Overconsumption is at an all-time high in the beauty & skincare industry. We’re easily spoon-fed hundreds of HD Instagram advertisement about the latest skincare tool or cream that’s going to remedy all your skin problems daily. It’s the latest technology, it’s 1000x more potent than vitamin C or retinol, it will destroy acne causing bacteria, it will obliterate wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, it will pay your bills and walk your dog. And…you have nowhere to fit it into your already 10 step skincare routine and multiple facial tools… but surely, this will change your life. Hear me out, we’re all as guilty as the next person of over buying in search of the remedy to our individual skin ailments. Unfortunately, many of our purchasing decisions at this current time are heavily influenced by marketing and influencers further pushing products via their raving reviews and “favorites” video content.
This isn’t all said to shame someone who is in the market for something in particular to help them in their skincare goals. If it’s an item you don’t possess or they are otherwise attempting to replace a product that you gave a fair shake but isn’t working for you, fair. On top of it, many skincare enthusiasts, including myself, own multiple at home beauty devices that all function differently to accomplish different things. Everyone has their thing. However, what we are talking about is the over consumption of products to the point that expiration dates could catch up with you faster than you could ever implement a product consistently into your routine to see benefits. Furthermore, the temptation to follow skincare trends rather than addressing your own skincare ailments & needs and finding something that is scientifically proven to work for your skin. Yes, there is an element of trial and error, especially when newly attempting to establish an effective skincare routine. Everyone’s skin is different-it is an organ after all-and may react to different actives and ingredients in various ways. With all of that said, here are some practical ways to mitigate impulse purchases before you’re left with buyers’ remorse and a very confused skin barrier:
- Ignore trends
Trends exist to propel consumerism, and therefore often result in an overconsumption of products you really won’t use. Although in some instances trends may apply to you, in general, it’s best to analyze your own skin concerns and approach products logically. Ask yourself how this product will benefit you long term. On top of it, it’s also important to consider if it’s a product or device that realistically fits into your lifestyle and will go to actual use. Products and devices don’t work miracles sitting on a shelf, after all.
- Think about where a product fits into your routine
When considering a cosmetic purchase, it’s ideal to first determine the why. Why do I need this? Where in my regular routine does this product come into play? Most importantly, how is it benefiting you? If you have a similar product to the one you’re interested in trying, try emptying that product prior to purchasing. If you already have ten lip balms, do you really need the latest Lineage lip mask flavor?
- Consider science backed ingredients
It’s easy to be caught up in customers raving reviews about a novel product. We all hope in one way or another to stumble upon our next skin miracle product, especially when struggling with particular skin concerns. But ask yourself, is this product simply novel and only backed by paid influencers and impressive marketing? Or is the product the result of carefully formulated science-based actives that have proven benefits?
- Think about your individual skin needs & sensitivities
Ask yourself, what are your goals with your skincare routine? Do you have active acne, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles & fine lines, melasma? Although several actives can address more than one skin discrepancy, it is ideal to lock down what you’d like to tackle primarily in your routine. This prevents mixing too many potentially irritating actives, impairing your skin barrier, and collecting excessive products. An important note on top of this consideration: know what your skin doesn’t like. In general, I find it best to nix products that contain colorants & fragrance, and yes, that includes essential oils. Fragrance of any kind and colorants have the potential to irritate the skin and negatively affect the skin barrier over time. So, it’s best to proceed with caution regarding those particular additives. Fragrance and colorants provide no benefit-and usually a negative outcome- for the skin and are simply there for the consumer experience and to cover up potentially “negative” or basic scents of skincare actives. AKA, it’s marketing. It makes you feel a certain way, and does nothing but potential harm.
New to building a skincare routine? Check out my post on the basics of skincare product layering!
