, natural isn’t always better, and clinical treatments can be game-changers. Taking care of your skin should be about finding what makes you feel confident and healthy.
Thanks for joining me on this little skincare chat! Whether you agree with my views or not, I hope it helps you see things from a different perspective.
And what about you? What are your unpopular opinions on skincare?
Take care, Beautifully Moi!
- The National Library of Medicine: “Skincare Bootcamp: The Evolving Role of Skincare – PMC” ↩︎
- Source: YouTube video by Dr. Shereene, title of the video “Biggest Retinol Myth” ↩︎
- Source: YouTube video by Natalie Outlet, title of the video “I ruined my face with this beauty hack…never do this” ↩︎
- The National Library of Medicine: “The Potential of Exercise on Lifestyle and Skin Function: Narrative Review” ↩︎
Beautifully Moi 
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