A plethora of social media influencers and affordable, high-quality products means the quest for so-called “perfect skin” seems more attainable than ever.

Poreless, plump, unwrinkled, acne-free: Companies are ready to sell you something to make those attributes a reality for you.

But does anyone really need a 20-step skincare routine? And when do our efforts start to do us harm – either physically or mentally?

Guests

Dr. Sarah Sung, The Perq Dermatology

Arabelle Sicardi, beauty writer, author of You've Got Lipstick on Your Chin and The House of Beauty: Lessons from the Image Industry

Related Links

The Best Skin-Care Trick Is Being Rich - Amanda Mull, The Atlantic

The Classist Implications of ‘Bad Skin’ - Jaya Saxena, Racked

The House of Beauty: Arabelle Sicardi exposes the dark side of the industry - Dazed

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.