Written by: Nandi Patel
With the rise of media creating illusions of magical beauty treatments, the demand for skincare has skyrocketed. From pop singers to tennis players, celebrities have created skincare lines intended for their fanbases. Jennifer Lopez’s “JLo” beauty and Naomi Osaka’s “Kinlò” serve as examples of the vast array of products being offered. Their flawless complexions and ageless skin convince many to purchase these products and achieve the same results as them. Although these skincare lines may seem to be done with good intentions, some of these products’ effects are deceiving. What the public doesn’t know is that celebrities have access to renowned dermatologists, botox, and time - all of which many people don’t have. These factors also contribute heavily to the image of perfect skin - more than what their products are designed to do.
Some skincare brands, such as Mario Badescu, were once on many Christmas and birthday wishlists; however, it seems that TikTok and other social media platform trends trigger virality for products worldwide. However, the public trust in social media influencers and aesthetics dominates the misleading advertising and results these products pose. An example of this is Mario Badescu’s infamous drying lotion acne treatment. Containing hydrocortisone and triamcinolone acetonide (types of steroids), this acne treatment triggers enlarged capillaries. Due to this, the skin can become thin and fragile, leading to infection, disease, fungal growth, rashes, and even blistered skin that oozes, burns, and peels. Recently, there has been a lawsuit against Mario Badescu due to controversies surrounding their usage of steroids and false advertising in their “botanically-derived” products. Although these situations occur often, they are left in the dark due to little media coverage and transparency. To prevent falling suit to the marketing schemes of some popular skincare brands, research the background of a company and its research-based claims before purchasing a product.
More skincare marketing schemes arise with fragrances. Some dermatologists advise being weary about products with fragrances, as they are often irritants. Despite this, fragrances are very heavily incorporated into many skincare products, and companies do not have to be transparent about which in particular. In fact, due to a lack of regulation, companies aren’t required to disclose the fragrant ingredients; instead, they can simply list “fragrance” in their products, with hundreds of ingredients under this term for one product. Loopholes in skincare can corrupt the industry, with many companies lacking transparency in their formulations. This loophole can be harmful, as fragrance is one of the most common causes of contact dermatitis, a common skin reaction. However, do not be entirely scared of fragrance. Dermatologist Camille Howard-Verovic, D.O. FAAD says, "Everyone kind of overreacts with the fragrance. The biggest thing is not to be afraid of fragrance. It's what works for you.” Finding what works best with different people and following that is the best advice to follow, of course, while being an educated consumer.
Unfortunately, consumers are paying for the glamor associated with the celebrity when they buy a celebrity-branded skincare product. The money people pay for the product typically goes more to the celebrity than actual company improvements in the formulation. Marketing costs and celebrity prestige are the main reason people pay more - not the quality of the product. Additionally, many of the photoshoot images promoting celebrity skincare are enhanced by Photoshop and expensive makeup artists, who portray the product to be as effective as clinical treatments. For the results these celebrities promise, to visit a dermatologist or doctor to discuss possible treatment plans. Before purchasing a product from a celebrity skincare line, research and consider if that product is a good fit, has real results, and if it is worth the increased price.
Sources:
Image Source: Elite Daily
Issa. “5+ Reasons You Need to Stop Using Mario Badescu Sprays.” Skin Care Talk, 5 August 2020, https://allskincaretalk.com/stop-using-mario-badescu-sprays/. Accessed 18 August 2022.
Lukas, Erin. “Is Fragrance in Skincare Bad for Skin?” InStyle, 4 February 2022, https://www.instyle.com/beauty/skin/fragrance-in-skincare-products. Accessed 18 August 2022.
Robin, Marci. “27 Celebrities With Beauty Brands That Are Here to Stay.” Allure, 31 July 2021, https://www.allure.com/gallery/celebrity-beauty-brands. Accessed 18 August 2022.
Strugatz, Rachel. “Dear Celebrities: Please Stop Churning Out Beauty Brands.” The New York Times, 16 December 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/16/style/celebrity-beauty-brands.html. Accessed 18 August 2022.
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