The beauty industry is constantly launching new and innovative products to keep customers engaged, but like a new iPhone, there are often very minimal changes under the hood. Those who don't want to waste their money on useless products have to make an effort to find the truly effective ones through a lot of noise. In a world flooded with beauty products that promise Ponzi scale results, it is essential to have a discernment about what to put on our skin. The beauty industry, with its social media influencers, campaign stars, and expert sponsorships, often leads us to purchase useful products. As consumers, it's essential to look at beauty products critically and prioritize evidence-based methods and ingredients for effective skincare. Obviously, sometimes, you just want to blow money on dumb beauty products that looked cute on Instagram. You just think they're fun to play with or the packaging is too beautiful to resist. We all do it. So if any of these things make you happy, keep doing what you're doing. But if you're serious about a minimal beauty routine and want to save a little, here's a list, with the help of ChatGPT, of some ineffective beauty products, to say the least, that should make you think twice before purchasing:
Stretch Marks & Cellulite Creams –
While stretch marks and cellulite are natural phenomena, the beauty industry markets various creams and oils with the promise of minimizing their appearance. Dermatologists warn against relying on these products, highlighting the limited data supporting their effectiveness. Expensive clinic-based treatments are also known to produce only mild results.
Collagen Face Cream –
Collagen, a structural protein that is the main component of connective tissue and essential for maintaining skin elasticity, declines with age. However, collagen creams are controversial among skincare experts. The size of collagen molecules prevents them from penetrating the skin effectively and in a way that makes any difference. Instead, experts recommend ingredients like vitamin C and retinol, which stimulate collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin.
Deep facial cleansing devices –
It is quite possible that devices purporting to provide deep cleaning are not as effective as advertised. Dermatologists warn against harsh brushes, which can damage the skin surface layers, leading to dryness and sensitivity. Chemical peels such as acids, such as those found in toners and serums, are a gentler alternative for uniformity of tone, smoother texture and radiance.
Biodegradable face masks –
As the beauty industry moves towards sustainability, biodegradable face masks are being marketed as environmentally friendly alternatives. However, environmental experts warn that landfill conditions may not always support the decomposition of consumables. Using products with recyclable or refillable packaging is a more environmentally friendly choice.
Eye creams for dark circles –
Expensive eye creams that claim to blur dark circles and under-eye wrinkles don't provide the promised results. Dermatologists claim that most eye creams mainly moisturize the surface of the skin, suggesting temporary plumpness and volume. Also, the high pricing of eye creams, which are at least 2-3 times more expensive than the moisturizers of the same brand, makes us think that this is a category invented to increase profits. Lifestyle changes, such as adequate sleep and a healthy diet, are recommended to treat the underlying causes of darkness in the eye contour area.
Stem cell cultivation –
Despite the high price tags associated with stem cell cultivation, especially those containing plant stem cells, there is a lack of convincing data to support their effectiveness. There is no evidence that stem cell therapy offered by specialized clinics is effective or safe. Unlike procedures approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which are subject to years of rigorous trials, unapproved treatments marketed directly to patients are developed and performed with little supervision.
Face wipes –
As convenient and inexpensive as they are, face wipes simply move dirt from one place to another. Dermatologists advise incorporating micellar water followed by cleanser into your evening routine for more effective cleansing without disrupting your skin's natural balance.
Serum SPF –
Products that claim to be both serums and sunscreens are questionable for their effectiveness. Skincare experts say sunscreen should be the last step in a skincare routine to create effective protection. Serums with added SPF may not provide optimal protection compared to dedicated sunscreens applied as the final step.
Any SPF over 50 –
SPF greater than 50 offers only negligible better sun protection, but it encourages people to stay outside in the sun longer, increasing the risk of some degree of sunburn. Just stick to sunscreens 50 SPF or lower and apply generously and frequently!
Gluten free toiletries for celiacs –
There is no scientific evidence that gluten used in non-ingested cosmetics is harmful to people with celiac disease, including those with dermatitis herpetiformis (the skin form of celiac disease). If you have celiac disease, then applying gluten-containing products to your skin should not be a problem unless you have skin lesions that allow systemic absorption of gluten in large amounts. Based on what we currently know, it is oral gluten intake that triggers the autoimmune process typical of celiac disease.So if you're not going to eat your gluten-free creams, no problem.
Peeling face masks –
Peeling face masks, especially those containing "dirt-absorbing" charcoal, often remove not only dirt but also vital skin cells and delicate hair. The abrasive nature of these masks can leave the skin vulnerable to irritation. It is often argued that these masks have specific benefits due to one or two active ingredients, but if a closer examination of the ingredient list does not find these ingredients in the first half of the ingredient list, then it is likely that there is not enough high concentration to make a noticeable difference. Alternatives with gentle exfoliating acids, such as silicylic acid and glycolic acid, are recommended to boost moisture and refresh the skin.
Sticky strips to remove "blackheads" –
No need to waste time and money with beauticians. You can get rid of blackheads alone, easily and painlessly! Undoubtedly, a very tempting promise. And the most fun thing is to see in close-up on the tracks what came out. But the point is that within a week the pores are clogged will come back and it's a never-ending cycle of strip after strip. So, with or without charcoal, these strips are not a solution and will not reduce the size of your pores.
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