5 Things This Dermatologist Would NEVER Do! | Dr Sam Bunting 

1. Foaming cleansers 2. No physical exfoliation 3. Face oils 4. Spray suncreens 5. Fragrance

1. Foaming cleansers 0:50 2. Physical exfoliation 2:33 3. Face oils 4:38 4. Spray-on sunscreens 5:48 5. Fragrance 8:20

Watch with x1.25 speed. You're welcome.

"Trend driven and not science based" that is an eye opening message.

This is such a good advice and so necessary. I'm a bit tired of all this "influencer" culture were people give and sometimes sell advice when they have no clue of dermatology. In a era of free access to information we live with misinformation and deception. Online gurus can't substitute a visit to the derm. Is perhaps worth to mention the spritz products to use during the day and cleansers full of actives.

Many oils can be sooo beneficial for the facial skin, such as jojoba and rose hip oil can do miracles especially during climate changes 💕

I've been using face oils for a really long time now and it has saved my dry skin! I've never gotten any bumps and my skin has never gotten dull. I think face oils is really subjective. For me a moisturizer has never worked. It's never really calmed my skin. Again, my skin has always been extremely dry.

I agree with you dra Sam in almost everything. But as I suffer from eczema and have over all very dry skin, face oils save my face in the winter. But again, GOOD QUALITY OILS. I mean fragrance free, essential oils free, and rich in ómegas. Takes time to find one with those characteristics but they are out there.

Denatured alcohol, fragrance and irritants such as witch hazel, peppermint, menthol, fragrant plant oils & extracts and essential oils.

not all foam cleansers are bad.. just look into Asian beauty skincare. low ph and gentle ingredients but still foam.

I avoid alcohol in products, don't use foam cleansers, and absolutely avoid like the plague things with lavender in them as it is an ingredient I'm allergic to. I try where possible to have fragrance free products.

So respectful to you. But facial oils are truly liquid golds. I have oily acne prone skin. While Im living in a very hot and humid city, Saigon Vietnam. Facial oils is the step to nourish and moisturize my face without making me breaking out or forming white head pimples like gel/cream does. My best facial oils for oily, acne skin is la Belle lune organic skin, miracle oil Omorovicza and Sunday riley Luna oil.

Great advice as always Sam, cheers, Davin

Dear dr Sam. Thank you so much for your useful videos! I have learned so much from you and my skin has improved enormously since I started following your advice! Especially valuable all the general advice and not just product reviews like you would find with many bloggers on RU-vid. By the way you have such a gorgeous hair! Thanks again!

Top rated comments: I'm here to get free advice from a professional, but I pick and choose what I believe and here's MY opinion on what REALLY works

Dr. Dray: recommends cerave foaming facial cleanser Dr. Sam: Avoid all foaming facial cleansers! Me: ...what do

Loved this video, Dr. Sam! An idea for another video...tips on what to do for body! Ingrown leg hairs, those unsightly thin purple veins that aren’t raised, body acne...Would love some tips :-) Best wishes!!

The video I watched right before this one recommended using foaming cleanser instead of soap... And that video was also by a dermatologist. Ugh, I hate getting mixed messages from dermatologists 😏

I've been trying for the 1st time a foaming cleanser. To be honest the experience itself is pretty nice because of the foam, but in a couple of days I immediately noticed much more acne and oiliness (which is very unusual for me) I imagine it's because as a second ingredient it has denatured alcool, which from what I've read really dries the skin and increased the production of oil and secretions in the skin.

I agree with you, except for MAYBE the face oil (I'm testing out 2 on my REALLY dry skin right now, but I don't have issues with acne). My #1 is over exfoliation (manual) ... it really caused a lot of damage to my skin, and it took me over a year to figure out why I was suddenly getting contact dermatitis and eczema from nearly all makeup, skincare and chemical sunscreen. I was using an electric spin brush twice a day, and with a scrub cleanser! 🤤 I also would add no alcohol (the bad kind, like denatured)

Fragrance is one I avoid completely, both natural and synthetic. Essential oils in skincare have caused many allergic reactions for me over the years, especially neem oil. I also never use toners. I know there are some great hydrating ones out there but honestly I just can't be bothered. I also avoid denatured alcohol. I'm also with Dr. Sam on the facial oil thing EXCEPT that Rosehip Seed oil has been really great for my skin in terms of pigmentation and overall glow. However, I am still lazy with skincare so I don't use it religiously. But any other face oil I have ever tried has broken me out (coconut oil was the worst) and I avoid products that contain them. I usually stick with the Cera Ve Hydrating Cleanser both morning and night, tretinoin 0.1%, a vitamin c serum, Cera Ve PM, and Cera Ve AM SPF. I am currently pregnant so I have been using azelaic acid instead of tretinoin the past 4 months.

