AIBU to feel overwhelmed by skincare routines becoming another pressure?

[GimmieABreakOr3]

I’m mid 30s - plastered all over my social media (Instagram & Facebook) seems to be a bombardment of 10 step skincare routines, everyone going on about what products they’re using, glass skin, Korean skincare, this serum, that serum, snail mucin, glycolic pads, salicylic pads, this moisturiser, that spf…

I just feel like it’s become another obsession for girls and women to fixate and obsess over. Do others agree?! If it’s not our weight, it’s how our pores, lines, skin texture. Enough already.

One solution is to disengage from those sorts of platforms. They are the cause of a lot of harm, imo.

There's a lot to be said for personal responsibility.

I've managed to get to my late 50s having used nothing more than water and a bit of Nivea on my skin.

Adverts have been in existence for generations, we can either ignore them or buy what they're selling us.

It's personal choice we need to take responsibility for.

You don’t need o be on social media and you don’t need to follow these routines

Just don’t do it?

Honestly, I haven’t time or patience for any of that, or money.
I wash my face with soap and water (Locctaine Shea bar soap I use for everything). Stick sun cream on on sunny days ( factor 30 or 50). Occasionally moisturiser in dry winter if i remember ( something natural like weleda). Anything scented or strong stings my eyes or face so less is more

So far my face looks exactly like other people my age so I dont think that’s too bad. And when im really old, why would I be bothered if my face looks old?

If other women and girls ‘obsess’ over skincare or enjoy skin care then that’s up to them. The same way you don’t have to watch the videos or read the social media posts. Everyone is accountable for what they see and do, if you don’t want to see it just keep swiping

They aren’t plastered all over everyone’s social media. Because you’ve clicked on it, your algorithm keeps showing it to you.

Skincare - just pick a simple routine based on your skin concerns if you want to, if not then don’t.

I'm at the peak demographic for skincare ads, my skin quality has declined in my 40s.
I quite enjoy all the potions whether they actually work or not.
Imo sleep and water are the biggest health benefits for all cell repair.

Stop looking at them. The less you click, the less you get.

It is pushed a lot. As older women, we can choose to disengage, and we know they only want our money. We're highly skeptical and suspicious of the claims they make. I do feel sorry for young girls though. It's not easy to navigate this environment, and there must be so much pressure to have "perfect" skin and all the latest products

This. It is entirely up to you how much of this you see and take on board.

I do use a lot of skin care but my Instagram (only have that) doesn't have anything about skincare on it, I see cats falling over stuff, local markets and cake! Once I have bought a product I might see a bit more advertising from Cult Beauty or something but I don't engage in it.

I think if you stop clicking then you will be shown less.

Ignore. The beauty industry just want to make money by selling you stuff you don’t need. I am older than you and people compliment my skin. Washing and simple moisturizer is enough.

What makes the biggest difference:
Regular exercise
Good quality diet with plenty of veg
Enough sleep
Enough water
Sunscreen

I don't see these things. You must be clicking on them. If you stop, they'll stop.

It's only a pressure if you let it be. Looking after your skin is a good thing - particularly for those of us with eczema and skin issues! - but only use the products you personally feel you need and work for you. Don't get sucked into doing things like the double cleanse if it doesn't work for you, don't do a ten step routine if four is enough etc.

Having said that I do agree with trying products to see if they can help or make a difference, otherwise I wouldn't have discovered soap-free years ago as an example.

I would think genetics have quite a big effect too.

Skin care can be as minimal or as complicated as you choose.

There are skin care products that have science behind them like Vitamin C and tretinoin and using sunscreen. But no one is twisting your arm or forcing you to have a complicated routine with a lot of products.

I agree, hair nails, facials, eyebrows, eyelashes, pedicures, Botox. The beauty standard is so high for women. Problem is if you don’t conform you look comparatively rubbish!

it puts a lot of pressure on women financially and emotionally.

Exactly.

The pressure is placed by you and only you.

I don't see it as the same thing as weight. The pressure to be thin and a certain body type is multifaceted and comes at us from all sorts of directions. Our moral worth can be interpreted from our size (by some, at least).

Glass skin is a trend. Skincare is a business. If I don't moisturise, I don't think anyone thinks I'm lazy or gluttonous.

I live rurally and work in IT, so in fairness I could be totally oblivious to any pressures to achieve perfect skin because it's not happening to me.

I spend plenty of time online and I love skincare so I'm probably on the receiving end of the same algorithm. I do see, and try, products that talk about improving imperfections, but I don't feel that's a loaded statement or that I should feel ashamed for my skin.

Since I started putting together a proper skincare routine a year ago my relationship with myself has improved immeasurably. The products are about nourishing, brightening, improving, and it's the first time I feel I've spent time in front of a mirror looking at myself and taking care of myself. Previously yeah I'd apply make up in front of a mirror but I'd be trying to cover up my face.

I feel like skincare has helped me accept and really like myself and my own skin. Whether that's the products or just taking the time to sit and look in the mirror and choose products to soothe, nourish, etc. That little gremlin in the back of my head that talks shit about me doesn't get a word in.

Drink plenty of water.
Get enough sleep.
Smile.
Slap on some basic moisteriser, or suncream.

Honestly, I have far more interesting things to do than mess about with gloop like serums.

FWIW I am frequently told I look good for my age. I run a successful client facing small business. Nobody has ever cancelled an appointment because of my lack of makeup and gloop. I really believe nobody actually cares what other people put on their face.

My advice would be to step away from social media if you find it stressful.

I'm in my late 40s and take no notice of what the internet tells me, it works wonders.

Just to add it's a problem with your algorithms. My social media is full of gardening and literary books.

Or you could just ignore it? My skin routine involves SPF during the day and then washing it off at night. Maybe some moisturiser in the winter months. I haven’t died yet 🤷‍♀️

I'm 63 I've never had a skin care routine. I wash my face with water in the shower and occasionally use a facial scrub when I remember. I used a moisturizer a few times a week. I'm blessed with fabulous skin so I'm lucky I suppose

It was more an observation I guess and it’s not adverts, these aren’t always influencers either. They every day people. Just seems to be an obsession. Of course I’m not going to engage and I wish to save my money, lol. It was more a discussion point for MN more than anything…