And the Products That Actually Work
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting skincare advice, Dr. Shereene Idriss’ Skin Health MasterClass is the refreshingly honest deep-dive you didn’t know you needed. Grounded in science, clarity, and her signature "no B.S." style, Dr. Idriss breaks down skin truths that actually stick.
Here are the Top 5 Tips from the MasterClass—along with the Dr. Idriss products that help bring those lessons to life.
1. You Only Need to Wash Your Face Once a Day
“The reality is you just need to cleanse your face once a day.”
It’s easy to think more cleansing = cleaner skin, but that’s not always the case. Unless you’re excessively oily or acne-prone, washing with water in the morning and cleansing at night is more than enough. Over-cleansing can compromise your skin barrier, leading to irritation, dryness, and breakouts.
Use: Soft Wash
This gentle, pH-balanced cleanser was formulated with barrier health in mind. It melts away makeup, excess oil, and impurities at night without leaving your skin tight or dry. Think of it as your evening reset, especially if you live in a city or wear SPF and makeup during the day.
2. Wear the Damn Sunscreen
“Contrary to popular belief, it is not you aging that is going to make your skin look older—it is the sun.”
Sun exposure is the number one cause of premature aging, dark spots, and textural changes. If you’re skipping SPF, you’re basically undoing all the benefits of your fancy skincare products.
Pro Tip from Dr. Idriss: Apply SPF 50+ every morning—rain or shine—and reapply every 2 hours if you're outdoors. Sunscreen is not seasonal, and no, your makeup with SPF 15 doesn’t count.
(Stay tuned—Dr. Idriss has an SPF product coming soon.)
3. You Need a Multi-Ingredient Approach for Dark Spots
“Vitamin C alone is not the answer to discoloration.”
Hyperpigmentation is stubborn. It needs a multi-pronged approach to fade—and stay gone. That means going beyond just vitamin C and tapping into ingredients like niacinamide, licorice root, and arbutin that work in synergy to calm, brighten, and balance melanin production.
Use: Major Fade Hyper Serum
This powerhouse serum is your dark spot defense system in a bottle. It layers seamlessly under SPF and moisturizer, targeting melasma, post-acne marks, and general uneven tone. It’s brightening, without being irritating—and it plays well with other actives.
4. Exfoliate—But Don’t Overdo It
“Rule number one: exfoliate at night. Rule number two: don’t exfoliate every night of the week.”
Exfoliation helps slough away dead skin and reveal your natural glow—but more isn’t more. Overexfoliation can lead to redness, peeling, and long-term barrier damage. Timing and frequency are everything.
Use: Major Fade Flash Mask
This is your three-times-a-week glow-up. With glycolic, lactic, and tranexamic acids, this mask resurfaces dull skin, helps fade discoloration, and refines texture—all while respecting your skin barrier. Apply, chill for 10-15 minutes, and rinse for instantly brighter skin by bedtime.
5. Your Lips Are Skin, Too—Treat Them Right
“When it comes to your lips, you should be thinking of ‘what’s the problem with my lips’ in addition to ‘what am I using.’”
Flaky? Cracked? Irritated? Most of us reach for the nearest balm and call it a day. But Dr. Idriss wants you to go deeper. Lips need targeted care—especially since they don’t have oil glands to protect themselves.
Use: Barrier Baste Lip Basting Duo
This is not your average lip exfoliator and balm. They exfoliate, hydrate, and leaves your lips soothed—without stickiness. Use the Duo nightly to keep your pout soft and protected, especially during colder months.
Final Thoughts from the MasterClass
Dr. Idriss doesn’t just teach skincare—she teaches skin sense. Her philosophy? Do less, but do it smarter. With the right ingredients, proper timing, and a consistent routine, healthy, radiant skin is within reach.
And remember: good skin takes consistency and patience, but the right products can make the wait worth it.