I just saw you other Dr.Dray at the conference.If she recommends you,then I subscribe.

Thank you, finally someone speaking out on fragrances. I have contact dermatitis to fragrances and I found I can't use so much stuff "beauty gurus" use and it really bums me out.

Agree with everything except the exfoliants. I get dry patches, especially when the weather is cold. Using a cleansing brush or scrub gets rid of the dry patches and allows my moisturizer to absorb better to prevent future dryness.

In winter I need just a drop of oil in my moisturizer to keep my skin soft and not deathly dry. She can pry my oil out of my dead hands 😒

I avoid mineral oil. And sodium laureth sulfate. For cleansers and shampoo. Also sam your hair is so gorgeous and thick.

You're my inspiration oh my god 😭 thank you you're the first person who basically talks about things people need to hear and stop following stupid trends foolishly

You're so right about the foaming cleanser. When I tried it out (for a week), after taking it off, my skin felt tight, and it made me feel as if I still had product on my face. Now i use and gel cleanser and a milk cleanser for my skin (norma, sensetive skin type), and it's a lot better!

Thank you for your video! Very helpful! I’m thirty and the acne hasn’t stopped since puberty! I’m also pregnant and it’s been straight raging. I’m happy your favorite chemical exfoliant is what my derm just prescribed me! Yay!

The clarisonic gave me broken capillaries around my nose. I was so gentle with it and that didnt matter. I returned it immediately and cannot believe they sell that thing to the general population. Maddening.

Thank you for your wisdom! I like the feel of using facial oils, it’s so useful to hear the expert view!

Great advise! I’ve been doing everything you mentioned to avoid for several years and my skin could not be happier. I personally use SkinCeuticles Physical Fusion. It makes the skin look fresh and clear all the while providing sun protection. It also layers nicely through the day.

My skin and my wallet have been doing so much better once I changed my skincare back to a simpler routine. Before, I was using all these gimmicky Sephora products or even more expensive literal "shit" like La Mer and La Prairie but ended up destroying my own face. Thanks Dr Sam.

My fav way to exfoliate is by making a face mask out of Greek yogurt! The lactic acid helps eat away the dead skin and it doesn’t leave me feeling dry(:

Great advice!! When I started a Tretinoin I've simplified my skincare routine( which is SOOO HARD because i love trying different skincare products) 1. Can you apply a face oil(letting it sit for 30 mins) and then follow up with a SPF? 2. Can I was my face with a face wash with salicylic acid and then apply a Lactic Acid( use Sunday Riley Good Genes) product after it?? 3. Is it okay that I alternate my Tretinoin and my Lactic Acid on different nights? 4. Can you apply a face oil under/over tretinoin?

You have such nice skin, Dr. Sam. Thanks for the advice!!

I've been using the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser and find it quite gentle, not stripping at all. I like their Hydrating Cleanser too but I know CeraVe is hard to get if you aren't in USA. I agree with what you say about the sunscreen sprays. They are ok to use in the bathroom before you go out (no wind to blow the spray around), rub it in well but not to reapply later. It also makes a horrible mess in the bathroom as the spray gets everywhere so stick to the lotions. Thanks for this video! It's great to have advice from a professional.

I shockingly haven't had a problem with facial oils (but don't need them either), but agree 100% with everything else you say. Can you add setting sprays as #6? As someone with sensitive, blemish-prone AND very oily skin, I am horrified when I see young women use setting sprays every day as part of their makeup routine. I cannot imagine spraying all that alcohol and fixatives/acrylates on your face and not having skin react terribly at some point.

Yes carrier oils always cause breakouts on my skin even as oil cleanse. I’d used rosehip, grapeseed, sunflower oil which have low comedogenic rating but they still clogged my pores and caused massive acne flare.

