Skincare or Obsession? Recognizing the Signs of Skincare Addiction

Social media has brought on an era of overconsumption. More serums.  More tools. More step-by-step routines.. More everything.

Now your bathroom counter is overflowing with serums, creams, and gadgets. Your morning routine takes 45 minutes. 

You slowly start to realize you’ve spent more on skincare this month than on groceries. 

Skincare addiction, also known as dermorexia, isn’t officially recognized as a mental health disorder, but it shares traits with other compulsive behaviors.

It often starts innocently. Maybe you had a breakout and wanted to fix it. Maybe you saw that influencer with glowing skin and thought, "I need what she’s having."

In this newsletter, I’ll share the red flags that your skincare routine might be turning into an unhealthy obsession

Red Flags You Might Be Crossing the Line

Your routine is taking over your life. 

If you're spending hours researching ingredients, watching skincare videos, or doing your routine, it might be time to step back. A healthy routine should fit into your life, not become your life.

You can't stop buying products. 

That rush of excitement when a new package arrives? The panic when your favorite product is out of stock? These intense emotions around skincare purchases are warning signs worth paying attention to.

Your skin is getting worse, not better.

Counterintuitive, right? But over-treating your skin with too many products can actually cause irritation, breakouts, and damage. If you're constantly adding new steps to "fix" problems that keep getting worse, you might be stuck in a cycle.

You're avoiding social situations because of your skin.

When skincare anxiety starts controlling your social life – canceling plans because of a pimple or refusing to leave the house without makeup – it's moved beyond self-care into something more concerning.

You're going into debt.

Skincare can be expensive, and if you're putting products on credit cards or sacrificing other necessities to fund your habit, that's a clear sign things have gone too far.

If you recognize yourself in any of these patterns, don't feel bad. Awareness is the first step. Here are ways to build a healthier relationship with skincare.

Start with a product audit.

Go through everything you own and honestly assess what you actually use and what's just taking up space. Donate or give away products that don't serve you.

Simplify your routine.

When it comes to skincare, simpler is better. Try scaling back to basics for a few weeks and see how your skin responds.

Focus on consistency over complexity.

A simple routine done consistently will beat a complicated one done sporadically every time.

Address the underlying issues.

Sometimes skincare obsession is really about anxiety, perfectionism, or low self-esteem. If you suspect deeper issues are at play, consider talking to a therapist.

If your skincare habits are seriously impacting your daily life, relationships, or financial stability, it is best to seek professional help.

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