Advice for the Consumer:

The skincare industry is a wild place. Between shady online marketplaces, influencers pushing products they don’t understand, and multi-level marketing schemes (MLMs) convincing your old high school friend she’s a skincare expert, it’s easy to get lost. Here’s how to navigate it like a pro:

• Skip Amazon for skincare. Some brands pay Amazon to regulate third-party sellers and avoid fakes, but many don’t. That means a lot of what you see is counterfeit, expired, or stored incorrectly. If you’re investing in your skin, get the real thing from reputable sources.
• MLM skincare? Hard pass. I have yet to see a single MLM brand with high-quality, clinically tested ingredients. These products are overpriced, underwhelming, and marketed by people who, let’s be honest, aren’t skin experts.
• Influencers don’t equal experts. Just because someone has glowing skin and a blue checkmark doesn’t mean they understand product formulation, skin biology, or ingredient interactions. Most of them make money when you click their links—that’s their expertise.
• Do your research. If a product is everywhere on social media, ask yourself: Is this actually good, or is it just good marketing? Read ingredients, look for clinical testing, and ask trusted professionals (not just TikTok).
• Give your skin time. Skin doesn’t transform overnight. A full skin cycle takes about 28 days, and factors like hormones and seasonal changes affect results. Expect at least one to three months before deciding if something truly works.
• Don’t be afraid of prescription skincare. Medical-grade retinoids, lighteners, and acne or rosacea treatments can be game-changers. Even oral medications have their place when used correctly. But here’s the key—find a clinician who actually understands skin (not your med spa injector, aesthetician, or massage therapist). Experience matters.

Skincare isn’t about perfection, it’s about consistency.

If you can nail down a solid daily routine, the fancy treatments just become the cherry on top. The goal? Skin that’s healthy, resilient, and looking its best for years to come. Now go forth and glow!