Becoming A Skincare Junkie Ruined Their Skin! When Beauty Turns Ugly

[@JamesWelsh]

Thanks to Ava Perkins for helping me with todays video! You can find her at: @ava.perki on both Instagram and TikTok!

[@ColletteC2106]

She is lovely, and such a great personality! Thanks for introducing her to us. I will definitely give her a follow! ✨🧡✨

[@rhileynnna]

She should make a KZbin ! Not enough cosmetic chemists here

[@MOOin.thegamercow]

hi guys dont forget to always get the vegan and cruelty free options. JUSTICE FOR ALL!

[@Heraisedawolf]

I thought you meant Ava the daughter of Nikki Thot and Jamie (ick) Perkins lmaoo

[@stina9659]

Love her, does she share on Facebook too? Because im not on IG nor TikTok for my mental health

[@ilse1]

people not using products correctly or using products not meant for them and then claiming that skincare is a scam and harmful is SO annoying omg

[@anonmous4468]

Right ? Common sense people!

[@nany____]

YES! Like the sheer amount of product the first girl was using, WTF????? If it was actually an overnight spot treatment there's no reason to slather this amount on her face, the actives in spot treatments are usually pretty strong, she absolutely had a reaction to the potency and not because the product was past the expiration date

[@DeadKraken]

FR Ppl do 0 research, and just throw that shi on their faces, then whine if it smells bad or burns them. But they don't want to put the responsibility on themselves, so they blame a whole branch of medicine for their stupidity lol When I was looking for a niacinamide serum at low concentrations, I found the Khiel's one and one of the first reviews was a 1 star review of some donkey with dry skin that put a 5% Niacinamide serum on her face and was whining that it made her skin dry-er and irritated. No shit? Niacinamide is used for sebum control😂 Other funny ones are some that I read under a pure concentrated snail mucin serum, whining that it was watery and smelled bad. No shit? It's pure snail mucus that has been filtered so much it became watery, it's supposed to be that way 'cause it has no additives😂

[@legwaterlily12]

Literally! Like "I crashed my car into a telephone pole, cars are a scam!" Ofc it's not working right you used it incorrectly lol

[@ashleyj6805]

For example when I didn’t know much about glow recipe and skincare in general I bought every glow recipe product and used it all at once yes including multiple exfoliants retinol and vitamin C at once it destroyed my skin OBVIOUSLY but I thought it was GR not me and I hated that brand for the longest time. Now that I have more knowledge I tried them again 3 years after. I used the fruit babies kit and it cleared up my skin so much when used properly!!

[@AppalachianAllegory]

I had a coworker try to sell me on the "cavemen didn't use sunscreen" thing, and it's like, "Ok, well they had an ozone layer, Becky."

[@ixDanime123]

They also got a lot of skin cancer and in certain areas while not having access to sunSCREEN still used sun protection in the form of thin high coverage clothing

[@xXxNeonPrincessxXx]

They also didn't live past 25 and died by hunting/eaten so their lifespan isn't really enough for them to get cancer 😩

[@jessicawilson5908]

Omg this argument is used for so many things and it's ridiculous! What was the lifespan back then or even 100 years ago, 40?!?! 🤯

[@icianthea]

... We have an ozone now? It's been getting better since the the whole cfc debacle. It's not like the entire ozone layer just disappeared since the early hominids. A better argument would be that cavemen just died before they lived long enough to develop cancer.

[@R_S747]

They also died way sooner than us

[@fortunatecookie]

One time in high school I tried Proactive. I had it on for a few minutes in the shower and it started burning. I did NOT have the “it’s burning, that means it’s working” reaction, I had the “it’s burning, am I allergic?” reaction and then I washed it off and never used it again lol I wasn’t raised in a “beauty is pain” household, I was raised in a “play stupid games, win stupid prizes” household. It’s not often you know when you’ve started a stupid game, but burning skin is a pretty good clue lol

[@katringabrielle4672]

Same! As soon as any product that touches my skin feels slightly uncomfortable I wash it off immediately. That’s what I was taught in my beautician training.

[@vampbites89]

Proactive actually gave me more acne but that was because, and I figured this out after many other attempts, scrubs actually irritate my skin. Knowing what works for your skin and what doesn’t makes so much difference.

[@Jasmine215100]

It sounds like you were allergic to Proactiv! Or maybe your skin was purging itself!!

[@Lispylisperson]

Same thing happened to me! I tried it when I was 19, it hurt and then I had raised skin color bumps all over my face for 2 weeks.

[@LadyBern]

Oxy pads and some acne treatment regiment stuff that came out a little before proactive popped off. The pads burned like hell and dried me tf out but I was an ance riddled teen trying to fight them. Lucky me I could never keep at it long enough and they'd dry out before I hurt my skin more.

[@melissacoulter708]

I recommend buying minis if you want to try many different products. That way you don’t run the risk of expired products and still have enough product to try it for a while. After years of trying every mini product made, I now have the ones in full sizes that I actually like and work for my skin and the weather where I live, so I use up my products long before they expire…

[@JamesWelsh]

Yessss that’s such a good idea! And they probably last long enough to tell if they make a difference right?!

[@Suedetussy]

Why haven’t i thought of that? 🤦🏻‍♀️😅 Thanks! 👍

[@susanruan3663]

That's why I always ask for samples to take home

[@kikiscorner3394]

Goes for makeup and skincare!

[@Kc-dq7zj]

Great idea!! I will definitely start doing this too.

[@DRVenard]

As someone in the field of medicine, I can say with confidence, "Our ancestors likely did die of skin cancer!" Only in the last generation did routine autopsy begin. I mean, when was the last time you heard anyone die of old age? We've simply gotten better at diagnosing things. Now people seem to HAVE to have died of something. A heart attack, stroke, or cancer. Just as far as my grandmother's generation, if someone died in their sleep, it was probably a massive coronary or stroke. So, yes, sunscreen PREVENTS cancer! Period💗💗💗

[@IttyBitty412]

Old age isnt an actual cause of death though. old age isn't an actual thing you can put on the death certificate.

[@DRVenard]

@IttyBitty412 I know. I'm saying that was the reason they died many years ago! Of course, it wasn't old age! It was something undiagnosed. My point: People are not dying of cancer more than they did. We have gotten better at diagnosis. Did you read the whole thing?

[@DRVenard]

Good lord people! Our ancestors DIED OF CANCER! IT WAS UNDIAGNOSED. GOOD GRAVY. LAY OFF!

[@RhebeDraws]

Im sorry for the people not getting your comment 😅

[@DRVenard]

@@RhebeDraws IKR😉😆I didn't realize I was unclear🤷‍♀️

[@morgianasartre6709]

Let's be honest, most women will have an expired eyeshadow pallet as that typical 12 month period after opening is next to nothing, especially when you only use it for special occasions and not daily (I don't know a single woman who does daily eyeshadow tbh). It's just not feasible.

[@sandrajayandran]

For sure. I have pallettes from 5-8 years ago 😮

[@wallflower6942]

Luckily powders have a lower chance to cause problems. They lack water which makes the chance of it reacting/growing moldy way lower than for products that contain water (skincare, mascara, liquid make up).

[@Call-me-Al]

Expired eyeshadow palettes are also differently likely to go bad depending on use, ingredients, and what your climate is like. If you live somewhere really humid and hot for most of or all of the year, then you'd probably want to keep them submerged in a large airtight plastic or styrofoam box, that is completely filled with silica gel pellets to prolong their lifespan notably past the expiry date.

