Scroll through Instagram, and you’ll see it — that perfectly contoured, poreless, glowing “Instagram face.” It’s the modern beauty standard that’s reshaping how women see themselves. But what happens when social media filters, cosmetic enhancements, and unrealistic skin ideals start influencing real-life expectations?

According to Dr. Bottiglione, dermatologist and founder of Dermatologist’s Choice Skincare, the pressure to achieve flawless skin is stronger than ever — but the path to truly healthy skin doesn’t come from filters or fads.

“Instagram face is a beauty standard or inspiration for young women,” says Dr. B. “As it relates to dermatology, we see many trends in skincare but everyone wants clear, smooth, and healthy skin. These influencers mostly have good-looking skin, but we’re not sure who is using filters or not, and this can impact young girls trying to achieve unrealistic skin.”

The Filter Effect: Why “Perfect” Skin Isn’t Always Real

Social media filters can blur pores, even skin tone, and add a glow that’s not naturally possible. This creates an illusion of perfection — one that often drives followers to spend hundreds of dollars on unnecessary skincare steps or even cosmetic procedures to “fix” what isn’t broken.

Dr. B cautions against falling into this trap. “I’m not a fan of these procedures,” he says. “Really, if they used glycolic acid and TCA in a toning pad or cleanser, they would get more benefits than a lot of other products and procedures.”

Dermatologist’s Advice: Keep It Simple

While social media might promote 10-step skincare routines, Dr. B believes more is not always better. Overcomplicated routines can lead to irritation, breakouts, and unnecessary stress — both on your skin and your mind.

“My advice is to use a simple skincare routine — a cleanser, glycolic TCA toning pads, and a moisturizer,” Dr. B says. “These 10-step skincare routines are not necessary and can cause more stress for women trying to achieve a certain look.”

A Healthier Standard: Real Skin Over “Instagram Skin”

Instead of chasing perfection, focus on achieving skin that’s real — healthy, balanced, and cared for. Dr. B’s signature three-step approach using dermatologist-strength ingredients like non-neutralized glycolic acid and TCA helps improve skin texture, brighten tone, and smooth fine lines over time — no filters required.

By embracing a routine rooted in real dermatology, not trends, you’ll discover that your skin can look its best naturally. After all, the most beautiful face isn’t an “Instagram face” — it’s your own.

Featured Products:

• pH Balanced Cleanser with glycolic - gently cleanses while maintaining skin’s natural balance

• pH Balanced TCA Toning Pads- exfoliates and smooths with dermatologist-strength acids

• Ultimate Restorative Hydrating Complex -locks in moisture and restores healthy glow

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Disclaimer: The skincare articles on Dermatologist’s Choice are intended for educational purposes, providing insights into specific ingredients and skincare topics. Our content is designed to be informative, not to serve as medical advice. Any mention of patient experiences is purely for informational purposes and should not be interpreted as a treatment recommendation. Additionally, any Dermatologist’s Choice products referenced in these articles are formulated for cosmetic use only and are not intended to replace professional medical advice or pharmaceutical treatments. Always consult a physician for personalized skincare recommendations.

Related Articles: 

https://academic.oup.com/asjopenforum/article/doi/10.1093/asjof/ojae085/7816831?login=false

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/behind-online-behavior/202105/the-rise-instagram-face