Dermatologists Name Overrated Skincare
Dermatologists list unnecessary beauty products like toners and eye creams, advising people to save on basics and invest in proven active ingredients.
Two dermatologists have listed skincare and beauty products they believe are overrated and often a waste of money. Dr. Mona Gohara of Yale School of Medicine and Dr. Kavita Mariwalla of Mariwalla Dermatology shared their views with Real Simple, arguing that many popular items are unnecessary for skin health.
Dr. Gohara challenges the blanket avoidance of fragrance. She argues that unless someone has a true sensitivity, scented body washes and moisturizers are not harmful and can add a moment of self-care.
Products Deemed Redundant
The dermatologists identified several product categories they view as functionally redundant. They suggest these items often duplicate the effects of simpler, more affordable staples.
Dr. Gohara calls toners nostalgic but not necessary, stating modern cleansers already leave skin clean. Dr. Mariwalla similarly dismisses essences, comparing them to foam on a cappuccino that looks pretty but does nothing.
They extend this logic to area-specific creams. Gohara states a face cream works just as well on the neck, making separate neck creams an unnecessary double purchase. She also labels eye cream as usually just face moisturizer in a smaller, more expensive jar.
Products with Limited Efficacy
Several products are criticized for making claims that exceed their capabilities. The dermatologists clarify what these treatments can and cannot do.
Dr. Gohara is blunt about cellulite creams. She jokes that no lotion can melt fat. She describes them as providing temporary smoothing. Similarly, she notes stretch mark oils may soften skin but do not erase marks, which require time or professional treatments like lasers.
Pore-shrinking products are another target. Gohara explains that pores are not garage doors that you can open and shut, noting good skincare can make them look smaller but not actually close them. She also calls detoxifying face masks spa-day props, reminding that the liver and kidneys handle detoxification.
Potentially Problematic Products
The list includes items the dermatologists believe can be irritating, ineffective at low price points, or indicative of an underlying issue.
Dr. Gohara warns against all natural essential oil cocktails, noting poison ivy is also natural. She criticizes makeup wipes for inadequate cleansing. She also dismisses night creams with oxygen as superfluous, since skin already has oxygen.
Dr. Mariwalla advises against dry brushing, recommending good moisturization instead. She cautions against cheap red light masks, noting low-quality devices may be ineffective or even promote facial hair growth.
She questions the need for overnight lip masks, suggesting chronically dry lips warrant a dermatologist visit. Mariwalla also sees no need for scalp scrubs, stating the scalp's microbiome is self-regulating. Finally, she calls gel manicures terrible for your nails, citing thinning and ridges that create a dependency cycle, and recommends long-wear polish instead.
Where to Invest Instead
On spending, Dr. Gohara offers clear guidance. She advises saving splurges for proven, potent actives rather than basic products.
Her final point is simple. If a product brings joy, enjoy it. But for skin health, many items are optional.
