The Wrong Skincare Products Can Damage Your Skin. When Should You See a Dermatologist?

Nowadays, skincare has become a lifestyle, especially among young people. However, despite the increasingly popular skincare trend, many people experience problems due to choosing the wrong skincare products or trying too many products with different active ingredients at once.

Acne worsens, skin redness, rashes, and irritation can all occur if you don't understand your skin type and choose the wrong products. This is when consulting a dermatologist is crucial for proper skin type identification and product selection.

Why Can You Choose the Wrong Product?

Many people choose skincare based on:

  • Social media ads or reviews
  • Viral trends or friend recommendations
  • Want instant results without checking your skin condition first

After all, everyone's skin is different, from skin type (dry, oily, normal, combination), skin condition, to reactions to active ingredients. A product that works for one person may not work for another.

Signs Your Skin Isn't Compatible With a Product

If you experience any of these things, it's likely that the skincare product you're using isn't suitable:

  • Acne suddenly appears and becomes inflamed ( break out )
  • Skin feels sore, hot, or itchy
  • Skin peels excessively
  • Skin tone becomes uneven or dull
  • Red spots or rashes appear

If this condition lasts more than a few days, it's best not to wait any longer—see a dermatologist, venereologist, and aesthetics (DVE) specialist immediately.

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

Consultation with a DVE specialist is important when:

  • Skin condition does not improve even though I have changed products
  • You are not sure about your skin type and needs
  • Want to use products with active ingredients such as retinol, AHA/BHA
  • Experiencing severe side effects from certain skincare products
  • Want skin care that is suitable and safe in the long term?

A DVE specialist can accurately diagnose skin conditions, prescribe medical treatment if necessary, and provide appropriate product guidance.

Tips for Choosing Skincare More Wisely:

  • Know your skin type and problems before buying a product.
  • Avoid changing skincare products too quickly — give yourself at least 2–4 weeks to see results.
  • Pay attention to the active ingredients in the product and their potential for irritation.
  • Don't believe all social media trends without proper education.
  • Prioritize skin health over instant results

Taking care of your skin is important, but using products haphazardly can actually damage the skin barrier and worsen skin conditions. If you experience recurring or persistent skin problems, consult a DVE specialist.

Because healthy skin is not the result of trial and error, but the result of proper care.

This article was written by Dr. Andina Bulan Sari, Sp.DVE, FINSDV, FAADV (Specialist in Dermatology, Venereology, EMC Pekayon Hospital).