**TL; DR The increase in interest and spending on skincare is not the manifestation of a need to feel attractive to others.** In the years leading up to 2020 there had been a gradual year on year increase in the sales of skincare products globally, which has been further accelerated by the pandemic. (1) Criticisms abound in much the same way they have done for the makeup industry. However; much like the makeup industry, perspectives should benefit from an evolving and reforming understanding based on its relevance to day to day life. Krithika Varagur elucidates on “new skincare” as a function of capitalistic manipulations: “New Skincare is (still) chiefly about buying things, and displaying them for others to see — to prove that you worked hard for what you have, even if you’re, say, a model, whose profession self-selects for superior genetics.” (2) A very easy criticism of this perspective is the failure to acknowledge that skincare products are also employed to treat conditions such as acne. You might be forgiven for thinking that this is a purely cosmetic issue if you’ve been lucky enough to avoid it. In reality, it can be painful. Putting this aside for a moment; it’s worth considering that perhaps “perfect skin” isn’t entirely the point- and if it is, is this an outward facing desire? At a point in time when the extent of interaction is from behind a screen, how valid is the idea that the focus on skincare is based on a desire to impress or conform? And if this is a trend driven by a misogynistic capitalist drive, why then has there also been an increase in spending on male grooming?(3) For many routine has been disrupted, disturbed or decimated. Having a period of time morning and evening solely to spend on your personal care provides the chance to return some structure to the day: a moment of calm to look forward to. Kristen Iverson succinctly summarises this argument in her article for Nylon magazine: “But there's also no doubt that most women can figure that out for themselves, and if they enjoy the community that has grown around the skin-care conversation, and feel like this is one way in this chaotic world in which they can take care of themselves, then where is the problem?” 1. https://www.ft.com/content/98e8ab63-0676-4c87-9ae3-071486773dea 2. https://theoutline.com/post/3151/the-skincare-con-glossier-drunk-elephant-biologique-recherche-p50 3. https://sumup.co.uk/blog/male-beauty/\ 4. https://www.nylon.com/articles/misogyny-skin-care-con-critiques-women-not-idiots

**TL;DR The skincare craze is not a scam because it is actually really important to look after our skin and so the awareness is a good thing**. Skincare products provide many benefits for maintaining healthy skin. I think skincare has perhaps become more popular during the pandemic as people are wearing less make-up and so are wanting to better their natural look. However, skincare is super important and more awareness / education about the products is great. Every year, in the UK there are 16,200 cases of skin cancer. One of the main causes of skin cancer is damage from the sun. The best way to prevent this is to wear SPF. SPF is increasingly being added into skincare products and education about it means that many more people are making the effort to add this product to their skincare regime. This is fantastic as it so important for our skin health and will hopefully help prevent skin cancer cases. Other popular steps of a skincare regime include cleansing, toning, serums and moisturiser. Cleansing is beneficial as it removes dirt, oil, pollutants and other unwanted debris from the face. Serums and moisturiser are also important as they provide the skin with essential ingredients to maintain its health and glow whilst also hydrating the skin. I do not think the skincare craze is a scam. I think it is a sign of the times and people are becoming increasingly interested in learning about the important process of looking after ones skin. Works Cited: 'Melanoma skin cancer statistics' https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/melanoma-skin-cancer#heading-Zero Lankerani Lela, 'Skin cleaning 101: Why washing your face is important' (19 September 2014), https://www.westlakedermatology.com/blog/skin-cleansing-101-why-washing-your-face-is-important/#:~:text=A%20common%20benefit%20of%20facial,the%20skin%20a%20fresh%20look.

**TL;DR - I believe it is important to look after your skin. However, I do think skincare as an industry has been commercialised and uses this idea of the 'perfect skin' to justify selling expensive products that don't do that much.** I am a person who has a skincare routine, and I find it important in making me feel good. However, I take issue with the idea that skincare as a whole portrays this image of the perfect skin, and requires people spend a lot of money in order to reach this imaginary goal. There is no such thing as the perfect skin, just different types. I have found that many companies have jumped on this skincare bandwagon and have taken advantage by releasing incredibly expensive products that don't really do that much. In this sense, I believe some beauty products and companies are a scam. However, that isn't to say that washing your face and taking care of your skin isn't important. I, admittedly, did not used to wash my face apart from when I washed my hair in the shower. However, now that I do I have not seen much of a change (if any) in the physical appearance of my skin but I do feel better in myself when I do take the time and care to wash a moisturise my face and I am sure there are physical benefits that I can't see. Therefore I think some skincare companies have developed the scam of selling 'perfect skin' through the use of their overpriced products, that don't really result in much change. However, that isn't to say that washing your face isn't important.

A recent study by Rodan et al shows daily skincare routines have a great impact on the overall quality of our complexion. (1) The skincare trend does not serve purely to make us feel attractive to others. It is important to feel attractive for yourself and feel good in the skin you have to live in. It is healthier to improve the health of your skin than mask it in coats of make up everyday. (1) Rodan et al, Skincare Bootcamp: The Evolving Role of Skincare, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 2016

As a person who has suffered several acne for years, I consider that skincare is essential. Not only for good it does to your skin, but yourself. Looking after one skin is just as important as to take care of your health. It doesn't necessary has to be related to feeling more attractive only. Of course, it does. Your skin looks better, healthier and prettier, but who doesn't want that? I have a skincare routine, and I find it essential to feel better for myself, not others. And using many products doesn't mean anything; each has a specific function for your skin. For example, suncream is the most important for me, and it is not usually used. Suncream can help you to prevent diseases, spots or marks.

**Tl;Dr No over-the-counter treatments can beat prescribed skincare** Five years ago, If I were asked if drugstore skincare worked, I probably would have said yes. During my teenage years, I was blessed with perfect skin. This continued up until my first year of University when I noticed my skin started to get worse. At first, I tried over-the-counter skincare, and spent obscene amounts of money trialing and testing different products, none of which seemed to even make a small amount of difference in my skin. The only difference I noticed was the declining balance in my bank account! After a few years, I finally decided to book a dermatologist appointment. She asked me what I was using and said the chemicals in the products were making my condition worse if anything. She prescribed me adapalene and told me to wash my face with CeraVe and I’m virtually acne-free today. The reason why skincare products often have little effect is [that most over-the-counter products only contain microscopic amounts of active ingredients] (https://www.seewhatsbeyond.com/2019/09/skincare-products-medical-grade-vs-over-the-counter/#:~:text=Skincare%20Product%20Quality%20Over%20Quantity&text=Well%2C%20the%20reason%20is%20because,top%20layer%20of%20the%20skin.&text=are%20developed%20to%20penetrate%20deeper,as%20help%20with%20cell%20turnover.), which isn’t enough to combat active acne. Furthermore, a lot of the ‘hype’ around skincare comes from how popular it is on social media. The truth is, everyone's skin reacts differently to products, so a lot of the time if the product you’re buying does not target your skin type or problem, it is a waste of your time and money. For this reason, I think that the skincare craze is a scam.