We’ve all been there : scrolling through social media, soaking up the latest skincare tips and trends from wellness influencers who seem to have all the answers. I was once one of those who blindly trusted the glowing reviews and promises. In 2023, I had finally found a skincare routine that worked, SPF 50 every day, Tretinoin, and a basic but effective regimen. After years of battling acne and hyperpigmentation, my skin had never looked better.

But then… I got influenced by the wrong people. Slowly, I grew more and more critical of chemical sunscreens, eventually becoming downright terrified of them. What followed was the purchase of mineral sunscreens, ones I never used because of how sticky and white they were. And yet, my fear intensified, until eventually, I stopped using sunscreen altogether. I ditched Tretinoin, ignored my skincare routine, and embraced a philosophy I now regret : "If you can't eat it, don’t put it on your skin."

And guess what happened? By the end of summer 2024, my skin was in the worst condition it had ever been. The acne, irritation, and hyperpigmentation came back with a vengeance. It was a complete disaster, all because I let the voices of misinformation take over.

But here's the thing : is it really my fault? Sure, I followed the advice, but what if we start questioning how these influencers spin their narratives? They preach fear and sell the illusion of “natural” purity. They manipulate the most vulnerable parts of our health concerns, our fears around toxins, hormones, and chemicals and make it sound like every mainstream ingredient is a danger. What’s worse is how convincing it all is, especially when framed as “wellness” and “health-conscious.”

So, here’s my proposition : should we be putting as much trust in influencers as we do in dermatologists or science-backed sources? Are we allowing fear-mongering to overshadow the simple truth that, sometimes, the basics like sunscreen and retinoids are truly the best things for our skin?

I’m still picking up the pieces, slowly rebuilding my skin and my trust in effective skincare, and the lesson is loud and clear : Be very careful about who you listen to. Some influencers are helping, but many are doing more harm than good, and I wish there were better regulation on these channels.

I’ll admit what happened to me was my own fault. But should I have to be this skeptical in order to protect my skin? Maybe the real question is : Is wellness culture worth the risk to our health, or have we gotten too lost in the pursuit of “natural” perfection? Be cautious out there, folks, and don’t forget to trust the science.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, do you think wellness influencers are doing more harm than good when it comes to skincare, or do you believe the natural approach is worth the risk?