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New York Post
10 hours ago
- Health
- New York Post
MasterClass Skin Health series review: Why it's worth taking
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Whether you're new to skincare or have your seven-step lineup on lock, it can still be overwhelming to absorb all there is to know. You've got serums that tingle (but not in a good way), a drawer full of abandoned eye creams, and influencers telling you to smear snail goo on your face while chanting affirmations. Luckily, there's a new online series that'll make you think twice before selecting your moisturizer or tending to your morning routine. Enter Skin Health, the newest original series from MasterClass, here to rescue your face — and your wallet — from the chaos. Instead of pushing more products or promising dewy a litany of products you may not need, this series *actually* teaches you how skin works. Awesome, right? 'This class gives you science-backed facts straight from board-certified dermatologists and a cosmetic chemist. Whether you're battling breakouts, fine lines, eczema, or just overwhelmed by products, these 20 bite-size episodes cover every skin type and concern,' Ron Robinson, cosmetic chemist, founder of the skincare brand BeautyStat, and one of the instructors for this MasterClass, exclusively shared with Post Wanted. You'll learn what works, what's hype, and how to build a routine that *actually* delivers. MasterClass The cast? Absolute icons. You've got Dr. Shereene Idriss (aka, the internet's beloved #PillowtalkDerm), Dr. Michelle Henry, Dr. April Armstrong, and cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson. Translation: no influencers and no sponsored hype that can be confusing to debunk. It's just straight talk from people who know what they're doing and have receipts. And by receipts, we mean degrees, research and decades of experience. They've seen your skin struggles a million times, and they're here to help, as noted in the course's trailer. What is MasterClass? MasterClass is like getting a backstage pass to the lives and minds of some of the world's biggest icons. Only, instead of just watching, you get to learn from them. Imagine cooking alongside Gordon Ramsay, picking up tennis tips from Serena Williams, or diving into storytelling with Martin Scorsese, all from the comfort of your couch. It's not your typical boring online class; it's more like a VIP masterclass in passion, creativity, and hustle, wrapped up in glossy, cinematic videos that feel like mini-movies. What really hooks people is how these legends teach skills and share their stories and their mindset; the kind of advice you can't find in textbooks. It's inspiring, aspirational, and sometimes even life-changing if you let it be. That said, MasterClass isn't some magic wand for instantly turning you into a pro overnight. It's more about sparking your curiosity and motivation than handing you a step-by-step blueprint. I've been reviewing the platform for years, and I always look forward to learning something new. The classes can feel a bit like watching a well-made documentary— lots of cool insights but not always the nitty-gritty details or practice drills you might want. But if you're hungry for inspiration, love learning from the best in the biz, and enjoy a beautifully crafted video experience, MasterClass nails it. It's education with a glam twist, perfect for dreamers who want to peek behind the curtain and soak up some serious star power. About the Class Dr. Idriss kicks things off with a truth bomb: 'Any tan is sun damage.' Ouch. That summer glow you loved in 2017? Yeah…it was your skin screaming for help. She breaks down sunscreen in a way that makes sense: what kind to buy, how to layer it with makeup, and why it's non-negotiable (yes, even if your melanin is poppin'). Then Dr. Michelle Henry comes in, absolutely glowing with expertise, and talks about everything from hair loss to aging to why that fancy 'glow serum' probably isn't doing anything. Her specialty? Skin of color. And she brings the kind of knowledge that makes you side-eye 80% of the products you've bought on impulse. 'The skincare space is often overwhelming and cluttered with misinformation,' Dr. Henry exclusively shared with me. 'By educating people on the why behind ingredients and routines, we empower them to make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary damage or expense.' The goal of this class? To help you cut through the noise and create a routine that's grounded in science and tailored to your individual needs and lifestyle. Feeling squeaky clean? You may not want to be. Dr. April Armstrong shows up next to casually ruin your beloved hot showers. Apparently, all that steamy goodness is slowly cooking your skin barrier. Her advice? Lukewarm water, gentle cleansers and stop scrubbing like you're preparing your skin for battle. Also, your scalp? It's begging for attention. She'll explain, but you have to take the class to learn more. 'The most important takeaway from this course is that you'll feel more empowered and confident in taking care of your skin,' Dr. Armstrong exclusively shared with me. 