Deinfluencing: Why Less Is More for Your Skin

As your esthetician, my goal isn’t to push unnecessary products or treatments on you—it’s to guide you toward what truly works for your skin. Social media has made skincare more accessible than ever, but it has also created an overwhelming cycle of over-consumption, aggressive treatments, and trends that often do more harm than good.

The Problem with Over-Consumerism in Skincare

Skincare trends run rampant on social media. Every week, a new “miracle” product goes viral, convincing people they need it in their routine. The reality? Most of these trends promote excessive layering of actives, harsh exfoliation, and unrealistic expectations—all of which can lead to a compromised skin barrier, irritation, and long-term damage. Instead of following trends, we encourage a mindful approach that prioritizes skin health over fleeting fads.

Why We Recommend Simplifying Your Routine

One of the biggest mistakes we see is people adding multiple new products to their routine at once. This makes it impossible to know what’s actually working—or what might be causing irritation. We always recommend introducing only one or two new products at a time and allowing your skin to adjust. This approach prevents unnecessary reactions, reduces product waste, and ensures you’re investing in skincare that truly benefits your skin.

Be Careful of Paywalls and Unlicensed Advice

A growing issue in the online skincare space is influencers charging for skincare advice—often without holding any professional licenses. Be cautious of influencers who hide their product recommendations behind paywalls or sell access to their “exclusive” skincare routines. Licensed estheticians and dermatologists spend years studying skin health, while many online skincare gurus base their advice solely on personal experience or sponsorship deals.

Before you pay for skincare recommendations, ask yourself:

✔️ Is this person a licensed professional?

✔️ Are they transparent about their credentials?

✔️ Are they selling products or memberships that benefit them more than your skin?

Your skincare journey shouldn’t be locked behind a subscription fee from someone who isn’t trained in skincare or skin health.

Ditching Botox/Medical Grade Myths

While injectables like Botox and filler are normalized on social media, we don’t personally recommend them. Not because we’re against aesthetic choices, but because we believe in supporting your skin’s natural aging process rather than altering it to fit unrealistic beauty standards. These treatments require ongoing maintenance and, over time, can alter facial structure in ways that may not age naturally. Instead of freezing wrinkles or plumping features artificially, we focus on hydration, nourishment, and long-term skin health that allows you to age beautifully.

Another trend that social media promotes excessively is the overuse of chemical peels. While chemical peels have their place when used appropriately, frequent or overly aggressive peels can weaken your skin barrier, increase sensitivity, and cause long-term damage. Instead of relying on peels for quick fixes, we encourage gentle, consistent exfoliation and barrier-repairing ingredients that provide lasting results without compromising your skin’s health.

And then there’s this one… This might be shocking to some, but there is no such thing as "medical-grade" skincare. This term is purely a marketing tactic designed to make products seem more powerful or exclusive than they really are. In reality, all skincare—whether sold at a spa, dermatologist’s office, or drugstore—is regulated under the same cosmetic guidelines. No skincare product can legally claim to treat or cure medical conditions unless it’s classified as a drug. What matters most isn’t the label—it’s the formulation, ingredient quality, and how well a product supports your skin barrier. Instead of falling for the “medical-grade” myth, focus on well-researched, natural, and biocompatible ingredients that truly benefit your skin.

How to Make the Shift

Simplify Your Routine – More doesn’t always mean better. Stick to a few high-quality products that support your skin rather than overwhelm it.

Add New Products Slowly – Only introduce one or two new products at a time to see how they truly affect your skin.

Be Skeptical of Trends – Just because a product is viral doesn’t mean it’s right for you.

Be Wary of Paywalls & Unlicensed Advice – If someone isn’t a licensed professional but is charging for skincare advice, question their credibility.

Shop Intentionally – Choose brands that focus on quality, sustainability, and skin health over marketing hype.

Deinfluencing isn’t about avoiding skincare altogether—it’s about being intentional. Your skin doesn’t need every trending product, aggressive treatment, or cosmetic procedure to be healthy. It needs balance, nourishment, and patience. So next time you feel tempted by a viral product or a paid skincare recommendation, ask yourself: Is this truly benefiting my skin, or is it just another passing trend? As your estheticians, we’re here to help you create a routine that works for you, not against you. Because when it comes to skincare, less is often more—and your skin will thank you for it.