Necessity or Desire? Skincare Edition

With just one click of a button, I am closer to obtaining a skincare product I had viewed online.  

The skincare frenzy is an ongoing trend, especially with the rise of TikTok enabling users to view videos from content creators talking about their latest favorites to skincare “holy grails.” 

I am no exception and become entranced by simple words like “dewy skin” or “glass skin,” slowly reeling me in this spiraling addiction.  

Some items I have bought are toners, serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, and eye creams.  

Would I re-buy some of them? 

Yes.  

Do I regret buying a few? 

Yes.  

I do believe research is key when searching for the right skincare routine, rather than blatantly following an influencer on the media. From Instagram to TikTok, influencers hold power over their audience. 

It can be easy to cave in to influence, especially with videos including links to the products shown, pressuring the user to purchase the item within a minute. I am guilty of this accessibility and pleasure, but I am considering a skincare detox from my purchasing habits.  

It happens time and time again. With four to five skincare items shipped to my house, I always open the box with hopes of magic to invade my dull skin. To my dismay, I begin to break out slowly as the weeks go by.  

However, there are a few key mistakes that I never really seem to learn from, no matter how many failed attempts.  

My first mistake was not introducing the products slowly on my face. Without doing this, it becomes difficult to pinpoint which product caused the sudden breakout and I’m left silently questioning where the fault truly lies.  

Again, knowing your own skin type is crucial for learning how to properly take care of it.  

I began my skincare journey a few years ago, but it is still ongoing progress. Researching the vast list of skincare ingredients in different skincare products has helped me immensely in identifying which are beneficial for my particular skin type, or the products that will negatively affect my skin.  

I am still learning but cutting down on skincare purchases and am letting my skin heal from my pervious skincare desires.  

• desire
• necessity
• skincare