Welcome to ‘#SkinTok,’ the destination for all things related to skincare on TikTok. Consider this popular hashtag the fresh-faced, younger sister of #BeautyTok.
#SkinTok is also a landmine for TikTokers’ favorite skincare products, like the coveted Laneige Lip Mask, the newly-famed COSRX Snail Mucin Serum, and more natural remedies like rosemary oil for hair growth and jade rollers for skin toning. However, not all of #SkinTok highlights glamorous products at high prices.
Some skincare experts have expressed that there are also plenty of high-quality, affordable, and uncomplicated skincare products that often go unnoticed on social media platforms — perhaps lacking some of the glitzy packaging, savvy marketing, or celebrity-backing.
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Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, who has taken the TikTok alias of @Dermguru, is one of many dermatologists who has shared alternative recommendations for skincare. Zubritsky boasts nearly 1.5 million followers on her account and frequently shares tips and hacks for achieving younger, brighter, and healthier skin.
In one recent viral video, she revealed her favorite ‘unsexy skincare’ products.
According to Zubritsky, these five items may not be ‘sexy’ in the traditional sense, but they are extremely effective, won’t drain your wallet, and ship quickly from Amazon—which might make them ‘sexy’ in some shoppers’ eyes.
To kick off her haul, the board-certified dermatologist pointed to the pile of products piled up in her hands as she told her fans that “they ain’t’ cute, but they’re going to get the job done.”
While she admitted it would be unlikely to see any of these products on an “influencer’s shelf,” she said that she would easily put them at the top of her list.
“As a dermatologist who literally sees thousands of patients a year, I swear by these products for myself and my patients,” Zubritsky explained.
A few followers may have been taken aback when Zubritsky showed off her first product — something better known for use on babies’ bums.
“If you don’t use diaper paste for parts of your skin, you’re missing out,” said Zubritsky. “I absolutely love using a diaper paste cream for chafing.” She added that chaffing can get worse from summer sweating, which is why this item is so essential for preventing and healing irritation around this time of year.
Per Zubritsky, diaper paste can be applied almost anywhere: “You can use it in the pits, you can use it in the underboob area, you can use it on dry, cracked heels. There is nothing that this can not heel.”
More people may be familiar with Zubritsky’s second product pick — Cetaphil Face Wash — which has frequently received praise from dermatologists.
“Next, we have literally any cleanser from Cetaphil,” she stated. “For the love of God, stop using cleansers that are full of active ingredients that are literally stripping and damaging your skin barrier. Cleansers are meant to cleanse your skin.”
She blew a kiss to her Cetaphil Cleaner container. “So gentle, gets the job done!” she exclaimed.
For fighting hair loss, Zubritsky steered her followers towards one powerhouse product.
“If you have hair loss, stop messing around with rosemary oil,” she warned, picking up a slim silver bottle of Rogaine.
“This works for every type of hair loss: traction alopecia, hormonal hair loss, alopecia areata…” Zubritsky trailed off. It “gets the job done.”
Zubritsky’s fourth skincare secret is known for killing germs, often applied to the skin after surgery to aid in the healing process.
“The real ones, they know to keep Hibiclens in their shower,” said Zubritsky. “This is going to do it all: ingrown hair, oils, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, shaving irritation, body odor — there’s nothing this can’t do.”
Zubritsky described the final pick in her ‘unsexy skincare’ roundup as an ‘absolute GOAT.’
She picked up a bottle of Differin Gel, the first FDA-approved, prescription-strength retinoid acne treatment.
“We want the most effective thing over the counter for fine lines, wrinkles, and acne, you need to be using adapalene,” Zubritsky explained, noting that Adapalene Differin Gel is the only retinoid available over the counter.
“It will change your life, I swear.”
In the comments section, Zubritsky’s followers quickly weighed in on the ‘unsexy skincare’ recommendations. Some people expressed surprise at her picks, while others vouched for the products, and a few pointed out other potential applications.
“Can we talk about how they are all affordable and some people are out here buying skin care products that cost hundreds of dollars each?!” one startled fan asked.
Others debated whether there were solid, popular competitors for the products Zubritsky covered.
Another person inquired, “What are your thoughts on Cerave vs Cetaphil?” Another asked, “What moisturizer do you recommend with the Differin Gel?”
The majority of Zubritsky’s followers were exceptionally gracious that the expert revealed a list of more accessible skincare products, all of which are available on Amazon, and some are even marked down at the time of publish.
According to Zubritsky, “There is nothing that this can not heel,” and most reviewers on Amazon agree. This triple protection diaper cream is fragrance-free and combines non-nano zinc oxide with nourishing oat extract and protective beeswax to soothe and treat irritated skin. The ointment is free from fragrance, alcohol, talc, dyes, parabens, phthalates, and preservatives, making it optimal for use on anyone with sensitive skin. Reviewers have speculated whether there is “magic” in this cream — that is how quickly it works.
Zubritsky explained that Cetaphil is both “gentle” and “gets the job done,” which are both essential elements to consider when shopping for the right cleaner. This hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic formula is free of parabens and sulfates and is said to remove impurities, oil, and dirt, consequently reducing the size of pores. Reviewers love that this is a “trusted brand name” and have said that it strikes the perfect balance between clearing and maintaining skin’s moisture.
For hair loss, Zubritsky recommends Rogaine, which is scientifically proven to regrow hair and reverse hair loss. Zubritsky noted that this formula works on “every type of hair loss,” whether it is stemming from a disease or hormonal changes. The combination of botanical extracts, humectants, and alpha hydroxy acid work together to spur hair regrowth by conditioning the scalp to prevent dryness and irritation.
Hibiclens Antiseptic Skin Cleanser has been a long-trusted brand in many hospitals and care centers, but it is also one of Zubritsky’s favorites. While it is primarily known to be used for pre-operative patient bathing, the dermatologist stressed that “there’s nothing it can’t do.” She added that it works wonders on ingrown hairs and shaving irritation. This formula is antibacterial, antiseptic, and antimicrobial, giving it the power to kill a variety of germs and bacteria that could lead to further skin irritation.
When it comes to treating acne or preventing fine lines, Zubritsky has recommended heading right for a retinol. She promised that Adapalene Gel “will change your life.” This treatment is said to work differently from most because it works proactively, effectively targeting two leading causes of acne — clogged pores and inflammation. Reviewers have warned that it can take some time for the skin to adjust to retinoid products, but the results are worth the wait.
Hunting for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping with Post Wanted.