[@JenniePoo520]

Oh yeah, I do make up for work. But I only use eyeshadow for "shower make up" and "events." I love pallets, but I know I don't use them enough to buy more, haha.

[@ayyyejesterdazed]

I’ve had the thought of why don’t they make them smaller and charge less because I have NEVER finished an entire pallet. But I’m not much of a makeup girly

[@daynasafranek7807]

I stopped buying at stores such as Sephora and ULTA. I really didn’t need 90% of the products that I wasted money on. Pro tip for online shoppers: after you edit your cart, close the app and come back a day later. Sometimes the urge to buy a product dissipates…. Impulse buying is what they rely on. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@sundaysundaesundaaay6424]

I do this, and you are so right...when I come back to my cart I start looking things over like ummm remove remove remove...don't let my purse be in the car and I don't remember my cvc then nothing gets bought 😂

[@Aurora_Celeste_ASMR]

Thank you for this! Consumerism is rough for to deal with, but I'll strat using this as a rule for myself now!

[@CaseyBowman7]

Yes! I go back to my cart every day for a few days and take out stuff that I no longer feel excited for or think I need. It reduces my purchase a lot since many of the stuff whats just stuff I added on Impulse while buying something else

[@peggedyourdad9560]

I just save stuff to my wishlist so I can look at it later.

[@karinaz8756]

Left Sephora after Ulta started carrying more high end products. They have more sales. I don’t pay full price for anything I buy. With their point system I can accumulate cash rebates quicker. I stick to the basics for my skincare routine.

[@Raven1303x]

That girl who took that serious reaction video should be shown to these Sephora parents and kids. My nieces skin was breaking out (both me and my brother had bad acne and had to be put on Roaccutane) and I’m so glad that she came to me, when her friends all got into the “Sephora kids” tick-tock crap. My friends a dermatologist, so I got her to speak to my niece and recommend some gentle skincare that was appropriate for her age. Her skin looks fab and she so much more confident 🥰. Xx

[@kbb649]

Hi, what products she using?

[@Raven1303x]

@@kbb649 She doesn’t say what the product was.

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

I feel like there’s a good chance the video girl did this semi-intentionally, thinking she’d go viral. None of her story makes any sense. She may end up truly regretting this tho, I have a recurring carbuncle and some deep pitted scars that I can’t afford to fix. Some mistakes cannot be magicked away by the derm

[@triplehearts914]

aww Im so glad that she didn't fall into the sephora kids thing, genuinely! I feel like that stuff does so much more harm than good to younger people. Im glad she's feeling confident too!

[@Raven1303x]

@@triplehearts914 yeah me too. Yeah it’s so good to see how much she’s came on with her confidence 🥰. Xx

[@sleepingisdifficult]

Two years ago, I condensed my skincare down to the bare bones. Cleanser, sunscreen, moisturizer, and a product for mild chemical exfoliation. Not only does it encourage me to keep my routine and finish products on time ,but I've also had much less skin sensitivity

[@peggedyourdad9560]

Same, except for the chem exfoliation since my skin is just that reactive. I just use a washcloth and hot water before using my cleanser and that works fine for me. I've also had to replace real moisturizer with straight-up jojoba oil for skin sensitivity reasons and because it's cheaper. jojoba oil also has some decent anti-inflammatory properties and is actually very chemically similar to the skin's natural oil. The point is that an expensive and elaborate skincare routine is not necessary to achieve great results.

[@DiMagnolia]

Same, I do have one lighter moisturizer and one heavier one though.

[@Tazzie1312]

I have two cleansers/moisturizers depending on the season and also what my skin is doing (one is more for acne, one is just a mild cleanser), an occasional chemical exfoliator, an oil for when I'm really dry, and then I throw in a serum because I like how it feels and honestly that's it. It's good.

[@Eternally_screaming_idiot]

Pretty much same. I found a moisturizer that has spf in it, so I condensed that down, but I have a light moisturizer and a heavy one.

[@chloeplaysacnh]

Same here! Cleanser, sunscreen, moisturiser and vitamin c serum

[@bisexualantigone]

Knew this kind of stuff would happen to someone eventually. The skincare craze and hierarchy already existed in 2015, where any routine under 7 steps was minimal and having pimples and blemishes meant you were gross.

[@vvitch-mist20]

I never had a big routine, or wore makeup. I just user CeraVe in the shower, and after using Vaseline on my arms and legs I rub my face on my hands. My skin looks great lol.

[@jessschwarze8126]

@@vvitch-mist20Vaseline won’t moisturise your skin it just creates a barrier and prevents the moisture from getting out, so it’s not really doing that much

[@vvitch-mist20]

@@jessschwarze8126 It's working just fine lol.

[@Jasmine215100]

@@jessschwarze8126 A thick layer of Aquaphor really seems to keep my skin clear and flawless! (I have Rosacea with overlying Seb dermatitis)

[@bisexualantigone]

@vvitch-mist20 right yeah, use what works, doesn't need to be much but indeed as said below, a cheap moisturiser might do you better than Vaseline. Holland and Barrett or Boots got nice ones. Q&A brand from H&B is lit

[@BeatriceZanetti]

It’s so hard to get rid of products, when they’re pretty expensive. Love you James❤

[@JamesWelsh]

I know right 😭 whenever I see I have like..a month left of my product, I smear it all over my body! 😂

[@serenitynowffs]

Even worse when they're *pretty* AND pretty expensive

[@Jmexmaldo]

I’ve had to tell myself I have to get through one product before buying a similar one i.e. formulation, overnight masks and creams, etc. I got a little carried away with eye creams; I’m on a race to get through them all before expiration 😅

[@LifeOfTheAngels]

Then you should regulate how much products youre consuming, if you don’t know you’re going to use something definitively or it’s something you need don’t buy it

[@f.miller9522]

Give it to a friend. Only buy products where you can take them back.

[@crispyyrosee]

As a licensed cosmetologist, the reason I appreciate you and your brother SO MUCH is that you seek out professional opinions when you're out or your zone of expertise. Having the cosmetic chemist pop in and explain things from a scientific standpoint is amazing and an incredible learning opportunity for the general public.

[@Genaeve]

I’m Gen X and I can assure you, the “18-28” study can include my age as those who use expired skin care and cosmetics.

[@PinchyKatie]

Yes we do. A little too tough for our own good.

[@TaylerBootz]

Yes. We definitely do.

[@justilou1]

We’re thick-skinned 🤭

[@cincyspinqueen2066]

Same!

[@marianadave5392]

(Gen X too): LOL unless it smells weird or the collor has changed... IT IS FINE!!! 😂😂😂

[@shatteredshards8549]

What confuses me is if the skincare is burning, WHY DID SHE IGNORE SURVIVAL INSTINCT TO TAKE IT OFF?!

[@KateReemee]

Especially if you’ve used said product before and it DIDN’T burn on application, why would you trust it this time around 😭

[@shamarab4632]

Because "beauty is pain" smh

[@222o-u3t]

prolly panic, or waiting to see if it goes away. not everything gotta be logical

[@jessicafern8112]

Depending on when she got into skincare, it might be a learned experience. I remember when astringent “worked best when it burned.” 😅. Horrible advice, but so many people bought into that! 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@jenniellepples]

Exactly, the second my face feels irritated or looks red I'm 100% taking it off 😂

[@GenerationXChick]

GenX here - since I was a teenager, I’ve labeled all skin care and makeup I’ve purchased re: purchase date. When I open it, I then add that date. Easy to do with a permanent black marker. Sure, it’s not pretty but I’m not buying a product to display it - I’m buying to use it.

