Why You Shouldn't Aimlessly Trust Social Media To Dictate Your Skincare Routine

Social media seems to influence everything these days, from what we put into our bodies to what we put on our faces. It seems like every time you log on, there's a new trend on the horizon, especially when it comes to skincare. First, there was slugging, then skin cycling, and now the mushroom boom (what even is that)? It can feel overwhelming, trying to stay on top of what's in and what's out, but keeping up with the trends isn't the issue — it's following them every time they change. 

According to Forbes, 62% of women that use social media follow at least one beauty influencer, meaning there are 62% of women potentially copying another person's step-by-step skincare routine without conducting any research of their own. While social media does have a plethora of recommendations for all things skin and beauty, it sometimes does more harm than good. Here's why you shouldn't aimlessly trust it to dictate your skincare routine.

If you already have a great skincare routine that works for you, there's no reason to deviate from it just to stay on trend. (Like they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.) Not to mention, a majority of these trends aren't recommended by professionals. You're probably wondering, "So? My friends suggest products for me to try all the time." You have a point to an extent. There's a difference between your friend introducing you to a new skincare product and changing your entire routine on a weekly basis.

The key is to keep your skin on a strict daily routine. Doing so has a handful of benefits, such as reducing wrinkles, preventing sun damage, and restoring your skin's natural elasticity, Dosso Beauty explains. That being said, you may have to adjust your routine if your skin has different needs when the weather shifts, per Today. If you do branch out to new products, keep in mind to always patch-test to avoid any negative reactions.

Social media trends don't speak for every skin type, so when you trust it for skincare advice, you're potentially ruining that gorgeous complexion you've worked so hard for. Take the slugging trend, for instance, which is when you slather your face with petroleum jelly after you've applied the rest of your nighttime skincare products. The goal with slugging is to hydrate dry skin, giving it that plump, juicy look. If you're aimlessly joining this trend and ignoring your naturally oily skin type, you could be creating a problem that wasn't there.

Before you hop on the bandwagon with the next skincare trend, take a look at the ingredients and make sure they agree with your skin type. Oily skin should avoid products with heavy alcohol content or coconut oil, Garnier says. What's more, people with oily skin should steer clear of harsh soaps and salicylic acids if their skin is extra dry. By taking the extra time to learn more about your skin type, you'll be better informed the next time you think about taking the newest product for a spin.