'By the end, you'll have the knowledge to make thoughtful choices about your skincare routine, without feeling confused or overwhelmed by all the options out there. You'll gain a clear understanding of what your skin truly needs and how to support it, whether you're dealing with dryness, breakouts, or simply aiming to maintain healthy, youthful skin.' And then there's Ron Robinson, the chemist with the tea. He's formulated products for brands you've definitely drooled over, and now he's here to tell you what's actually worth your money. Spoiler: it's not always the $98 serum with a dropper and French label. Robinson breaks down ingredient lists like he's a detective, and it's pretty neat. My review The whole series is made up of 20 short episodes. Think: skincare Netflix binge, minus the drama and with actual benefits. Whether you're dealing with acne, eczema, mystery bumps, or you're just tired of your skin gaslighting you, Skin Health has something for you. The tone is chill, the advice is gold, and the experts treat you like a smart human, not a walking marketing target. And yes, I watched the whole thing. It started as 'just one episode before bed,' and five hours later, I was questioning my skincare routine. This was an interesting part of the class. As much as I slather on serums and dollop on moisturizers, this MasterClass proves that there's always something to learn in the skincare industry — even for someone who works full time in beauty. The next morning, I felt a bit more adept and swift at my routine. I appreciated the experts who took the time to share awareness on the skincare industry on one of the best online learning platforms (that I've been reviewing for years). Here are some takeaways and key learnings I've jotted down from taking this course: What are some things a MasterClass member will learn in this class? How to identify my skin type and unique needs The science behind common ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, and peptides (my favorite part!) How to read product labels and avoid harmful trends How to build a routine for morning and night How internal health and lifestyle factors influence the skin Specific guidance for treating acne, hyperpigmentation, aging, and sensitive skin 'I'm honored to be part of this class on MasterClass. As a dermatologist, my passion is educating and empowering people to take better care of their skin. When you understand how your skin works and what it needs, skincare becomes less overwhelming and more intentional, effective, and even enjoyable. I hope that this course helps you feel more confident in your daily routine and better equipped to make choices that truly support your skin's health.' Dr. April Armstrong, board-certified dermatologist and MasterClass instructor Pros One of the best aspects of this course, as is the case with every MasterClass online program, is its expert-led instruction. The course is taught by board-certified dermatologists and a cosmetic chemist, ensuring that the information is credible and up-to-date. For instance, Dr. Idriss emphasizes the importance of daily SPF, regardless of skin tone, and provides practical advice on sunscreen application and layering with makeup There's also comprehensive coverage, which is excellent for beginners and years-long skincare users alike. The series delves into various aspects of skincare, including cleansing, moisturizing, anti-aging, retinol usage, and more. Each episode is concise, making it easy to digest complex topics without feeling overwhelmed. I found the course to have practical tips as well. The course offers actionable advice, such as how to build a personalized skincare routine, decode product labels, and identify ingredients worth investing in. This empowers viewers to make informed decisions about their skincare products and routines. With episodes ranging from 10 to 20 minutes, the course is designed to fit into busy schedules, too. Additionally, MasterClass offers downloadable guides and offline viewing options, and I always find this to enhance the learning experience. Cons Because of how great this class was, there aren't too many cons. However, access to the series requires a MasterClass subscription, which may be a barrier for some users. While the subscription provides access to all classes, the cost may not be justified for those interested in skincare content alone. There's also limited engagement in the class, unlike some other models. Unlike some other platforms, MasterClass courses are pre-recorded and lack interactive elements like quizzes or community forums. This might limit opportunities for real-time feedback or discussion, though I didn't find it completely necessary to have this feature. Cost Access to this MasterClass series, along with the platform's roster of other expert-led classes, is $15 a month. From experience, it's certainly worth it, especially if you're passionate about growing your knowledge in a wealth of topics. The bottom line Overall, the 'Skin Health' series by MasterClass is a valuable resource for individuals seeking to improve their skincare knowledge and routines. Its expert-led instruction and comprehensive coverage make it suitable for both beginners and those looking to refine their existing practices. However, potential subscribers should consider the subscription cost and the desire for interactive learning before committing. This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what's truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria's latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored. Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted.