[@harrietxo2310]

if people don’t want to mark their products they could take photos of each item and make stickers (by holding down on the image), paste them all to notes app, and add in the dates you’ve mentioned!

[@funsizedi88]

Millennial here, 88 baby, I've been doing exactly that since 2004 when I was 16. Use some old sunscreen and got a bad burn, showed the doc what I used, he said it was 6 YEARS past the date and should have been trash 5 yrs prior. Lesson lesrned, heard and practiced for 20 YEARS! Unfortunately, sometimes it takes a bad thing happening to make ppl realize the important. Also, I store all unopened products in containers in the bottom of s Hall closet so they are in a cool, dark place.

[@BlingyBea]

@@funsizedi88Great idea, I keep mine in my bathroom closet on a top shelf, it is dark, I guess I’d be better off moving them to my master closet instead.

[@BlingyBea]

I’ve been adding little stickers and write the date it was opened and exp date, I put the sticker on the bottom of that container. I also keep a list of the things I’ve purchased and when it was purchased on my notes app.

[@alexsummers1897]

Really smart idea!

[@Emilywilson10222]

It’s so hard to not use expired skincare (and makeup). It’s so expensive!! I do use most of mine up before the expiration date, so it’s not a huge problem, but I can see why people use expired stuff. For me, it’s more a makeup problem. I don’t think I’ve ever used a makeup product up in 3-6 months like recommended

[@TheJennnq]

For sure! Who is using up eyeshadow pallets that frequently?

[@peggedyourdad9560]

With makeup, it's a little less risky since how quickly the formula deteriorates really depends on the type and how often it's used. But skincare is something you really shouldn't play with since the expiration date is when the formula begins to deteriorate and becomes unstable. It's the beginning of a chemical reaction that can affect how the product will interact with your skin and even other products.

[@33melonpaws77]

@@TheJennnq A thousand-eyed biblically accurate angel, maybe.

[@margot64fern]

There is a lot of science involved in skincare that I certainly don’t understand! So I adhere to the keep it simple strategy.

[@JamesWelsh]

That’s probably the best way to go tbh 😅

[@TurquoiseInk]

💯

[@nk7595]

KISS

[@heidihinds7207]

I think the main problem is people are looking for instant gratification by slapping on whatever product is trending at the moment without any research or thought or consistency in their routine. There is a place for multi step routines (I have one, and it’s taken me a year to curate/refine) so long as you do as much due diligence as you can to see if it’s right for your skin/skin goals, introduce them one at a time and slowly.

[@alisonmercer5946]

Why would anyone not really research anything they put on their skin? I dont get it

[@peggedyourdad9560]

@@alisonmercer5946 I guess they just get caught up in the hype or they trust company claims way too much. Same with hair products.

[@petthequeenofmaddness8592]

@@alisonmercer5946 unless they have a known allergy why would they look into it that deeply when most people don't look into what they are eating or where it come's from

[@Kc-dq7zj]

​@@alisonmercer5946 Have you met people?! I think the majority of people don't research skin care products.

[@heidihinds7207]

@@alisonmercer5946 I’m guessing people feel it’s too much work. Personally I love researching products and considering where it would fit in my routine, especially now with so much content available on many different platforms.

[@hkandm4s23]

As a therapist my biggest concern with this skincare craze in young teens is the mental health effects of hyperfocusing on skin imperfections. I don't know exactly what occurred with that first influencer, but skin infections are super common in those with body focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) like dematillomania. These patterns can be established very young and things like constantly using magnifying mirrors, constantly touching your face and noticing every "problem" can trigger hours long trance-like skin picking rituals leaving painful sores and fueling the cycle. Once the skin is damaged, you have more 'imperfections' to obsess on and little protection from infection. Using expired products, unwashed hands or makeup brushes just once at that point can easily give you an infection. Many that suffer with BFRBs fight multiple infections like this, and will often lie about the cause of the infection because of the immense shame. Not saying this is the case for the first girl, but i worry that this trend is triggering this condition or worsening it for many younger kids.

[@HadridarMatramen]

Absolutely!!! I am 33, not a young teen, but I have never had "clear" skin. I have late diagnosed ADHD, and am more than likely also autistic, and have ALWAYS picked on my skin - which I understand is very very common among people with ADHD. I have good periods where my face looks relatively ok, but the moment my fingers feel a little bump or something, I start pushing and prodding and squeezing! It isn't even because I think it looks ugly, but because it is an entirely subconscious behaviour! I can stop it when I notice I'm doing it - for a little while, but before I know it, my fingers are at my face again.... Through the years, I have had SO many zits that became basically open, infected craters... And I know it's my own fault for picking at it, yet I catch myself picking all the time!!! It gets so tiring to try to be on my guard at all times and "police" my own subconscious behaviour! What you say about the constant touching and picking and awareness of every imperfection leading to more imperfections and infection risks, is - from personal experience - very very true!!!!

[@milo_activated]

​@@HadridarMatramen Wait, I have dermatillomania and am suspected to have ADHD, you're telling me there could be a connection?? These comments described me perfectly :(

[@HadridarMatramen]

@@milo_activated There absolutely could!!!! I am no authority on the subject, I'm just a random person who has sought out a bit of information after I was diagnosed with ADHD myself, so keep that in mind with whatever I say!!! But yes, from what I understand, skin-picking is VERY normal and common among people with ADHD - I believe it might be one of the more subtle constant hyperactive behaviours; much like we tend to always fidget with something, whether that something is our hair, our fingernails, a loose thread in our clothes, a pen, an actual fidget toy or whatever - I believe picking on our skin may be just yet anotheer example of that subconscious fidgeting need which is (I think) part of what puts the H in ADHD...

[@milo_activated]

@@HadridarMatramen That's so fascinating I'll have to look into it further!! Thank you so much for your insight :))

[@Bdhstl95]

I tell so many influencers that can’t control breakouts to stop ‘testing’ skincare!!

[@user-is7xs1mr9y]

Yeah I just stopped obsessing over my breakouts and focusing on my overall health and fitness. Never been happier, my skin looks pretty good most of the time and I've saved so much money.

[@Eeveecat]

I absolutely agree with you about the people complaining about ‘skincare ruined my skin’ when they were the ones who messed up. Especially when they went in with wonderful skin already. Speaking as someone who hasn’t been without acne since elementary school, and is now an adult- skincare (slowly introduced and staying consistent with soothing ingredients and minimal to no actives) has helped my skin a lot. I still have acne, it still sucks, but it’s less bad, by a good amount. This doesn’t mean I don’t feel the urge to try new things all the time, but being able to ignore that urge is part of being a mature adult. Sometimes I do try a new thing! But being careful about it and not doing it all the time is important. And I feel very frustrated that something that is helping me with my genuine skin issues is being dunked on by a bunch of people who started out without those skin issues. There’s nothing wrong with not having acne, in fact I would like that to be me sometime in the (hopefully near) future, but it has to be recognized that not everyone starts with the same skin.

[@ZijnShayatanica]

Yeah, it's really frustrating to see people foisting their personal responsibility onto brands. While corporations are always going to advocate for consumers buying every single product & using them up as fast as possible so they can make more money... It's our duty to our wellbeing & our wallets to think for ourselves & make good decisions when we can. So it's kinda inaccurate to claim that "skincare" ruined their skin instead of being misinformed or falling for hype.

