'De-influencing skincare': Professional medical aesthetician debunks TikTok influencer beauty trends

With all those so-called beauty "tips" out there, it's hard to keep track of what actually works and what is just BS. Social media is saturated with influencers claiming they know what the best beauty products are out there. But what is their credentials backing up those claims? They get sent those products for free, try them out with a "GRWM" video, and that makes them a professional on the matter? We don't think so. There are medical professionals who go to school for years just to make sure they know what they're talking about when it comes to skincare. Seriously, have you read about the effects of Retinol? You really can't just jump into using that stuff, you gotta know how to first, because it can be bad.

Luckily, professional medical aestheticians and dermatologists are also starting to flock to social media to debunk and spread awareness on what the best paths are to take when it comes to skincare. One professional medical aesthetician has gone viral for her "de-influencing" of TikTok viral skincare products. We provided some of her most helpful ones below!

Posted by Elna McHilderson

1
Cancelled: Olehnriksen 'Truth Serum Vitamin C Serum'

"Why? for $73 you're paying for yellow collar dye and sodium Ascorbyl phosphate, which is a very cheap vitamin C—not a bad vitamin C, but you don't have to pya $73 for it."

Via u/self.skin
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2
Instead Use: Versed 'Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum'

"It also contains sodium Ascorbyl phosphate but it's only $21 and there's no color dye."

Via u/self.skin
3
Cancelled: The Ordinary 'Hyaluronic acid 2% +B5'

"Anything The Ordinary is a no. Invest in your serums, because serums go deepest into your skin and they give you the most results. Don't buy these one ingredient things that sit on your face and get sticky and peel off—invest in something better."

Via u/self.skin
4
Instead Use: Green Envee 'Hyaluronic Collagen Serum'

"If I could use this serum all over my body, I would. Look at this list [of ingredients]! Everyone can use this serum: Peptides, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid."

Via u/self.skin
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5
Cancelled: Micellar Water

"It's irritating and it's over-stripping. It can cause pre-mature wrinkles by tugging on the skin. It's basically a makeup wipe."

Via u/self.skin
6
Instead Use: Any Oil-Based Cleanser (like Skinfix 'Barrier & Foaming Oil Hydrating Cleanser')

"This one doesn't burn your eyes and it removes your makeup. Make sure you always follow through with a second cleanse."

Via u/self.skin
7
Cancelled: Supergoop! 'Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++'

"I hate chemical sunscreens. In my opinion, they are not good for you, they are not healthy. If you think otherwise, then keep using chemical sunscreens. But when studies come out saying this stuff ain't good for you, you can thank me later. Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate is a no."

Via u/self.skin
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8
Instead Use: Colorscience 'Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50'

"I'm more of a minerals SPF kind of girl. I recommend the Colorscience 'Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50'. It's also a PA+++ and it's only $5 more. The more pluses the better!"

Via u/self.skin
9
Cancelled: The Yuka app

"The Yuka app is actually an app where you can scan skincare products and it'll tell you if the ingredients are safe or toxic. [But] the 'scientific proof' that they use, doesn't make sense…"

Via u/self.skin
10
Part 1

Via u/self.skin
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11
Part 2

Via u/self.skin
12
'How to tell if your skincare is a scam based on its packaging'

Via u/self.skin
13
'Skincare products I would NEVER use as a medial aesthetician (bias)'

Via u/self.skin

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