Abigail Dunagan, Campus Carrier features editor

Social media is a constant cycle of evolving trends one day matte lipstick is in, the next day lip oils are the flying off the shelves. The Hydroflask was once the water bottle to have, until it was pushed aside by the Stanely, and then the Stanely was outshined by the Owala. It does not really matter if you prefer skinny jeans over baggy, but it does matter what products you put on your face. The skincare industry has also fallen victim to this cycle, with brands constantly coming out with new products to outshine the old. This has made it difficult for consumers to find the right products to meet their skin needs, and many brands do not properly advise customers on the pros and cons of these products. 

Since I was in middle school, I have dealt with acne. I was told that acne was something that most teens get, and that I would grow out of it by the time I finished high school; unfortunately, this did not prove to be true. I am now a senior in college, and I still deal with acne flare-ups, however after many skincare products and dermatologist visits, I have finally found a routine that works well for my skin. My current skincare routine consists of washing day and night with the La Roche-Posay cleansing oil, applying the Good Molecules gentle retinol cream every other night and the Good Molecules moisturizer and sunscreen daily, and using the Ordinary’s glycolic acid once a week. This may seem like a lot of products, but I have determined these products to be the best in targeting the specific skin concerns that I have: acne, acne scaring, and occasional dryness. I have re-purchased these products, and I don’t plan to change this routine because I have seen clear results with it. 

The issue that I have with the skincare industry is not the products themselves, but the way that they are marketed. The other day, I was at Ulta Beauty, and I noticed that the Ordinary’s glycolic acid was being sold in the checkout line. This section of the store typically has products like lip glosses or mascaras that customers might throw into their shopping cart right before they check out. Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant, and it is typically used to treat acne scars. While some people may see results with this product, it is necessary that one does their research and uses it with caution, as it can damage the skin barrier. 

Glycolic acid is a useful product, but there are certain precautions that should be taken when using it. According to VeryWell Health, to use the product safely, you should wear sunscreen daily avoid using it alongside other acids. The same can be said for many other skincare products, such as retinol and hyaluronic acid. 

With so many products available on the shelves, it can be difficult to know where to begin. However, consistency is key; it took me several weeks of using my routine to notice that my scars were fading. If you find a product that works for you, stick with it and don’t overwhelm your skin with excessive toners and ointments. Figure out what your top skin concerns are, and research the best ways to combat that. While it can be fun to keep up with the hottest makeup or clothing trends, skin care is not something that should cycle through popularity, it directly affects the largest organ in the body. As with many things, results are best seen through consistency and time.