[@peggedyourdad9560]

I also deal with acne, hormonal to be exact, and agree with you that skincare is generally a good thing but it has to be practiced correctly. I have very sensitive and reactive skin so finding something that helps with acne but doesn't cause my skin to break out into open sores can be tricky. Because of this, I had to pair down my routine and list of products to 2-3 and I'm very hesitant to try new products, including all of the trendy brands featured on social media. I like using the Cetaphil gentle hydrating cream foam cleanser for dry to normal skin, Now brand jojoba oil (I plan on trying their grapeseed oil since that apparently helps with sun damage in addition to inflammation/acne), and sometimes Lacura face spf. I think people with already nice skin should only be focusing on maintaining their already great skin. This means only using products that help retain skin moisture and integrity along with an spf whenever they will be exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time.

[@ColorsFlight]

yo I just read you comment. I have to tell you what's helped me so much. I have had cystic acne all my life and it leaves terrible scars and I have all over flushed Rosacea and bc of that I was really not caring for my skin well for a long period of time and damaged my skin barrier which I am now working on. Anyway I got one of those led masks and the one I got also came with other color light settings so I saw that blue helps with acne by killing the bacteria causing it and helping with oil production so I thought hey why not try it. Oh my goodness it actually works. I do a blue light for 10 minutes every other day and it has turned my pustular acne into these tiny little white ones that go away fast and easy and doesn't scar. I haven't even been doing it very long. And the red light has really been helping my texture. I hope you look into it. Loves ❤

[@curlykelz4844]

Omg I relate to you so much. Since I was 12 my face was always breaking out and it took me 7 years to find the best skincare routine for me. Took a lot of research but it paid off! I hardly deal with patches of pimples anymore, only big ones here or there(like this big one on my forehead now🙄),and my face isn’t as scarred as it used to be. Ppl def need to do research and pick products specifically suited for their skin types/major concerns

[@madinp1177]

I couldn't agree more. So many people with perfectly fine skin are now plunging into all sorts of active ingredients with zero restraint as if they were bulls in a china shop. Cue reactions and aggravated skin and then they come to the assumption that it's all bullshit and all you REALLY need is a cleanser and a moisturizer. Miss me with that bollocks, please. I NEED every step in my routine to keep my massive bloody cysts at bay and yet people act like I'm causing the problems myself by doing too much. About once a year for the past 3 years I have let myself get influenced to "simplify" my routine and drop some products to see if I really am doing too much. I am immediately punished for this with massive scarring breakouts which I might have avoided otherwise.

[@MarieJesne]

The "alleged" Murad product probably looked different when she was applying it because it was 2 years expired!

[@catladyfromky4142]

It was also a sipt product. Spot products are not meant to go all over your face.

[@Skull_Bookworm]

I used to think I needed to use four or five cleaners to help clear up my cyst acne on my sensitive skin, but ended up ruining my skin. Finding your channel has helped me find products that work for my skin. I do have some few scars and red scaring, I’m way more confident in my skin than I was years ago. So much more confident that I go bare face most days ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@teri2466]

I'm glad you found something that works for you! What are you using? I started benzoyl peroxide (a gentle formulation) and so far, so good 🤞

[@ZomBeeQueeen]

Yea with cystic the best is medication from within. After using Zenatane (Isotretinoin) people do not believe that I had awful skin until my early 30s. So worth it and I’m mad I didn’t pursue it sooner. If you’re interested the pre-req for most insurance is failure with topical meds and oral antibiotics for a few months. I showed my new doctor my history and they pushed it through.

[@teri2466]

@@ZomBeeQueeen I wish I could take it! I have a condition that means I can't take it or Accutane. I'm glad it worked for you 😊

[@ColorsFlight]

blue light mask 10 minutes a day has completely cleared my cystic acne.

[@jovana_kocic]

We see an influx of "destroyed skin" after the skincare craze in my workplace....and you are right *"don't blame the tools"* I've seen a massive improvement in my skin, feeling better now at 39 than in my early 30s just by adding two steps... occasional acid/vit C serum and regular SPF (some early sun spots reduced significantly by both)

[@Premium_jack]

Yea and honestly I think people focus too much on the spf being just right too. Like just wear the spf, get the oil free one.

[@Miobambino]

Skincare’s a lot like cooking. If you chuck everything at it, it’s gonna be awful! Less is more. I learnt from my own bad experiences…😒🙄💜🇬🇧

[@user-is7xs1mr9y]

So true. Same with hair.

[@Pinkrosesandagraveyard]

Are you New England white? Food needs spices.

[@User-g5j3k]

Yeah you may end up burning your face. I know a kid who that happened to then my sister kindly let him know what was going on. He stuck to using a good product instead of various and his skin was clear after that.

[@talicarter8256]

My step daughter had this issue. Got right into skin care and all of a sudden her face became super sensitive. Found she was using 15 different products and almost every product had some form of acids in them! Tried to help her by getting her to take it riiiiiiiiight down to strictly 3 products and avoid the acids for a week and see how her skin went. In a couple days her skin came good. What anoied me the most about our exp was how she tried disputing tik tok says there all good to use. Yes but you've taken the products of at least 2 tokers routines and using it as one BIG routine expecting it to work the same. No I'm not a toker BUT i can do something tik tok cant do: filter out all the info and help you figure out a way to find out why you are all of a sudden having problems with your skin.

[@blehbleh1260]

That's also the issue with kids nowadays, they believe everything they watch online

[@furuyakeifu]

@@blehbleh1260I’ve noticed this too. It’s strange cuz I thought it’d be the opposite.

[@avelynn5976]

​@@blehbleh1260 as opposed to kids in the 80s who didn't lol

[@Premium_jack]

@@blehbleh1260literally is the parent’s fault

[@Premium_jack]

Good on you honestly. TikTok can be amazing and I take recommendations from it too but I was lucky to develop critical thinking before being allowed on it 😅 you’re doing the right thing by teaching her how to filter that info herself and not just telling her to never watch TikTok

[@-CallMeMarvin-]

Maybe it's just me but usually, when my skin is exceptionally good, I'll get the urge to try stuff I know i shouldn't - ruining my skin for the next few weeks

[@ajd8558]

Nope, not just you!

[@elodieelvira7913]

Please talk to someone.

[@sedi2066]

This happened to me with raw black soap. Literally obliterated my skin barrier and caused issues for months!

[@jenniellepples]

This is also me lmao I would think I'm finally immune then go buy new products to try only for my skin to breakout

[@mzmerryweather]

The one thing that boggles me is are they washing their hands? I have several products to use, and yes, even a few that are getting ready to expire...my #1 rule i always follow is - wash my hands!! then dip into my product. I also have little tools to dip into them and then the rule of clean it before and after. I sometimes feel like common sense has gone away

[@DiMagnolia]

Same, I can’t stand touching my face or sticking my hands into any tub of product without washing my hands first. In my bag I only ever carry hand creams and lip balms that I don’t have to dig into so I don’t contaminate it if I’m out and about.

[@get.sassyxd]

Or using a dirty towel to dry your face 🤢 you just washed/opened your face to the elements. Don't use a towel you have dried your hands on for the last week after pooping on your face! Get a roll of paper towels if you struggle with clean towels/face specific towels. It's a dollar and can keep your face cleaner 😊 I tell my son now that he's at the age of needing skin care: -wash your hands -use a clean towel That's the BASE of skin care routine

[@tessfabled4115]

@@get.sassyxd My family literally acts like I'm insane and OCD for not wanting to wash my face with whatever random towel is available (I have a set of face cloths I use exactly once on my face before washing them) :/

[@curlykelz4844]

Same for me. When I started really learning about skincare and how dirty are hands truly are, i make sure to wash my hands before doing my routine and not touch anything until I’m completely done with my routine. I still have a habit of touching my face randomly throughout the day but I try not to do it much

[@tiffanywilliams7763]

Girl yessss!