Having recently damaged my skin somehow (or anyway gotten some kind of rash), I've cut back to almost nothing and am just using a medicated ointment my dermatologist prescribed for me. I do use oils though and find they work well for me but my skin is very dry with no oily parts at all. I follow all your other advice here. Thanks xo

Face oils and butters are subjective. Try looking at Asian and African countries. They don’t use all this clinical stuff you’re pushing and don’t have nearly as many skin problems. I have oily skin and oils have calmed my skin and even calmed breakouts. Pure organic rosehip oil.

Face oil saved my skin. Moisturizers recommended by a dermatologist broke me out.

I had extremely oily blackhead prone skin oils work amazingly for me, I use products with short ingredient list and minimal amount of fillers, tamandua oil is wonderful, rosehip oil or prickly pear oil is amazing, I avoid anything made by La Roche Posey, L'oréal, Lancôme, Clarins, Clinique and anything dedicated specifically for oily skin

The only thing that surprised me was about the oils. I like to oil cleanse if I'm wearing waterproof makeup but I wash that off. I know that some oils do break me out but I've found one that does amazing things for the dry areas of my skin, I'm glad I found it. My skin is combo and quite sensitive so I avoid SLS, alcohol/perfume, petroleum byproducts like mineral oil. I wish skincare was simple

I skip hot water, toner, physical scrubs....I keep it simp,e after following your expert advice & now I receive compliments on my skin. Thank you Dr Sam 😘

This was so invaluable. I always smile that we pat our faces so gently after cleansing, but then don't think twice about taking a rough exfoliating product or machine to basically rip that gentle barrier off. Thanks

Very similar to Dr.Drays recommendations. I just JUST found this channel right now. Subbed instantly.

I absolutely love your cleanser......will you be bringing out more things? 🤞🏻

Jojoba oil is amazing and truly hydrates my skin. It sinks in quick and feel great. Never had any issues, and I am oily prone, actually makes me less oily. Wouldn't use anything else

What is your opinion on Vitamin C/hyluronic acid serums?

I'm glad you said no face oils. I just purchased a retinol face oil and have been using it for 3 days now and I have so many pimples popping up.

Good points all! I'm diligent about sunscreen application and reapplication, so I don't use spray-on sunscreens on my face or body (wouldn't it all just spray into your hair?!). However, I do use them to reapply sunscreen on my feet. I put on a base layer before I leave the house, but if I'm out and about I might use the spray for parts of my body that are hard to reach.

Dr. Sam: What's your opinion of the PRP ("vampire") facial? The one which involves actual injections of the yellow plasma rather than microneedling. Do you offer this treatment in your clinic? The Harley Medical Group do it so there must be some benefits.

You lost me with the face oils.... Face oils does wonders for my dry skin.

Hi, thanks for the great videos please keep them coming. Will you be creating and spf to go with your cleanser? 🙏🏼

Dr Sam, thanks for advice. I agree with almost everything you said except the last. How to find a daily cream without fragrance when almost all brands use it?

First video I’ve seen of yours and I subscribed even before I finished watching! Can’t wait to watch more of your content.

What do you think of natural fruit extracted enzyme peels? That is the only kind of peels I use.

I appreciate your information, but I won’t give up my Cosrx Low pH foaming cleanser and my facial oils! My skin loves both of them. But a big YES to the other 3! 😉

Loved this video. Would you be interested in making a video about med school/ junior doctor tips. Thanks Sam!

I started suffering from hormonal acne after getting off the pill and the products my dermatologist told me to buy contained a foaming cleanser, a physical scrub and a moisturiser with perfume. :( Now I know why it got even worse.

What's about professional dermabrasion (with a diamond wheel for example) - is there a skin condition where this would be beneficial?

i remember when my skin was dry and irritated from starting tretinoin, the only thing that helped to calm down my skin was pure almond oil for face. although i hear dermatologists claim oils are bad in some ways, i have never had better moisturizers than facial oils

this is so interesting! you are the first person i've seen online who suggests against facial oils. could you expand a little bit more on that, if it's not a bother? thanks for the great video! x

I disagree with your ban of the facial oils. However I agree that one should be very selective about which oils to use, and only use good quality ones. I was sceptical initially when reading Caroline Hirons’ recommendation for them, but after trying the ones from Zelens, I am a convert. My seborrhoeic dermatitis has completely calmed down and even the patch of sun induced pigmentation on my cheek is a lot less noticeable. Zelens products are expensive, but a little goes a long way and you get what you pay for.

