It's that time of year again when we all start making promises to ourselves about the things we want to do better in the coming months. And while I'm not one to judge if your resolution involves ditching carbs or hitting the gym (more power to you!), I'm just here to suggest that maybe we make some skincare goals for the new year.
Maybe this will be the year that we finally learn to embrace our pores and give the boot to those toxic filters and Facetune apps. Let's talk about the skincare habits we should all consider kicking to the curb in 2025.
The Unrealistic World of Filters + Editing
Social media platforms have made it too easy to access filters and editing apps, often leading to heavily altered images on our feeds. It's no surprise that these unrealistic beauty standards can leave us feeling less than. We're constantly bombarded with pictures of poreless, flawless skin, and perfectly symmetrical features that even the people in the photos don't possess in real life!
This unattainable ideal can leave many of us feeling like we need to alter our own appearance to fit in or feel beautiful. But the truth is, these edited images don't reflect reality. We have to recognize and acknowledge that real skin has texture, pores, wrinkles, and unique characteristics. Authenticity is far more beautiful than any filtered version of yourself could ever be.
Curated Overconsumption + Influencer Culture
We all want the perfect complexion. It's so easy to get swept up in the world of social media and influencers, with their perfectly curated feeds and seemingly flawless skin. They might convince you that their "must-have" products or routines are the ticket to their enviable complexions, but what they don't tell you is that a lot of what you see is smoke and mirrors (or should I say, filters and Facetune?).
It's their job to promote products and create content, and they get paid quite a pretty penny for it. And remember, their photos and videos are the result of hours of editing, and their skin most likely doesn't look remotely like that in real life. It's angles and lighting and retakes — none of it is real.
We've seen the influencers with their beauty hauls and the shelves behind them with an endless supply of serums, creams, eye shadows, oh my. (Most of which is PR by the way.) Your skincare shouldn't be a "collection." Here's the thing: overconsumption can be just as damaging as unattainable beauty standards. Not only does it contribute to environmental waste and the exploitation of natural resources, but it also puts a massive dent in our wallets. The beauty industry thrives on our desire for the next big thing, pumping out new products at an alarming rate and adding to excessive waste. From packaging materials to expired products, the toll on our planet is undeniable. We can reduce our own impact and send a message to the industry that sustainability matters. And no, it's not just swapping plastic for glass (which is a much more nuanced topic than this vs that). The biggest impact we can have on the planet is consuming less.
Skincare is about taking care of ourselves, not about accumulating a vanity full of unused products. Practice mindful consumption and remember that simplicity can be the key to happier, healthier skin.
Toxic Beauty Standards
Everywhere we look we're bombarded with narrow, unrealistic beauty standards, from ads, magazines, social media, you name it. It's all around us, making it to hard remember that true beauty comes from within. Your pores, skin texture, and unique features are what make you, well, you! Your worth isn't defined by the clarity of your complexion or the absence of fine lines. Youth as the only form of beauty? Well that's a big fat lie from the patriarchy. Aging isn't a curse but a privilege. Each wrinkle and line tells a story of laughter, growth, and experiences that have molded you into the person you are today.
Self-love is a powerful force, and it starts with accepting yourself just as you are. Free yourself from the futile need for perfection. The beauty industry capitalizes on the notion of flaws, low self-esteem, poor confidence, and fear of aging. Self-love and acceptance is a radical act of rebellion. 💪
It's a continuous journey. There will be days when you feel fierce and days when you struggle with insecurities (I do too). How do you respond to those negative thoughts? Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you'd offer a friend. Self-care is also self-compassion.
Need ideas? ⤵️
- Surround yourself with positive role models: Follow diverse, body-positive influencers or people who celebrate their uniqueness, and unfollow anyone who makes you feel bad or makes you compare yourself. This includes people within your own circles.
- Prioritize self-care: Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as meditation, exercise, painting, reading, or buying a new crystal 😉.
- Write self-love affirmations: Create daily affirmations that focus on your strengths, unique qualities, and positive attributes.
Declutter Your Routine
- Understand your skin type: Is your skin dry, oily, combination, or sensitive? Choose products formulated for your specific type.
- Identify your concerns: Target your skin concerns, such as breakouts, hyperpigmentation, or fine lines, and look for products that address these.
- Choose products that complement each other: Find products that work well together, reducing unnecessary steps in your routine. Do you need a hydrating mist if you're already using a quality moisturizer? You could also opt for a tinted SPF instead of foundation for both sun protection and light coverage.
- Invest in high-quality essentials: Prioritize quality over quantity, and invest in products with effective, evidence-backed ingredients, not the latest trendy (often gimmicky) product.
- Consult professionals for severe skin issues: While many skin concerns can be handled with a tailored routine, consider advice from a dermatologist or esthetician if you're dealing with persistent or severe skin problems. Their expertise can help you find the underlying issues and most effective solutions.
A well-rounded skincare routine really only requires three essential products: a gentle cleanser, a quality moisturizer, and a reliable SPF you like using. Any added products can be beneficial as a complement to your existing routine or to target specific concerns, but remember that less is usually more when it comes to skincare. Using too many products or actives is a surefire way to irritate your skin, and good luck pinpointing the culprit if you're using too many products.
Fear-Based Marketing + Chemi-phobia
The skincare world is ever-evolving, with information coming at us from every corner of the internet and social media. Alleged "experts" walking the grocery and beauty aisles scaring us into thinking everything is killing us or toxic to our health. This is often under the guise of educating us while we're being sold their "safer" version or their supplements that aren't FDA approved. 🙃
Arming yourself with basic knowledge about ingredients is the key to making informed choices. However be wary when using apps like Yuka, Think Dirty, or websites like the EWG. In fact, delete them off your phone right now. 😆 While they might seem helpful, these platforms often cherry-pick data and use fear-mongering tactics to label ingredients as "toxic" or "unsafe" based on studies using excessively high doses you'd never see in a cosmetic or using the product or ingredient incorrectly. Remember that no ingredient is inherently "clean" or "dirty," and the efficacy of a product depends on the formula as a whole, not just a single component. Even seemingly harmless chemicals like water can be toxic...if we inhale it. 😜
To truly understand the safety and efficacy of a product, rely on reputable sources such as (properly done) scientific studies and relevant experts like cosmetic chemists, cosmetic scientists, and cosmetic toxicologists, and maybe not get your info from people looking to turn a quick profit.
I thoroughly love the works from Jen Novakovich from The Eco Well and cosmetic scientist, Dr. Michelle Wong of Lab Muffin Beauty Science and cosmetic chemist with a PhD in chemistry, and Mohammed Kanadil of Mo Skin Lab and PharmD, cosmetic safety assessor, and toxicologist. (Notice how none of them are social media influencers? 😜)
I've put together this blog to highlight some various ingredients you may find in cosmetics, and while it's not a fully comprehensive list, it may help you navigate the complex world of ingredients and make decisions based on facts rather than fear.
In 2025, let's leave behind the fear, misinformation, and unrealistic standards that have overshadowed the beauty industry for far too long.