[@palasiksivain]

overconsumption has literally made us forget that sometimes less truly is more. i have genetic cystic acne that is incurable, have gone through multiple accutane treatments and tried a lot of skincare products, and what i've realized is that leaving my skin alone, only using a cleanser, is the best thing i can do for it.

[@baddie1shoe]

Have you tried a mandelic acid toner?

[@Premium_jack]

Honestly true. There are no problems until one starts. We all don’t need chemical exfoliation at 18 😂

[@ZombieOwl12]

This is why it's so scary seeing little kids using copious amounts of skin care! 😰 This is a good PSA for them!

[@gooseberries608]

Oof, this just encouraged me to throw away some products in my cabinet. I feel guilty about doing it but like you said- safety and health first!

[@peggedyourdad9560]

Think of it this way, the product is already unusable and dangerous anyway. Just think of it like throwing away a moldy loaf of bread, a rotting box of mixed greens, or a rancid piece of meat. Would you keep any of these things just because you spent money on them and couldn't use them up on time?

[@cloverazar5315]

@@peggedyourdad9560and if this doesn’t convince you, google how much a hospital stay for staph infection costs, and then compare it to the cost of the product. Cause whatever that girl saved on not replacing that product wasn’t worth it

[@laurielaliberte5873]

I used to work for a skincare company, but that was before we had things like hyaluronic acid, retinol, ceramides, etc. Since then, until about six months ago, I've used basic cleanser, basic moisturizer, and calling my skincare done. Recently, I began adding products one at a time to help my aging skin improve and look better, if not younger. Your channel has helped immensely with this journey. (Thank you SO much!) Yes, there are some products out there I would really love to try, but I'm committed to using up what I already have before switching to another similar product which might be a bit better. I hate the thought of wasting product just because there's a new, shiny one available. My skin now looks amazing, by the way, and you have been a part of that improvement. Thank you, James!❤

[@michellep1405]

I used to use too many but scaled way back. The reality is, no skincare will fix sagging skin, wrinkles, and loss of volume caused by aging. I keep that in mind when purchasing now and that helps keep me grounded that the goal is healthy, not “anti” age!

[@veronicproulx143]

Omg, when I started my journey in skincare, I was really badly informed and would of needed your channel at that time. I went to the drug store and they sold me a complete routine with many different actives. It trigged my first flare up of Rosacea, which took me years to control… when you start, less is more!

[@alisonmercer5946]

I've had to research everything I've used on my skin, I'd never just trust some over the counter salesperson . It's not not right to push a bunch of products on people but remember buyer beware and they are just salespeople not skincare experts

[@peggedyourdad9560]

@@alisonmercer5946 Research is how I made the decision to just use jojoba oil on my face in place of a moisturizer. Largely because my skin is way too reactive to moisturizers within my budget range. I actually plan on switching to grapeseed oil because it has been shown to aid in repairing sun damage in addition to having many of the same benefits as jojoba oil. I use Now brand oil since they're one of the few supplement companies that have had their products verified by a third-party organization as being what they are supposed to be and not containing heavy metals. Their products are also very affordable with a 1oz bottle of jojoba oil costing roughly $4.

[@H.A.-zr2wc]

Omg just finished the Alpha Male video on the twin channel, i now need a normal video 😂😂😂😂

[@JamesWelsh]

🤭🤭

[@angelhowell5420]

Same!

[@patriciaa4451]

My skin improved so much when I got rid of too many extras, specifically replacing St. Ives cleanser. I also stopped washing my face in the morning. My skin is most clear it’s ever been.

[@davycard760]

Thank you for having accurate captioning! As someone with auditory processing issues, it's so nice to just be able to enjoy the video instead of having to focus on reading lips. I love your content even more now! :)

[@PaniPunia]

Honestly, it's always a good idea to make a patch test, especially if you're about to use some "aggresive" products. Never used acids? Try it first on your nape, wait 48 hours before smacking it on your face.

[@princessofjedi]

I don’t even patch test before I color my hair if it falls out it falls out

[@Premium_jack]

@@princessofjedihonestly I’m more likely to test a skincare before I’d test hair dye. Hair falls out quicker than skin and I’m not rinsing out seven times 😂

[@princessofjedi]

@@Premium_jack I got a chemical burn from an acne spot treatment that I had been using since I was a teenager. Apparently “new look same formula” was a fucking lie

[@scarletalayne6820]

This! So many people don’t know the risks/testing products before they use them and also not being careful. One of my friend’s parents is a dermatologist in Korea & they taught me what to look out for and what ingredients I should not combine in my routine. Also a tip for people if they have a hard time remembering when they bought something when you get a new product label somewhere the date you opened it!

[@scarletalayne6820]

Also, starting a skincare routine is best with finding mild products that won’t react with each other: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen to start with. If I want to try a new product I patch test and I only change one new product at a time.

[@will-o-the-wisp-witch]

I had a body wash sit on a shelf next to my bathroom vanity for 2.5 or 3 years. When I ran out of the body wash that I had been using, (that I liked better) I grabbed for that body wash that had been sitting there for 3 years. After using it for a week or two I started developing a rash. Anyway, now I have to make a dermatologist appointment tomorrow (monday) because my rash is weeping clear/ yellow liquid. Not even soap is safe from sitting on a shelf.

[@-xxMelissaxx-]

Noooo you poor thing. Hope the derm appointment goes well and your skin heals soon.

[@ripwednesdayadams]

Staph is literally everywhere. The majority of people have staph in their noses. Not surprising at all that the first influencer got a serious infection. I learned the hard way that less is more when it comes to skincare. I had an excessive multi step routine with all different products. Then I got sick and slacked off with my skincare for a week or two and my skin never looked better. I realized I was causing more problems which led me to use more products, trying to combat the issues. Ever since then, I have pared down my routine considerably and my skin looks great.

[@Purple_Alien2511]

I count myself very lucky that I got into skincare just a couple years ago, when there were already well informed popular scientists, dermatologists and skincare content creators such as yourself. You all taught me the importance of sticking to the basics (cleanse -> treat -> protect from Doctorly ❤) and tailoring your routine to your concerns and not what is popular. Otherwise I am pretty sure I would've gone down the road of using 1000 products all at once and destroyed my skin. Plus, me being anti-consumerism protects both my skin and wallet!

[@wanyumii]

I'm guilty of using expired cosmetics too especially eyeshadow palettes..but I would never use expired skincare products or try out any trendy products as someone who had spent too much and seeing multiple dermatologists because of horrible hormonal acnes. Take good care of your skin everyone!

[@bellyjewel]

Be careful with those eyeshadow palettes-using expiration eye makeup can be really bad. I’ve had bad eye infections a couple of times, and it’s not a fun experience. Not necessarily saying it was caused by expired makeup (TBH I don’t really know what the cause was), but it’s not something I want to take chances with anymore.

[@ebbiebean9385]

@@bellyjewelyeah, plus an eye infection can easily become a brain infection.