I disagree, some foaming cleansers have outstanding results without over drying like the brand cetaphil. Also, for the sunscreens that act as physical instead of chemical, do not require rubbing. I highly advise anyone who is watching this to consult with other dermatologists as well, as various providers advise very different things.

Really appreciate this! Would you do a video on your thoughts about LUSH products?

I agree about fragrance (serves no purpose for skin health and is highly problematic) and spray sunscreens (not sufficiently protective). But the other 3 are dependent on individual skin conditions and needs as well as continuing advances in skincare. These days, not all foaming cleansers are stripping and some oilier complexions just can't tolerate cream, lotion or oil based cleansers. I gave up physical exfoliants for over a year fueled by fears of micro tears and found that even with regular use of chemical exfoliants, my products were just not being absorbed as well as when I was using scrubs and my skin also became bumpy, duller and sallow. I now use a very fine grained scrub just once a week, in conjunction with daily chemical exfoliants. My skin's looking and feeling much better. Facial oils are not just trend driven - there is sound science behind them. You have to choose the right oil for your skin type. Higher linoleic acid content oils for oily acne prone skins and higher oleic acid content oils for drier, parched skins. Get the right ratio of oleic to linoleic acid in your facial oils, for *your* skin type and you're on your way to happier, beautiful skin. Hemp seed oil is a game changer for my acne/breakout prone skin. The clogging, under the skin bumpiness and breakouts are drastically reduced without the harsh drying effects of conventional acne treatments. No "one fits all". Find out what works for you.

I like your tips but there isn’t anything wrong with using a foam cleanser... a few dermatologist I have seen recommended it, and so do RU-vid derms I watch. It has been improving my skin.

Agree for the most part, but oils are a necessity for someone like me with intensely dry skin. My natural sebum production is quite low, and so it’s necessary to handle that through oils. I agree that it’s questionable for blemish prone skin, especially since oftentimes acne prone individuals with “dry” but also oily skin are actually just dehydrated.

I wanted to ask what you’d recommend for daily psoriasis care / treatments. Perhaps you’d do a video on it?

My favourite body sunscreen is by Caudalie and it comes in a spray bottle. But I personally LOVE the formula and the scent is lovely as well. I have sensitive skin but this milk never irritates it. I’m usually using fragrance free skincare but I do enjoy some products with fragrance in it I’m not gonna lie. So use whatever works for you, I guess.

Great video! People hyping up oils for everyone and everything drives me mad.

I cleanse, moisturise and use a zinc based physical sunscreen. My new cleanser is foaming and now I'm wondering whether I should do away with it. Azelaic acid, tretinoin and Cerave are cemented in my skincare routine. I avoid: most makeup, anything with fragrance and eye creams. The last time I used an eye cream, I ended up at the ENT hospital.

What moisturizer would you recommend for acne-prone skin?

I think the right oils in the right quantity, context and skin type can be beneficial, and let's not forget that oils (and butters which are even richer) are found in a lot of the moisturisers recommended by Derms. I do think quantity is key however, and they work best when added to moisturiser (I have a preference for doing this over using a richer/heavier moisturiser).

Good tips! Yes, oils are a problem unfortunately. Fragrance is the biggest one...so hard though to find product without it - unscented doesn't count.

Excellent video and advice. I had to leave a Facebook page recently. It’s meant to be for skincare advice and sharing information about routines. I got fed up seeing the photos of the posters latest beauty hauls and ooh what’s that I must have it! One poster showed about eight products she just received but then asked what do I do with them? They are almost always high end products. Fair enough if they have so much disposable income but are they going to regret all the expenditure in years to come? I’m all for these simpler routines recommended by Dr Sam they just make sense. I’ve been using her cleanser and I love it. I’m going to order the two for my son and daughter in law when I go to visit them in Singapore in October. The last time I used a physical exfoliant was back in the day ( those crushed apricot kernels can’t remember the name of the product) It was over thirty years ago anyway!

