Are We Addicted to Skincare? The New Cigarette of Our Time

In the 20th century, cigarettes were the icon of cool—glamorized, accessible, and widely accepted. Today, that same cultural magnetism seems to have shifted to skincare. The difference? Skincare is good for you… until it’s not.

From 10-step routines to the constant launch of serums, acids, and masks, our collective obsession with perfect skin may be crossing the line from self-care to compulsion. The question we should be asking is: Are we doing skincare, or is skincare doing us?

Skincare Is the New Ritual

The rise of skincare content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram has transformed routines into rituals. Morning and night regimens have become acts of identity—reflections of who we are, how we care, and what we value. In a post-pandemic world where control feels scarce, skincare offers a sense of order and promise.

But when every new product feels like a must-have and every minor skin issue demands a new solution, we have to wonder—have we lost perspective?

The Illusion of Control

Like cigarettes once promised sophistication and calm, skincare promises transformation and control. It sells the idea that with enough products, we can erase imperfections, age backwards, and keep up with constantly shifting standards of beauty. But this illusion can lead to a cycle of overconsumption and disappointment.

People try product after product, chasing a glow that may never come—or worse, damaging their skin barrier in the process. Terms like "skincare fatigue," "product hopping," and "barrier repair" are becoming part of everyday beauty vocab. It’s not just about self-care anymore—it’s about self-correction.

The Industry’s Role

Let’s be honest—beauty brands (yes, even the well-meaning ones) play into this cycle. The more products consumers use, the more they buy. New ingredients trend faster than fashion. The language of necessity—you need this, don’t skip that—fuels the idea that more is more.

Even clean and sustainable brands, which started as alternatives to excessive beauty routines, now find themselves in a paradox: how to encourage conscious care without contributing to the overwhelm?

Healthy Skin ≠ More Products

There’s a growing movement among dermatologists and skincare professionals advocating for simplicity. The skin is a living organ—it doesn’t need to be exfoliated five times a week or layered with ten different actives. Sometimes, less truly is more.

Just as we learned to deconstruct the allure of cigarettes, maybe it’s time to rethink the skincare craze. Can we return to intentional skincare—rituals rooted in nourishment rather than perfectionism?

Final Thoughts

Skincare isn’t the enemy. At its best, it’s a beautiful act of self-love. But when it becomes a compulsion, a status symbol, or a shield for insecurity, it might be time to pause and ask: Why am I really doing this?

Maybe the goal isn't perfect skin. Maybe the goal is a healthier relationship—with our reflection, our routines, and ourselves.