“Can you recommend a serum for acne?” “Has anyone tried retinol?” “What is slugging?” Over the past year, I’ve noticed that my group chats with friends and family have started to revolve around skincare. Admittedly clueless about creams and serums, I, like many others, turned to the go-to source for quick answers and recommendations—Instagram. It is easy and convenient, and it only takes a few seconds to scroll and learn about the latest face mask hack or buzzy skincare ingredient. And that’s how I discovered skinfluencers.
Who are Skinfluencers?
Skinfluncers have taken the beauty industry by storm, quite literally. With hundreds and thousands of followers and multiple PhDs in their bios, they are social media’s unexpected celebrities, sharing videos of themselves having conversations about skin conditions, discussing beauty terms, debunking skincare misconceptions, and addressing viral trends like “slugging.” But the real question is: Can these influencers be trusted to replace professional dermatologists for skin care advice? To find out, we did some research and listed a set of pros and cons. Check it out.
The Bright Side of Skinfluencers
When it comes to consuming content, convenience is king, and that’s one of the main reasons skinfluencers strike such a chord with their fans. For those who want to find a like-minded community of skincare aficionados, Instagram is available 24/7, with a worldwide audience eager for information. Moreover, people think of them as their friendly skincare guides, helping them navigate the sometimes confusing world of beauty. They’re like experts in the language of skincare, breaking down tricky terms and explaining the latest trends in a way that makes sense to their viewers. Their posts and videos aren’t just about promoting products; they’re like mini-lessons on ingredients, routines, and how to take care of your skin.
So, What’s the Harm?
The algorithm of social media allows anyone to be a viral skincare expert, where consumers tell other consumers what to do, what to try, and what to buy—but sometimes this advice can be sprinkled with inaccurate information. It is important to remember that not all content makers are transparent and knowledgeable about the information they share, and they might spout some factually incorrect statements. For example, the ‘beer tanning’ trend on TikTok raised concerns among health experts and dermatologists, and they had to clarify that there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness or safety of using beer for tanning and that it does not provide any protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Furthermore, it’s important to remember that these viral trends and beauty advice on social platforms are not personalised for you, and there is no regulatory body that examines the quality and validity of health-related advice, so if something sounds absurd, dangerous, or too good to be true, question it before following it in good faith.
To Rely or Abstain?
In the quest for beautiful and healthy skin, it’s crucial to recognise that skincare is not a one-size-fits-all endeavour. Professional dermatologists bring a level of expertise that goes beyond generalised advice found on social media platforms. These medical professionals can assess the unique combination of genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and environmental influences that contribute to an individual’s skin health.
Dermatologists are equipped to identify underlying medical conditions that may manifest as skin issues or allergic reactions that may require specific medical attention and cannot be adequately addressed through trending skincare routines found on social media. While social media might provide an abundance of tips for achieving a flawless complexion, it may not adequately address potentially harmful conditions.
In a world where everyone’s a skincare guru, it’s important to remember that not all advice is skin-deep. Social media can be your sidekick in the quest for radiant skin, but when it comes to the health of your dermis, trust the professionals. Influencers may have glowing skin, and the advice they’re sharing might be backed up with research. But, as is often the case with social media, all is not necessarily as it seems. Therefore, before you go all in with skinfluencers, remember to always follow prescriptions from professionals over viral trends.