[@Premium_jack]

@@bellyjewelyou don’t know what it was then, why would you blame expired makeup

[@Premium_jack]

I spray down powders with alcohol and keep using them. I think the efficacy of the powder itself stops working first, where it won’t stick to your eye as well. But I think there’s a much much bigger risk with mascara and concealer than eyeshadow and I’d rather spent my money replacing those when they expire.

[@mykidsaresupercute]

I agree! I watched one of these videos the other day where an influencer was blaming skin care for ruining her skin. She even advocated against sunscreen because it’s all “a corporate ploy to make money” 🙄 Ridiculous! Millions of views and comments agreeing. So frustrating.

[@eliotmccann2589]

I trust James about skin care- he is the shiniest man on KZbin.

[@jacquelinevs]

I really appreciate the timing of this. I bought SK-II years ago and tried it never really loved it, and it stayed under my bathroom sink after just a handful of uses. And I looked at it the other week, thought gosh how EXPENSIVE it was, and almost gave it a try. I then looked up when I bought it and it was 5 years ago. The nurse in me said no but the living through an economic recession was like, maybe? I now feel even more assured I made the right and painful decision to toss it

[@Call-me-Al]

If a skincare product doesn't work for my face, I try it on other spots like my arms, legs, and even soles to see if it's of use anywhere at all before chucking it out. Even if it was expensive. Better some use than forgetting about it for years and then having to throw it out.

[@ALT-vz3jn]

Oh my gosh SK-II is my holy grail, I’m so sorry you didn’t like it… It really makes my skin glow.

[@KyaKramer]

I think a major problem is people misunderstanding certain skin conditions and whether they have those conditions. Or, at least, to the extent that they think they need a specific product for it. An occasional breakout doesn't necessarily warrant adding a multi-week salicylic acne treatment, etc.,. Or that it's completely normal and expected to have some coloring differences within your skin from things like translucency, more blood vessels, less blood vessels, etc., in certain areas of your skin and face. You don't necessarily need to use serums for discoloration for that. Sometimes the opposite is true as well. For example, I have deeply pockmarked skin from acne as a teen. There will never be a consumer product strong enough to fix that skin texture and layering products meant to "even out skin texture" will never give me my "dream" results. But many of those products are chemical exfolients that can leave your skin irritated from overuse. I also believe that, additionally, people don't follow warning recommendations on products either. Retinol increases your skin's sensitivity to UV rays from the sun, and there are retinoids in a lot of skin products, including moisturizers, that you may not realize. People put them on before going out in the sun and end up with burning or redness. Or things like sunscreen in makeup foundations is not enough sunscreen for skin protection. The list goes on. I don't blame consumers for being confused. The combination of only discussing ideal results and seeing filtered faces doesn't help people when they are trying to figure out what might help their skin.

[@Aurora_Celeste_ASMR]

The fact that the cosmetics industry is exempt from fda regulations def doesn't help

[@Premium_jack]

It’s literally insane to me people will start retinol with no knowledge about it. I think sun sensitivity is a warning that should plastered on every bottle. And honestly I really wish we focused on separate spfs and all admitted that combined spf rarely works as used 😅

[@stacyhennerley1180]

You have literally changed my skin so much for the better! You educated me thoughtfully! Thank you!

[@hannahd7276]

Learned this the hard way after recently using expired foundation and products I’ve had a bacterial infection on my face for 2 weeks, be careful what you put on your face especially expired creams and lotions, learn from this and don’t do what I did my face is still healing and refills from time to time. Thankful to see an old video explaining expired products felt stupid and had no idea until now. Love your skin!!!

[@0403s]

Hm but I used a lot of expired products. But my skin still doesn't show any sign of break outs or bacterial infection.

[@hannahd7276]

@@0403s that’s great for you! It was painful and I didn’t want to leave my house for 2 weeks! I used to say the same thing as you and now my skin is scarred just sharing my story because it was painful and no one should go through that pain. My skin oozed expired foundation and green infection for weeks. Just warning others because I was doing what you did and it destroyed my skin and will take years to fix the damage. Best regards you may be the luckiest person alive lol

[@0403s]

@@hannahd7276 can you share the story if you don't mind

[@0403s]

@@hannahd7276 bro I literally squirted all my left over sunscreens (which a lot 😭)that already expired three years ago after seeing this lol because I'm afraid. But yeah I have been using expired face wash, cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreens, scrubs. No affects at all till now. I'm just scared if it takes a long time before the damage begin.

[@kkkk-uh1cu]

Probably because you didn't have something like a gash on your face that could serve as an entry point for bacteria. The skin itself has some natural protective properties, though they can be destroyed over time if you use too many products.

[@LaurienaC]

I jumped into the deep end when I first got serious about skincare. I went from using cleanser and moisturizer to at least 6-8 steps both morning and night. If I saw a new product online, I bought it. And I added multiple new products at once. While I, thankfully, did not have the type of reaction that these ladies have had, I think I did trigger some kind of allergic reaction, potentially chronic hives. But it is soooooooo hard to cut back on the products when your skincare routine is a major part of your self-care! Love you and your content ❤

[@shannadehning9464]

I've had this motto since the skincare craze started! Not that that makes me cool or anything lol But it all seemed like so much fussing with your skin that it will make it angry. Thanks for this video James, I feel less crazy

[@cannsmith]

Esthetician here. Basic guidelines if you’ve anything active (Acids/retinoids) immediately remove with cool water. Mix baking soda and cool water apply and leave on to neutralize. DO NOT SCRUB! Cool things to smooth skin (not ice or ice rollers).

[@lyngirllove]

Baking soda is so basic, does it also hurt the skin? Or does it just neutralize what was already on the skin?

[@ErinBrookes]

This is part of the problem with overconsumption. You can't use all those products in the time before they expire! I never realized how important expiry dates are for makeup and skin care products until recently. This is great consumer education!

[@ShadesofShannon]

No. I’m a “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” kind of girl.

[@kmiller6587]

This year I FINALLY got rid of make up and skincare items I’ve been holding onto for waaay too long. I’m embarrassed how old my oldest products are 😅

[@beewest5704]

I need to do that. I'm not even using it it's just taking up space.

[@Justine-Dickson]

Running now to check my skincare dates

[@lindseystein9676]

Once I open a skincare product, I take a sharpie and write the use by month. I’ve seen some bad reactions with expired skincare, so that’s helped me pay closer attention to what the label says to use the product by

[@alisaknizhnik2952]

There are so many problems in this world which I completely avoided due lack of money to spend... Skin care products overstock is one of them.

[@pageturningpriestess2859]

I work in a wellness store and even though we have tons of skincare products, I try to get as close as raw form as possible, whether it be raw black soap, 100% buriti oil or raw shea butter. I used to try all sorts of products but now my routine is as simple as possible. Less breakouts, less money spent, less confusion. Also, that first girl's skin reaction was scary. I hope that she is healing and doesn't end up with long-term health issues.

[@adafihj6439]

Tbh this is my biggest fear. So i always check to make sure the products im using dont interact with each other and use a minimal amount of products to avoid chemical burns

[@User-g5j3k]

What you are doing is great. That will help you avoid burns to the face and stick to products that you know do work. 😊👍

[@cloverazar5315]

100%. I felt like I was getting a degree in organic chemistry when I started getting into The Ordinary

[@synergy7713]

​@@cloverazar5315 lol!!! 🤣🤣🤣Same here

[@Herrera_70]

Agree! I'm always googling products to learn what not to mix or use in a short time frame xD

[@kikialeaki1850]

It always stresses me out when people aren’t careful with what they put on your face. Even the thought of getting an infection so close to the brain scares tf outta me.

