We live in a world of abundance. For everything and anything you may need or want, you can choose from tons of brands and products. The choice seems endless, and often confusing. Also, we are constantly targeted by more or less obvious marketing campaigns willing us to buy… buy… buy. It can seem we are overusing beauty products, clothes and everything we have in our homes.
The beauty industry is not an exception. There are millions of brands and products globally, most buyable in one click on the internet. So, are we overusing beauty products?
Created needs
Marketing’s first goal is to make us believe we need the product they sell. All day long, women are targeted by marketing campaigns promoting shower gel, mascara, night cream, or perfume like it was the ultimate step to their happiness.
It is even worse on social media as many skincare and beauty influencers (people posting content about their lives and the products they use) have endless routines and loads of products they use (or pretend to use) daily.
Are we overusing beauty products? Shady marketing techniques
Skincare influencers are people creating online content about skincare and skincare products. There is no regulation on who can become a skincare influencer and most are not licensed professionals. It all started with skincare aficionados testing new skincare products and sharing their favorite ones.
However, the brands quickly saw them as a very efficient marketing technique. People tend to buy more if they trust the person who advised the product. Influencers have a special bond with their audience as they do more than just advertise products, they often share their life, family or personal events, or travels.
Where the problem lies is influencers promoting shady or overpriced products. There is very little control over cosmetics sold online, especially those coming from Asia where regulations are laxer than in Europe or America. European or American influencers were caught promoting skincare products containing ingredients banned by the FDA of UE.
It is recommended to check the ingredients before buying any cosmetics online. A website selling just one or very few products should raise your suspicions because it may be dropshipping from China containing toxic ingredients.
What do you actually need for radiant skin?
Taking care of our skin is essential, but what do we actually need? How many steps our skincare routine should be?
The most important in a skincare routine is not to use an endless list of products but to use the right one for your skin. It is key to avoid overusing beauty products. Skins are different and have different needs. The first thing to do for radiant skin is to know your skin. Using skincare products formulated for oily skin on a dry one, or the opposite, won’t bring anything good.
Once you know your skin type, you can shop for the right products. First, you need a cleanser to wash your face once to twice a day. The cleanser must be mild enough to let your skin clean but not tight or uncomfortable after use. Cleansers do not need to be expensive to be efficient.
You also need a day moisturizer. You can go for a more expensive product for this one because you need something potent. Cheap moisturizers tend to contain less active ingredients so they are less efficient. It is interesting to pick a day cream containing an SPF to protect the skin from UV light. If your favorite moisturizer does not contain an SPF, you need sunscreen too.
You need a night cream or a serum. Serums and night creams are more potent and deliver the active ingredients deeper into the skin. They should be high quality.
Korean sheets masks are great because they reinforce the skin barrier, making it less prone to imperfections and other skin problems. They are fun to use and make you feel pampered and relaxed. You can use them two or three times a week as a little treat for your skin.
All the other products, such as toners, scrubs, mists, and so on are not absolute necessities but may find their place in your routine.