As the pandemic begins to wind down and Moderna and Pfizer’s hot girl summer approach it’s finally time to address the unspoken side effect of COVID-19: maskne. Masks, although great for keeping us safe, have done a number on our skin over the past 14 months, causing breakouts, bad tan lines, and sensitivity. As the CDC slowly announces the much-awaited demise of masks it’s time to perfect our skincare routine. Luckily for us, social media has saved us a trip to the dermatologist, here are 10 skincare specialists on social media that you need to be following:
1. Hyram
Hyram, also known as skincarebyhyram, has taken both YouTube and TikTok by storm with his upfront and honest opinions regarding skincare. He breaks down each product he reviews by going in-depth about the ingredient list and giving in-depth information about what each ingredient is supposed to be doing for your skin. He’s not afraid to tell you not to get a product and will often duet his followers TikToks with critiques of their skincare routine and suggestions for perfecting their routine. His advice is always easy to follow and he gives ingredients to look for and avoid, not just products. How good is his advice? He is the man responsible for CeraVe’s products’ popularity. Hyram’s bubbly personality and personalized skincare routines make him a great follow for anyone who is intimidated by skincare and needs help finding what works for them.
2. Nicolle Finn
Nicolle Finn is a certified Derm Physician Assistant in NYC whose TikToks are easy to follow and entertaining. Her simplistic approach to skincare is refreshing and she definitely knows her stuff! It’s refreshing to get skincare advice from someone who actually works in the field. What is so great about Nicolle’s content is that she understands that there are so many different types of skin and that there are different solutions for everyone. Her energy comes through her TikToks, even the ones where she doesn’t speak and you know you are getting quality and qualified advice from her videos. She’s a great follow for anyone looking to get more information about skincare, but who doesn’t want to be confused and overwhelmed with the advice.
3. Salama Skin Care
Salama is a skin-positive influencer who is all about uplifting and helping others. She has vitiligo, a skin condition where patches of skin lose pigmentation. Her beauty and skincare tips and advice are extremely authentic. Unlike most verified skincare accounts, Salama is a woman of color so she offers a unique perspective when it comes to melanin skincare. Salama also wears a hijab, which helps diversify the often whitewashed beauty industry. Most importantly, she is fun! Her quirky dance videos pop up between skincare routines and she will definitely make you laugh. If you are looking for a relaxed skincare account then look no further, Salama Skin Care is a great follow.
4. Dr. Shah
Dr. Shah, more commonly known as @dermdoctor, is a current dermatology resident, and if that wasn’t enough to trust his advice maybe the fact that he has 6.5 million followers will. He gives a certified medical professional’s opinion – for free. Not only does he give great skincare advice about everything from acne to skin texture, but he also reacts to videos. His reaction videos put him on the map and he has started doing skincare routine reviews. If you are looking for someone with an education in skincare to help you out, Dr. Shah is a great follow!
5. Dr. Dustin Portela
The more dermatologists the better! Dr. Dustin Portela, also known as @208skindoc, is another dermatologist you can find on TikTok. His page specifically discusses skincare and acne, but he does not give out medical advice. His helpful videos are a refreshing take on skincare. He has been able to help his followers deal with breakouts and explains exactly why we need skincare. A majority of his content is based on comments he receives with questions regarding skincare. If you’re looking for a skin care specialist on social media that will answer your specific questions, Dr. Portela is the account for you.
6. @acidskincare
If you’re looking for easy-to-follow skincare guidelines, @acidskincare is worth the follow. Their Instagram account is chocked full of detailed infographics about products, ingredients, routines, and more! They let you know everything from which antioxidants are best for your skin type to whether or not you should be using toner. They separate most of their posts for skin type which makes them perfect for finding products and ingredients that work with your skin type.
7. Chemist Confessions
Founded by two chemists, this Instagram account makes skincare looks easy! With simple charts and infographics, Chemist Confessions is able to get their information across clearly. Not only are they great for you, but they’re easy to share with friends. The next time your friends ask what you’ve been doing differently with your skin, you can just send them over to Chemist Confessions. On top of the surplus of visual aids, they also release the occasional video, which is extremely helpful, after all, they are chemists. These two women know their science and are using it to make you look your absolute best.
8. @bauerbeauty
@Bauerbeauty is a licensed esthetician so she knows a thing or two about skincare. Her TikToks mostly are direct product reviews and recommendations. She’s a lifesaver for the wary skincare shopper, someone who has to do research before buying a product. She provides helpful advice and is upfront about which products she likes, hates, and hasn’t tried yet doesn’t just formulate her skincare routine based on ingredients, it’s also about results. On top of it all, she has a series where she finds hidden gems in drugstore skincare, so if you’re on a budget she’s worth a follow.
9. @whatsonvisface
Who said skincare had to be serious? @Whatsonvisface takes a humourous approach to skincare. Not only will she have your skin looking absolutely amazing, but she’ll give you some much-needed serotonin. Vi’s bubbly personality can be felt through the screen. Unlike other skincare TikTokers, her advice seems more like a friend talking to you than a skincare specialist or professional. Overall, Vi is the perfect follow for anyone who wants skincare and comedy rolled into one account. Between comparing skin serums to The Bachelor contestant’s insightful product recommendations, Vi has got you covered.
10. Taylor Efford
Taylor Efford is personally my favorite skincare specialist on social media. Not only are her videos extremely helpful, but they are entertaining. She breaks down skincare in a unique and easy-to-follow way: she brings them to life. That’s right Taylor Efford has the power to bring skincare to life. Well sorta. Taylor turns skincare ingredients and treatments into characters. She lets you know which skincare characters get along and which don’t, which helps create a routine. Taylor lets you know when to use serums together and how often you should be using certain treatments, making your skincare routine the best it possibly can be. She’s not a dermatologist and doesn’t have extensive skincare background, but that doesn’t make her videos any less informative. In fact, it’s refreshing to get advice from someone who isn’t a professional. Check her out if you need a laugh and a good skincare routine.
Skincare is not an easy thing to conquer. Skincare specialists on social media are here to help. Whether you want to get advice from a dermatologist, licensed esthetician, or skincare fanatic there are so many different options out there. Now hurry up and go follow some skincare specialists!