[@nadiahassan5307]

I genuinely feel that I finally have my spending on skincare under control. I have ONE backup of most of my routine, save for like my balm cleanser (where I admit I have a problem). The whole “skincare doesn’t work” BS annoys me though, like because it’s so personal!

[@Aquaria2291]

I did this to myself way back in like 2016. 😂 Got into the 10 step Korean routine and totally destroyed my skin. 😂 I never saw a dermatologist or anything, I just figured out that I was doing too much and I needed to do less. And that alot of the bloggers I was following always seemed to be battling breakouts and dark spots with new product after new product, so maybe I need to stop listening to them. 🤣 I threw out all the shit I bought, switched to a super simple routine with a few actives and my skin got way better. All these years later and my skin routine is still very boring, but hey, I can do my whole face in 10 mins because I can perfect my skin without foundation. I think we forget that the skin is an organ. It's alive. Even if we could, you would never buy random stuff off TikTok and rub it on your liver or lungs, so why do we do it to our skin. 😂

[@makenziemiller2537]

I know my comment is late to this upload but I’M SO THANKFUL I WASN’T ALONE! I literally would spend $700 in skincare for 20+ items thinking my skin would become flawless and amazing! Fast forward 5 years and now I simplified my routine to what works best for me. Is my skin perfect? No, but it’s getting better every day. I’m just wanting to let any girl who reads this, yes, it’s fun to try new products and the experiences are fun as well, but you truly don’t need the most expensive or rarest product to reach your beauty goals. Find what works for you and go from there! ❤

[@whereisCarmenSandiego]

Not only are people using too many products at once, they also aren’t giving ANY product a chance…you need to use a product for over a month (in my opinion) to really see how it works for you

[@kasm_nME]

It's easy to get caught up in all the shiny things but nicer on your skin and wallet to have quality not quantity in your routine. Thanks for giving us pause, love you James🥰

[@stephaniegrehan9084]

Great video, love the Ava Perkins cameo for some added education. I think my skincare is all good, but I fear for some of my makeup....

[@amymarxer6559]

Hold my beer! {{runs to skincare closet to throw away probably 3/4 of what’s in there.}}. Great video James! Thank you! 💜. And the square wheel worked just fine, too.

[@WendeCrow]

😂

[@SaraAshley116]

I’m about to take a visit to my skincare closet too. RIP lol

[@awalker127]

😂 I literally just pulled out a product to use, before this video....after this video, it's going in the bin

[@get.sassyxd]

Oh, I'm so glad I'm not the only one who has a "skin care closet" full of expired products 😂

[@amymarxer6559]

@@get.sassyxd We need a support group! 🤣

[@memerrill007]

I had a major adverse reaction around my eyes a few years ago and pulled back to the bare minimum to no avail. Finally got in for allergy testing as a last resort and it tuned out I was allergic to phenoxyethanol, the most commonly (and I do mean most commonly) used preservative. It’s in everything from lotions, creams, most makeup from liquids to powders, and all those little percentages of anything are going to add up for some unlucky people. I went from a skincare/makeup addiction to 0 in nothing flat. I was on nothing but vanicream while I had to figure out what felt like an intrinsic part of my life. I know parabens etc. have been vilified, but I’m one of the few that would view them as a blessing if I could easily find products I could use again.

[@-xxMelissaxx-]

That's so awful! I hope you're able to find stuff you can use that your skin loves ❤

[@memerrill007]

@@-xxMelissaxx-thanks! The list is small, but I’ve found a few things.

[@pssshhxxx]

@@memerrill007Would you mind sharing what your products are? I think I MIGHT have the same issue as you, it all adds up, and the only thing I can use is vanicream unless I want an intense breakout/allergic reaction. I only wash my face with water and use vanicream after. If you could share it would be a big help for me :)

[@andys8483]

This video has made me want to scrutinise all my skincare products for ecpiration dates. Like with a lot of people, stuff just gets forgotten when the next new shiny product comes along... & that applies not just to skincare.

[@TarotLadyLissa]

I recently got a 15 day sample of reversol skincare products. I was surprised to see that they actually instruct you to use just 2 of the products and only at night, for the first 5 days. Then the next 5 days they have you those same two products in the morning and at night. Then the last 5 days you introduce a serum, and finally a mask (once) at the end. I really appreciate that they ease your skin into their actives. Now I don’t know if I’ll purchase all of their products yet, I’m only on day 7, but I appreciate their approach. All skincare brands should have suggestions for new customers!

[@honoratagold]

Absolutely! Easing someone into a new routine by slowly adding products makes it much easier to identify which product is causing the problem if there's a bad reaction.

[@user-ur8wq7gp9u]

Stephanie told on her story that she used expired products out of her vanity, because she forgot her new versions of the products in her car. Then afterwards when it burned she used her steamer. She also went home from urgent care instead of to the hospital because she didn’t feel like it. She also used to regularly sleep in Make-up and redo it in the morning. I really don’t understand her sometimes

[@baileyrobbins50]

And now her skin is worse again 🙄🙄 because she’s never doing anything to actually fix it 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

[@user-ur8wq7gp9u]

@@baileyrobbins50 yea honestly can’t even watch it. Just slapping Make-up on it now

[@LumkaJwara]

I stopped being influenced for skincare. I feel like I learned as much as I needed when the whole Skincare influencing began and now I'm sticking to what works.

[@dobbsy22]

I’m so glad I found your channel when I first started my skincare journey. I watch some of the “influencers” on TikTok lately throw so many layers on or different products on and I think gosh….. if I was introduced by them I would have destroyed my skin and my bank account by now!

[@Leash_Canada]

I'm allergic to benzoyl peroxide so for years I was soooo confused when I used the spot cream and my skin would swell up. It took me a few years to figure it out and now I stick to salicylic acid instead. Sometimes, our faces try to tell us and we don't listen!

[@EmbalmerEmi]

I had my whole face turn bright red multiple times in highschool before I realized what was happening, the worst part was that it was a delayed reaction so I would wake up looking normal and then 3 hours into school my face would turn bright red and feel hot and tight.

[@Leash_Canada]

@@EmbalmerEmi Oh no!

[@glenn_desert_witch]

I guess I'm "lucky" to always have had sensitive skin, and learning really young that I couldn't introduce more than one or two new products to my skin at a time, and to keep the number of ingredients at a minimum, so that I could more easily isolate what was irritating and what wasn't. I super appreciate you talking about expiration dates, tho. I never knew that the little container with the number and the letter "M" indicated months after opening. I always thought it was a code for the size of the container or whatever. I just found that a product I suspected was expired due to its smell indeed had a date after opening that had long passed -- even though the product was sealed, it was like two years after that date, so it made lots of sense. I'm going to start putting an opening date on my products, though, because TBH it's hard for me to remember when I opened something, especially if it was like a year ago.

[@SienAppelsien]

I stick to the 10 step korean skincare routine when i have time and want to pamper myself, but what helps in my case is not doing it all the time, some nights, I just cleanse and mousturise. My skin is improving so much

[@AlvarangaBH]

I definitely was that type because I have oily skin, I bought all this expensive stuff and I just couldn't understand how my skin never improved, one day I just threw everything away, it's been months now all I do is cleanse and moisturize, and believe me my skin has never been better

[@SienAppelsien]

​@@AlvarangaBH the other stuff i have also definitely helps, but i think not doing those on the daily actually benefits my skin since it can have time to breathe

[@valentinacalabretta2998]

i've always been content with having such a minimal skincare routine, but I always felt like MAYBE I could be missing out on smth. i'm glad to see that less is more in a sense.

