Seeing a dermatologist is expensive. If nothing else, it is time-consuming. That is why most people tune into so-called influencers on social media. The main reason why skincare enthusiasts tend to get beauty advice online is that it is free. You have got nothing to lose, they argue. Really? Do you actually lose nothing?

Well, dermatologists argue that blindly following an influencer and getting beauty advice may often backfire. In the worst-case scenario, you will end up damaging your skin. Fair enough! You have got ample content online that talks about skincare hacks and beauty shortcuts. This content is accessible for free and is available for you with a single tap.

For example, you head over to TikTok and find content that talks about how you can ‘transform’ your skin in seven days. Similarly, you can watch on your YouTube feed numerous beauty and skincare tips. However, there is nothing wrong with that as long as you do not get benefits from such content.

Why Should You Take Online "Beauty Hacks" With A Pinch of Salt?

Nonetheless, the actual problem is that most of these so-called social media influencers are not certified. They pick up a topic and google it. Based on the limited information, they curate content that seems appealing to the audience. In turn, you are very likely to adopt them. At this point, dermatologists argue that most of this content is not helpful - especially when it comes from someone who does not specialize in the niche.

Essentially, you do not take legal advice from a doctor. Nor do you get health prescriptions from a lawyer. The idea is that you do not have to look for the advice itself. Instead, you will have to see who is lending this advice. Based on the “who,” you can decide whether or not the advice is worth following.

When it comes to skincare, you have got to be very careful. You will have to take every “beauty hack” with a pinch of salt. Because the nature of the skin - the outer-most part of our body - is very sensitive - we have got to be very careful with it. This means that you do not follow every mere “beauty shortcut” found online.

Ironically, if you follow an unverified beauty hack online, you will end up meeting a dermatologist. The same dermatologist that you were trying to avoid in the first place. Dermatologists argue that most people do not bother seeing a skincare professional until they are in the worst position.

On top of that, you will also end up damaging your skin by following unverified beauty content online. Thus, not only will you end up in the office of a dermatologist (that you were looking to avoid), but you will also do major harm to your skin as well.

So, you are better off without unverified “beauty shortcuts” found online. Ideally, see a dermatologist for professional skin care guidance.