Which sunscreens would you recommend for daily use? I live in a very humid country and find many sunscreens just clog me up or make me greasy throughout the day!

Simpler routine... thanks for this excellent advice!

This was so helpful! For me it's definitely alcohol. My skin has started becoming quite dry on my face and body so I've removed any products that have alcohol as a main/top ingredient. Still looking for a basic no-frills moisturiser that does the job but isn't extortionately priced x

what are your thoughts on dermalogica exfoiliants? They for the most part dissolve

I agree about facial oils since I tend to be acne-prone but I found since using my current skincare brand, my T-zone is no longer oily and the condition of my skin is much better in general. I was also gifted a foaming cleanser about a month ago and was pleasantly surprised since it didn't seem to strip my face but have only used it a couple of times. Heavy fragrance is another no-no for me since I have a sensitive nose so was not a fan of the Olay whip cream.

The minute you mentioned foam cleansers I hit subscribe. You’re my kinda girl!!

Ohhh myyy heck! I need scrub and facial oil rehab! I'm the queen of scrubs and jojoba and blue tansy...ahhhhh! I have a clarisonic! What am I going to do!

Would you include cleansing oils in that too?

Thanks for the advice! Can you list out some tinted suncreens with low to medium coverage?

I wish i got this advice earlier. I've finally discovered this all on my own but it took me maybe 15 years?! I've only used "facial oils" on my eczema when i have a flare up.

A quick question: Are there any oils-squalane, for example-that you would recommend for sensitive, breakout prone skin? Or would you recommend avoiding them all together? Thank you in advance for the clarification.

Is Vitamin C serum really that good or is it all hype? I used the Drunk Elephant one for a year and not sure if I should repurchase. I don't feel like it did anything.

Thank you, Dr! I love your videos! I think one thing I'm learning is to simplify my skincare routine, and avoiding fragrances. The US has an ok market with skincare, but the U.K. is so much better! I'm currently using: Ponds cold cream makeup remover, coconut oil (to cleanse for now since my skin seems sensitive to anything else I try), neutrogena moisturizer (looking to switch out bc it has added fragrance). I top it with vaseline in the winter if I go out or before bed. Do you thing cleansing balms would be a good option for sensitive skin? Thanks again for everything!

My skin drastically improved since i stopped exfoliating. So i definitely agree with you😁

I'm sorry but face oils have saved my skin. Just because you and the majority of the world have normal combination skin, this doesn't mean all people do. So no, this particular piece of advice does not apply to everybody. I have incredibly dry and sensitive skin that gets irritated very easily especially during the winter. Using oils on my face have completely transformed my skin for the better.

I hate it when I see people reviewing stuff and say that it smells good. SO many are ignorant about fragrance being bad for skin.

So great to hear we should avoid oil! I try it again and again because the ‘experts’ say its good, but it always brings out more spots! Will be pairing back my routine. X

I tried a foaming of cleanser only once and i have to say sure my makeup was gone but also my akin moisture. My skin felt soo dry and the sides of my face were almost flaky. Learned my lesson.

Foam cleansers are the best for my skin! Due to the fact I have oily skin so it’s perfectly fine

I agree with you about the trendy jumping-on-the-band-wagon oils but after struggling for years with mild/moderate acne, I can't tell you how much the Oil Cleansing method changed my life for the better. I just use pure oils, non comedogenic - hazelnut oil or sweet almond oil. Even after 7 years I still look in the mirror and am amazed I have clear skin now. 😊 I had a terrible reaction to some makeup which blocked every pore on my chin, after 4 months I was despairing, I discovered the Oil Cleansing method just using sweet almond oil and I had results overnight, it's been the best thing I've ever done for my acne prone skin.

The way you move around when you talk is so beautiful and graceful

Living in a dry climate (Colorado USA) make me a fan of oils as I mentioned in another comment. I also enjoy very fine gentle physical exfoliation all over my body followed by a good dose of moisture. Lancer is one of my favorites. My MD husband swears by spray sunscreen (I use lotion/cream, and EltaMD is my go to). He rubs it in, though. He believes spray sunscreen is easier to apply to his hairy legs, and he never burns despite being fair and blue eyed. I definitely agree with using fragrance free products even outside my skincare routine.