[@aimeeduff8000]

I definitely need to go through my skincare collection and toss any old products! I’m trying to do better about buying too many new products and then they expire! 💕

[@anniealexander9911]

I still have my mother's makeup from the 1960's!! I do not wear makeup but I keep it as a reminder of her. My mother used to rock the Cleopatra eye makeup, and it's nice to think about her enjoying makeup. I sniff my skincare. I can smell the sign of a product having gone off - I'm currently having a big clear out of all my "smellies". If you are really into skincare then it is a good opportunity to really understand the ingredients and even the chemistry

[@ginny8601]

Only two days ago I found a really really old toner maybe 2-3 years old and started using it again :s glad nothing happened but I will still just to be sure throw it out. Thanks for this great video!

[@wolvie1618]

Funny that you post this today. Just yesterday i was using a face mask, the Freeman's Anti-Stress Dead Sea clay mask, and i noticed it was staining the finger i used to apply it blue. So i googled if this was common and while i found one other person who had the same complaint, I found many more going all the way back to about 2017 who were complaining about CHEMICAL BURNS. Some of these people didnt even have sensitive skin, yet they immediately felt a burning sensation after applying. This is apparently still happening to this day. Imagine having a product out for SEVEN YEARS that causes chemical burns and not fixing it?!

[@Talkingllama3.0]

A very interesting and informative video James! Thank you! Thanks to Ava also!

[@AldiSox]

Informative, timely, and essential. What Ava said about critical thinking needs to spread. Hard work, totally worth the effort. James is proof.

[@lmarti12]

Ava was such an awesome addition to this video! Thank you both!

[@suzyh5874]

I love this series so much, it's so helpful. I used my email receipts to check when I bought some skincare products I've had knocking around for a while, and literally emptied and recycled them as I was listening to this video. Stay safe everyone! ❤️

[@maryeckel9682]

That sweater (jumper) is awesome. You have guided me to try things that have really helped, and I use them up if I like them! I'm also very conscious of product life spans thanks to my biochemist brother. This is important content to remind us about. (I had impetigo on my nose at age 18, and it was awful.)

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

Oooh impetigo is rough!!! They made us sleep on wrestling mats in high school once, and half the speech & drama team caught impetigo. I was so lucky I seem to never get contagious skin stuff. I have a recurring carbuncle tho lol

[@Spacedoutsupernova]

This is part of the reason i keep my beauty routine so short and simple. 5 step skincare & 17 makeup products that i use daily.

[@teletubbiestunetwister9570]

I got into skincare big time when the panini happened because I could stay inside during purging when I started retinol. Since then my skin has never had a breakout or rash despite me being an IPSY addict. :) Seriously, I use a ton of different products but NOT AT THE SAME TIME. And one way to use up products if buying them is part of your hobby is to use them on your body. Everything I use on my face goes onto my neck, chest, collar bone, hand and forearms. Use it all up. There will always be the next big thing even if that is the same thing you've been using. We aren't going to run out. USE IT ALL UP!!

[@raev87]

I know what you meant to type (or it was autocorrect) but “panini” made me giggle 😂❤

[@-xxMelissaxx-]

Read this too fast and thought you called lockdown/quarantine the purging because you called the pandemic the panini 😂😂

[@alisonmercer5946]

​@@-xxMelissaxx-😂lmao

[@Kalidreamine]

I’ve been doing skincare for about 12 years now, and I started with dermatologist guidance when I was a tween. So luckily I know how to not destroy my skin as I have had years of working with a dermatologist on my routine. I used to have severe acne when I was younger so it required dermatologist intervention. I had to go on oral antibiotics and almost went on accutane. It’s quite harsh on us ladies so I did not want to. Consistent skincare over the past decade has healed and helped my skin. It’s not the same as it was anymore but it’s better than before. I also have been watching your channel for about 5 years now so it’s been helpful to me as well in avoiding overloading my skin 😅 Love your channel.

[@sarahsandwich]

the content you're making is so interesting, and videos like these are definitely necessary to make us all realise that we shouldn't fall victim to buying so many products and never using them haha

[@kendalaxy]

When I first started getting into skincare last year, I found a brand that worked for me & didn’t go too crazy. As I started branching out, I did a lot of research & should’ve been fine trying new things. But what I didn’t realize was that some of the actives I was using were far too strong to use regularly on my sensitive, rosacea prone skin. Have been doing barrier repair for almost 2 months now & am revamping my routine. It’s not any products fault, but definitely a learning curve for me! Love this video James, you were one of my inspirations to get into skincare in the first place, and I’m so grateful for that 🥰

[@KelseyWolf]

I'm gonna be 35 soon, but the first thing my mom taught me about skincare was that you find the one that works for you and stick to it for a period of time, no mix and match, because you're putting chemicals on your face. They're formulated to go on in a specific way, for certain types of skin, etc. so if you don't use it correctly it's just like taking your medicine the wrong way. Plus, I was always told if it feels like it's burning, uncomfortable, etc. immediately wash it off (gently) with soap and water and leave it alone for a day depending on what's going on. Maybe its cuz my family has super sensitive skin so we can't do this mixing or stacking like all the influencers, but I knew something like this was going to happen at some point. Especially with people (some kids) doing like 15 or 17 step skincare routines.

[@wearesatellites91]

your mom sounds like a smart lady!

[@autumn5396]

Thank you for this video! I see tik toks all the time pushing products and 27 step skincare routines that everyone swears by. There’s just no way to use up all that product before it expires. I’m sure most of the time when you see those young girls with glass skin they’re probably going to an esthetician or a dermatologist and trying to get a quick buck off of sponsoring a product they themselves don’t use. Personally the best way I’ve found to try out new products is to wait until the end of the year when stores are selling their Black Friday/ holiday kits. They are usually smaller and cheaper and allow you to be able to use up all the product before it expires while still being able to use it long enough to see if your skin reacts well to it.

[@TurquoiseInk]

I trecently cleaned out my skincare / hair care in my bathroom. 16 items later, my bathroom is decluttered and I don't have whar I don't use. Here is what I have learned from experience. 1. Throw out what upsets your skin. 2. Keep Benadryl on hand in case of allergic reactons. 3. Fancy packaging means nothing 4. Buy the snaller package.

[@susanlansdell863]

Great advice!xx

[@colleengales1094]

Such a good message. I’m currently the person using milky toners and ceramides to heal the skin barrier I compromised with too many products 🤦‍♀️

[@massiehearts1151]

YAY JAMES POSTED 🥰🥰🥰 it's a great day yall !

[@cindypalumbo7503]

I USED to try out WAY too many products, but for the last couple of years, I've been sticking to what I know and love. I will sometimes switch up a moisturizer or sunscreen if another one is on sale with Stylevana that I've used and know, but other than that, I'm keeping it safe. That is how you develop sensitivities.

[@christiniyoutubesux]

We need more of this!

[@Herrera_70]

I recently had the scare of my life with a OTC hydroquinone. I had only used the prescribed cream I got from the Dr, but this time I got it myself, used it and ended up with dark spots on my face after a few days of redness. I already apologized to my skin and my cells for putting them through this, I felt dumb and ugly. Never again! I will only buy one high quality product at a time, and stick to it. Kudos to the girl sharing her awful experience so people can learn.