Skin Care

9 Unnecessary Skin Care Products

Find out which fluffy skin care potions and lotions you don't have to spend hard earned cash on

by Molly Roemer

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We live in the infomercial era. As vulnerable consumers, we are lead to believe that something is wrong with us if we don't resemble a celebrity or supermodel, but that there is something we can buy to fix whatever is "wrong" with us. And worldwide, there are probably over 10,000 skin care companies trying to convince us that we need a different cream for each body part — from our pinky toes to our upper lip. But hey, we're not saying these skin care products are total hogwash and that you should stop using them stat, we're just saying that less really is more, and if you want to keep it simple, you can by ditching superfluous products and just using a few key items.

See the unnecessary skin care products now.

We gave dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer a ring to help us figure out which skin care products (general product types, not necessarily specific products) for our face or body are totally unnecessary. With so many gimmicky things out there, we should at least be able to knock a few off our list, right?

Other than just buying and using his entire line (kidding), Lancer says that what most people really need is a good face and body wash and moisturizing sunblock — that's it. In fact, he says that the method of how you use a skin care product is actually more important than the actual product.

OK, are you ready to simplify your beauty life? Then, check out these unnecessary skin care products.

Image via Imaxtree

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Older comments

some things are necessary. plus i like lots of products.

by brianna121791 Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 07:51PM Report as inappropriate

Disagree with many points. Yes, it is ridiculous to buy a moisturizer for your hands and elbows and another for your feet. But SPF, toner, body-firming products, and face masks have absolute, proven benefits (for instance, toner adjusts the skins natural pH back to its slightly acidic level and removes the last traces of makeup and grime).

by GigiSD Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 08:27PM Report as inappropriate

nice!

by 92jess11 Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 08:42PM Report as inappropriate

interesting, but I'm not sure I agree with all points here.

by venenumletalis Monday, April 8, 2013 at 12:01PM Report as inappropriate

I disagree with the SPF, the body firming, toner, face mask...each of these products has shown me significant results and/or have preserved youthful skin. Also, they provide that extra beauty ritual that makes one happy...and the best accessory for beauty is a smile. I wouldn't listen to this article at all, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

by sprout117 Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 11:31AM Report as inappropriate

I disagree with the SPF. I live in Brazil and I go often to the beach. When I use SPF 30 I my skin gets red and burned, my skin aches. When I use SPF 80 my skin gets tanned but not burned and doesn't ache.

by Itsmefraaan Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 02:20PM Report as inappropriate

this article is an eye-opener!

by luxe Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 08:05AM Report as inappropriate

Interesting

by Mollysunshine Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at 01:55AM Report as inappropriate

I've never really tried a toner before because I had heard mixed things regarding their usefulness. I still wonder if I should use one or not. I always use an spf of 15 but maybe I'll go higher.

by Lili04 Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 01:47AM Report as inappropriate

Good article. All the creams for night or day, head or neck is overkill. too much is just that....too much! Simpler is best.

by Zeaundra Monday, February 18, 2013 at 09:40AM Report as inappropriate