YouTube comment sections are always a hotbed of dissent and debate. But on our Go To Bed With Me videos—a peek inside the nightly routine of our favorite celebrities, experts and influencers—the myths and facts around skin care in the comments are on another level. In this episode of Derm Reacts, we called in board-certified skin expert, dermatologist Cindy Bae, to react to some of the most passionate comments on our Go to Bed with Me episodes. Bae, who practices at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York and also teaches at New York University's Department of Dermatology, weighs in on everything from using scrubs to applying coconut oil as a moisturizer.
"There's so many podcasts, websites, and blogs about skin care," Bae started. "Everyone's an expert nowadays, so I'm here to give the official rule."
Should we use physical scrubs?
Critics of scrubs say that the physical exfoliants are too harsh for our skin to handle, but proponents say that there's no harm in a gentle scrub. Dr. Bae weighed in: "You want to be very gentle with your skin because, if you are harsh, you can cause micro-tears and irritation in your skin." She adds, "If you want that exfoliation from a scrub, you can also use chemical ones, too. There are many different products with acid in them that help remove debris and sticky skin so you get a nice exfoliant experience."
Can coconut oil act as a moisturizer?
"If it works for you, keep using it," says Bae. There are a variety of moisturizer types, she explains, from oil-based moisturizers to waxes. In short, use the moisturizer that best suits your skin type.
Shop Dr. Cindy Bae's Favorite Products
NeoStrata Face Cream Plus AHA
Love how it exfoliates my skin. I try to alternate it at bedtime with a retinoid like Differin gel–love this product as it is prescription strength (used to be prescription only), but now over the counter at an amazing price point.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
I use this before my daily sunscreen, as it is packed with antioxidants to help prevent DNA damage.
ELTA MD Daily Tinted Facial Sunscreen
EltaMD tinted sunscreen is a must. These tinted products are so easy to use as I don't have to wear any face make up over it and the tint helps prevent/exacerbate melasma.
Lastly, I love to moisturize with Skinmedica's TNS essential serum, which is packed with antioxidants and peptides backed by clinical data demonstrating efficacy.
SkinBetter Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment
I was sampled SkinBetter's Trio Rebalancing Moisturizer and recently started using it, and I have to say it does moisturize well without feeling heavy.
To see the rest of Bae's reactions to the Go to Bed with Me comment section, watch the full video above.
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As an associate editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com, Chelsey keeps a finger on the pulse on all things celeb news. She also writes on social movements, connecting with activists leading the fight on workers' rights, climate justice, and more. Offline, she’s probably spending too much time on TikTok, rewatching Emma (the 2020 version, of course), or buying yet another corset.
