Why I QUIT Skincare Videos (Dermatologist)

Summary

In this video, dermatologist Osama exposes the truth about the skincare industry, revealing that 99% of products lack scientific evidence for effectiveness. He explains how most skincare content is driven by marketing, not real results, and discusses the pressures on influencers to promote products for profit. While acknowledging the limited scientific basis behind over-the-counter skincare, he emphasizes the importance of finding ingredients that work for your skin and consulting a dermatologist for more serious issues. The video marks Osama's final message on skincare, as he pivots to focus on meaningful life advice in future content.

Takeaways

• 🧴 The dermatologist argues that 99% of the skincare industry is ineffective and largely driven by marketing rather than science.
• 📊 Only a very small set of skincare ingredients have solid scientific evidence, and most online skincare advice is just repackaged versions of the same limited information.
• 🔬 Even when products list the same active ingredients, factors like concentration, formulation quality, and skin penetration vary widely and are often unknown.
• 🧪 Truly proving a product’s effectiveness would require rigorous split-face, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials—which almost no over-the-counter product has.
• 🏷️ Dermatologists often recommend certain brands not because of superior efficacy, but because of safety data, brand reputation, familiarity, and positive patient feedback.
• 🎁 Skincare companies strategically give free samples to dermatologists and clinics, influencing which products are recommended through simple human nature.
• 📱 The explosion of skincare content is driven more by social media, superficial beauty standards, and algorithm rewards than by genuine medical advancement.
• 💸 Skincare influencers are financially incentivized to produce endless product reviews, even though scientific differences are often minimal or unproven.
• 🤳 Social media has created widespread skin-related body dysmorphia by promoting unrealistic expectations of “perfect skin.”
• 🧠 The creator urges viewers to treat skincare content as entertainment, not medical advice, since most online reviews lack scientific rigor.
• 💡 His practical advice: choose affordable products (under $30) containing known active ingredients, try them for 6–8 weeks, and see what works personally.
• 🏥 If over-the-counter options fail, a dermatologist can prescribe treatments that actually *do* have strong clinical evidence.

Q & A

Why does the dermatologist claim that 99% of the skincare world is nonsense?

The dermatologist claims that 99% of the skincare world is based on marketing rather than scientific evidence. Most products on the market lack the necessary clinical trials to back up their effectiveness, and skincare content is often focused on entertainment rather than proven results.

What is the 1% of skincare that we actually know works?

The 1% refers to ingredients that have scientific evidence supporting their efficacy, such as salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and retinol. However, even with these ingredients, there is no guarantee that over-the-counter products will be effective due to variations in formulation, dosage, and how well they penetrate the skin.

Why is it difficult to determine whether an over-the-counter product works?

It's difficult because we don’t know the exact quantity or quality of key ingredients in these products. Additionally, we can't be sure how well the formulation will penetrate the skin barrier, which is a significant challenge in skincare.

What kind of clinical trial would be needed to prove the effectiveness of a skincare product?

A skincare product would need to undergo a split-faced, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. This means volunteers would apply the product to one side of their face and a placebo to the other, without knowing which is which, and standardized photos would be taken to measure results over 6-8 weeks.

Why do dermatologists recommend certain skincare brands like CeraVe or Neutrogena?

Dermatologists recommend these brands primarily because they have safety data proving they are unlikely to cause allergic reactions. These products are widely available and have become familiar through years of use, but they aren’t necessarily the most effective skincare products available.

How does personal familiarity influence skincare recommendations?

Dermatologists often recommend products like CeraVe or Cetaphil because they are personally familiar with them. These brands have been sent as free samples to dermatologists and residents, making it more likely that they’ll be used and recommended, even though this doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best option for everyone.

How has social media contributed to the skincare boom?

Social media has contributed to the rise of skincare by promoting the idea of perfect skin as a societal norm. This, combined with the use of filters and an increasing obsession with skin perfection, has led to a huge market demand for skincare products and content.

What is the relationship between skincare influencers and brand deals?

Skincare influencers often receive offers from brands to promote products, with some offers reaching thousands of dollars for a single review. These influencers may prioritize content creation for the financial benefits and brand partnerships rather than providing scientifically-backed advice.

What is the main problem with the way skincare content is presented on social media?

The main problem is that much of the skincare content on social media is focused on entertainment rather than scientific accuracy. Influencers often create content that is designed to drive views and engagement, but it may not be backed by solid scientific evidence, leading people to believe they’re receiving medical-grade advice.

What practical advice does the dermatologist give for choosing skincare products?

The dermatologist advises selecting an over-the-counter product with one of the right ingredients for your skin issue, keeping the price under $30, and testing it for 6-8 weeks. If there’s no improvement, it’s time to see a dermatologist who can prescribe a more effective treatment.