The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of her campus.
This article was written by a student writer from her campus chapter at Mass Amherst College.
If your TikTok For You page is anything like mine, you’ve probably seen at least a few skincare videos and routines featuring incredibly expensive products. The current era of consumerism and influencers has led to the idea that every girl needs to take multiple steps to perfect her appearance. Sometimes I wonder if I should just spend all my savings on skin care in hopes of becoming like those beautiful women. Is a cleanser, toner, or moisturizer all they need to achieve their look? But I came to my senses and decided to save my money for more important things. I wish I had focused less on appearances and material possessions and more on myself as an individual. However, I know that concerns about our appearance can be a major stressor in the lives of young adults.
When I talked to friends who are currently on board with skincare trends, I was shocked when they shared how much money they were willing to spend on products. My roommate admitted to spending over $300 on skin care alone. This is a significant amount of money, especially for full-time college students like us. Personally, I have so many other expenses to worry about, like groceries, textbooks, and other necessities, that I have very little budget for skin care. It’s not that I don’t care about my skin health or personal hygiene. I care and it affects me every day. Every time I look in the mirror or put on makeup, I see my imperfect skin and wonder if it will magically clear up naturally.
Additionally, some students go beyond expensive skin care routines and turn to medications like Accutane to achieve smoother skin. Accutane is an oral medication for severe, difficult-to-treat acne that comes with a long list of potential complications. Side effects include headache, thinning hair, and nausea. Consuming alcohol while taking Accutane can cause liver problems and high cholesterol levels, making it difficult for some college students who want to attend college parties. Since coming to Massachusetts, I have heard countless stories of students ignoring the risks and drinking, quickly becoming intoxicated and endangering themselves.
Anna Schulz / Her Campus
When it comes to skin care, the risks are often less serious, so it’s easier for people to buy over-the-counter products than visit a dermatologist. Our generation’s increased trust in random people on the internet has influenced many girls to spend money on products that may not be of any use to them. I think there are. Although it seems wrong to prioritize skin care over other necessities, you should realize that there are plenty of affordable options at the drugstore. Personally, I use a fairly inexpensive product that gets the job done. My current daily routine includes inexpensive items that I can buy at CVS, Target, and Walmart. I use CeraVe cleanser and moisturizer and sometimes use micellar water to remove makeup. In total, it costs about $40 for a full-sized product that will last at least three months.
Original photo: Julia Greenwood
While I believe in enjoying skincare and promoting healthy lifestyle habits, I don’t think we women should be forced to overspend. The next time you start worrying about whether your skin is clear enough or whether you’re getting breakouts, remember that it’s what’s on the inside that really matters. Stress is often the biggest cause of skin problems, and as college students we all experience stress. In some cases, it may be more beneficial to address that stress before adding skin care products to your cart. No matter what your skin looks like, taking time to breathe, go for a walk, or talk to a friend can go a long way toward boosting your confidence. The next time you feel overwhelmed by beauty influencers and their routines, remember this. You are worth more than your skin.
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