Skincare Routine: Today’s gen Z and millennials have been greatly inspired by social media trends and Instagram shout-outs when it comes to their skincare routine. But in chasing perfection, are you unknowingly crossing a thin line between self-care and uncontrollable obsession, doing yourself more harm than good?
For many people, their daily skincare rituals – cleansing, layering serums, moisturizing, and masking – feel therapeutic. Yet, these rituals can morph into an emotional dependency. The catch? It’s not only a financial drain, but can severely harm your skin if you blindly trust influencers, skincare routine trends, and products.
The Psychology Behind Skincare Routine Obsession
Skincare routine is not always pure cosmetic; it can have deep psychological roots. Each time you get a compliment, the “reward system” strengthens. Over time, some people start associating their self-worth and self-esteem to their outer appearance, creating a vicious cycle of dependency.
Social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram intensify this effect and dependency with “holy grail” and “must-try” products and skincare routine plans that are often recommended by influencers.
Signs You May Be Addicted To Your Skincare Routine
- If you have a habit of replacing your existing products with the next trending ones before they even finish, it is a red flag.
- Missing your skincare routine translates to anxiety, a sense of loss, or guilt.
- You spend beyond your financial means to “keep up” with the world.
- You feel uneasy skipping a single skincare routine step even if the skin feels irritated.
- You easily trust recommendations by social media creators without researching suitability or ingredients.
The Hidden Dangers of Blind Trust
Believe it or not, the beauty industry thrives on emotional marketing and creating a feeling of missing out (FOMO) by using slogans and words like “clinically proven”, “dermatologist tested”, or “clean beauty”. But, blind trust on these marketing tactics can damage your skin in several ways:
Layering too many active ingredients such as vitamin C, retinols, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) can disrupt your natural skin barrier. The result – breakouts, redness, peeling, and burning sensations! In short, what was meant to heal ends up severely destroying your skin’s natural defence!
You must always remember that influencers are not necessarily skincare routine experts but skilled marketers. Their recommendations may be biased by brand collaborations or affiliate commissions.
Remember, your skincare routine should always be medically guided, and not influencer guided.
