Stop Gaslighting Your Skin: She Knows What She Wants
Disclaimer: The blog post you are about to read is unfiltered. Read at your own risk! ⚠️
Oof. Not gonna lie. This one is for the folks who have been there - around the ringer and back, those who are done with emotional riff-raff, and an ode to a couple of my ex-boyfriends. But, like lets keep it about skincare–
Gaslighting: It’s when you make someone question their reality, which undermines confidence and self-trust. Sounds awful, right? But guess what?
A lot of us are out here gaslighting our own skin. (Gasp)
We act like she’s too dramatic, too oily, too sensitive, or just hormonal—when really, she’s just telling us exactly what she needs.
Your skin is not crazy.
She’s literally waving red flags, and you’re over here saying, “It’s fine, I’m sure she’ll calm down.”
Let’s call it what it is: toxic behavior. It’s time to stop gaslighting your skin and start listening.
🫶🏼 When She’s Dry… Believe Her.
Gaslight-y move: “Oh, you don’t really need moisturizer twice a day—you’ll be fine.” Meanwhile, your face looks like it’s auditioning for the role of Dust Bowl 2.0.
Dryness is not imaginary. It’s usually a sign of a compromised barrier, dehydration, or sometimes - way too much cleansing.
✨ The fix: Gentle cleanser, hydrating serums, rich barrier-loving moisturizers. And maybe break up with that alcohol-heavy toner you swear by—it’s not serving you.
👀 When She’s Oily… Stop Calling Her Dirty.
Gaslight-y move: “You’re so greasy! Let me scrub you raw and hit you with a foaming cleanser six times a day.”
Oil isn’t the enemy. It’s part of your skin’s ecosystem and actually protects you. When you strip oil away, your skin just makes more—because she’s trying to survive.
✨ The fix: Don’t banish, balance. Think lightweight hydration, maybe a BHA if you’re clogged, and moisturizers that don’t suffocate.
🙅🏼♀️ When She’s Breaking Out… Don’t Brush It Off.
Gaslight-y move: “It’s just hormones, she’ll get over it.”
Yes, hormones play a role. But breakouts can also come from product buildup, bacteria, diet, stress, or—you know—sleeping in your makeup three nights in a row. (No judgment. Okay, maybe a little judgment.)
✨ The fix: Stop ignoring her. Get curious about the triggers, and get professional help if it’s persistent.
😳 When She Burns… Stop Acting Surprised.
Gaslight-y move: “It’s just a little pink, it’ll turn into a tan.” Babe, that’s not a tan waiting to happen—that’s damage. Literal trauma.
Sunburns speed up aging, weaken your barrier, and increase cancer risk. There’s no upside here.
✨ The fix: SPF. Every. Damn. Day. And yes, reapply. Even when it’s cloudy. Even when you “hardly go outside.” (And yes, your car counts.)
🚫 When She’s Sensitive… Stop Blaming Her.
Gaslight-y move: “Why are you always so reactive? I only used a retinol, glycolic acid, a peel, and a scrub in one night…”
Your skin isn’t being “too much.” She’s telling you she’s overwhelmed. And honestly? You’d be overwhelmed too.
✨ The fix: Simplify. Repair the barrier. Introduce actives slowly instead of dumping the whole Sephora cart on your face in one sitting.
🫡 The Takeaway
Your skin isn’t needy, dramatic, or making things up. She knows what she wants. And if you stop gaslighting her and start listening? She’ll reward you with glow, balance, and calm.
And if you’re not sure what she’s saying—don’t worry. That’s literally what I’m here for. Book a treatment and let us translate. ✨
Need help understanding what your skin is telling you? Come in for a session!
