Do We Really Need an 18-Step Skincare Routine? Unpacking the Culture of Overconsumption in Beauty
By: Suhanna Patel
In a world where flawless skin is often seen as the ultimate marker of beauty, the rise of skincare routines has become more than just a self-care ritual, it’s a lifestyle. Today, we see an increasing number of people, especially young women, flocking to social media for skincare advice, following influencers and dermatologists promoting 10- to 18-step skincare regimens that promise a glow-up in exchange for patience, time, and a considerable amount of money. But as skincare culture continues to explode in popularity, a pressing question arises: Do we really need all these products? Or has skincare become a tool of overconsumption, exploiting insecurities rather than offering genuine solutions?

The Rise of the “Skincare Routine”
Over the last decade, skincare has morphed into an industry that has made billions off the promise of perfect skin. What was once a simple cleanse-and-moisturize ritual has now expanded into elaborate, multi-step routines that span from cleansing oils and toners to serums, masks, eye creams, exfoliators, and moisturizers, sometimes even with up to 18 steps. Celebrities like Kylie Jenner and influencers on platforms like Instagram and TikTok boast about their extensive skincare regimens, leaving their followers scrambling to buy every product mentioned. The allure is undeniable: who wouldn’t want to achieve the glowing, poreless complexion that seems to define youth and beauty on social media?
But as skincare becomes a booming industry, it’s crucial to examine the underlying pressures behind these extensive routines. The truth is, skincare culture is increasingly targeted at a demographic that often struggles with insecurities, especially teens and young adults who are grappling with self-image in an age dominated by social media. While skincare routines are marketed as tools for self-care, they may be inadvertently pushing unrealistic beauty standards and encouraging a culture of overconsumption.
The Overconsumption Dilemma
At its core, skincare is a form of self-care, something that should nurture both the skin and the soul. Yet, the hyper-commercialization of skincare routines can often lead to overconsumption. The beauty industry thrives on selling the idea that one product isn’t enough—that you need a specific serum for every possible skin concern, from dullness to pigmentation, dryness to acne. With each new launch, there’s an emphasis on the latest ingredient or “miracle formula,” all designed to solve a problem that may not even exist in the first place. But do we really need 18 different products? Dermatologists have long warned that layering too many products can overwhelm the skin and lead to irritation. The so-called “skincare routine” can sometimes be more about following trends than understanding what your skin truly needs. For some, these routines may end up doing more harm than good, introducing more chances for irritation, clogged pores, or even allergic reactions. Despite the popularity of “clean beauty” and natural skincare products, the overuse of even the most benign ingredients can end up stripping the skin of its natural oils and causing more harm than the initial concern. These practices are often sold as solutions to the complex problem of achieving perfect skin, but they may end up overloading the skin and doing nothing but feeding into a cycle of overconsumption.
The Toxicity Beneath the Glow
The most significant issue with this new skincare culture lies in its undercurrent of toxicity, one that is often overlooked. Behind the promise of radiant, youthful skin lies an implicit message: if you don’t take care of your skin with the right products, you’re not doing enough. It’s a subtle yet pervasive form of self-shaming. Brands capitalize on the idea that everyone, especially women, should have flawless skin, and they provide a roadmap to achieve it. But what they often fail to address is the emotional toll it can take on consumers who already struggle with self-esteem or skin-related insecurities.
The constant bombardment of perfect skin ideals, whether it’s through Instagram filters, YouTube tutorials, or celebrity endorsements, creates an unattainable standard that leaves many feeling inadequate. For those who are already battling acne, eczema, rosacea, or hyperpigmentation, the pressure to maintain an “ideal” complexion can feel overwhelming. It often becomes less about skincare as self-care and more about skincare as a desperate pursuit of acceptance and validation.
A Call for Conscious Consumption
The skincare industry, like many others, thrives on the fear of missing out (FOMO) and promises of perfection, selling both a product and a lifestyle. But we must ask ourselves: Are we purchasing products because we truly need them, or because we’ve been convinced that they’re the only solution to our perceived flaws?
It’s time to redefine what skincare means in a way that is empowering rather than exploitative. Instead of chasing after the latest trend or product, we should focus on understanding what our skin actually needs—and sometimes, that’s just simplicity. Rather than getting caught up in an 18-step skincare routine, let’s prioritize self-love and acceptance, recognizing that true beauty comes from feeling comfortable in your own skin, with or without the perfect glow.

Bibliography
Burt, A. (2021). The Real Skin Care Revolution: Why Less Is More. Harper’s Bazaar.
Fischer, R. (2020). The Overconsumption of Beauty: Why Skincare Has Become the New Self-Torture. The Guardian.
Green, A. (2022). What’s Really in Your Skincare: Separating Fact from Fad. The New York Times.
Smith, L. (2019). How Skincare Became a $50 Billion Industry and Why It’s Only Getting Bigger. Forbes.
Jones, C. (2023). Skinimalism: The Movement Toward Simplicity in Beauty. Vogue.