Daily Mirror
12-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Martin Lewis' warning to Brit holidaymakers over common luggage item
Sunscreen applied to the skin are designed to protect people from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays are harmful because they can damage skin cells, leading to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer Martin Lewis has urged holidaymakers to check their sunscreen bottles before heading away. The money -saving expert has turned his wisdom towards the world of travel cosmetics, offering a tip that could protect tourists' health this summer. Speaking on his Martin Lewis Podcast, he asked listeners if they knew whether or not their sun cream bottles were in date. While it may seem like a product that can sit at the back of a cupboard indefinitely without going off, that is not the case. Sun cream products have a shelf life, and they can become much less useful if they are out of date. Sunscreen applied to the skin is designed to protect people from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays are harmful because they can damage skin cells, leading to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. They can also cause eye damage, including cataracts and macular degeneration. Additionally, UV rays can suppress the immune system. Martin explained to his listeners why it's worth checking their sun cream bottles and consider throwing them away if they're out of date. "Just a quick tip on sunscreen. When you get your sunscreen, turn the bottle around because on the back you'll see a POA number," he said. POA stands for 'period after opening' and is typically 12 or 24 months. "[When you open the bottle] Put a little note of the date, write that onto the sunscreen and you'll know if you try to use it in a year's time whether it's still valid or not," Martin advised. Like most cosmetics, the ingredients in sunscreen degrade over time and become less effective once they do. Ron Robinson, cosmetic chemist and CEO of BeautyStat, told Vogue that most sun creams are formulated to last up to three years if unopened and stored in a cool, dry environment that is not in direct sunlight. Generally speaking, powdered sunscreen contains minerals that are more stable and longer-lasting, while liquid formulas will be less stable. According to Ron you might get lucky - some sunscreens can last longer than others. If the bottle is stored in a cool, dry place and shows no visible signs of degradation, it may still offer some protection. However, it is always best to use products that are within date.
NBC News
13-03-2025
- Health
- NBC News
Beauty expiration dates explained: How to determine whether or not your products are still safe to use
We don't always have the answers, but we have some people on speed dial who do — which is why we present to you our series FYI where we have experts explain how often you should wash your hair, whether or not you should use fluoride-free toothpaste and if lip balm is actually bad. As a beauty reporter, my bathroom is packed with skin care products I've tried, am currently trying or need to try. Every few weeks, I do a deep clean of all my items looking for formulas to toss and always find myself asking a few questions on repeat: Is this expired and safe to use? What if I haven't even opened it yet? How much longer do I have left to use this? If you're trying to decide whether or not you need to say goodbye to that moisturizer or serum you've been seeing in the corner of your bathroom, I spoke with cosmetic chemists and beauty founders about how to determine the shelf life of your items. We discussed whether there are hard-set rules to follow as it pertains to expiration dates, plus some tips and tricks for properly storing your favorite formulas. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. Do beauty products expire? Yes. Similar to food and medicine, skin care products have active ingredients that can go bad or lose their effectiveness over time, according to Dr. Shuting Hu, a cosmetic chemist and founder and CEO of Acaderma. Using products past the expiration date could harm or irritate your skin, leading to breakouts and more, she says. Sunscreens and acne formulas are two key products that tend to have active ingredients with firm expiration dates that will be disclosed on the packaging, according to Ron Robinson, a cosmetic chemist and founder and CEO of BeautyStat. Other products, like lip balms and toners, will have more wiggle room. How should you store your beauty products? The best way to maintain your beauty products is by storing them in cool, dry locations and tightening their lids and caps after each use, according to Robinson. Too much heat can shorten a product's shelf life, so you want to keep them in a cabinet, drawer, or closed box, says Hu. Some active ingredients, like vitamin C and retinol, might do better in the fridge because it can slow down the oxidation of these actives. But, it's always best to check the label for specific storage instructions to make sure your products last as long as possible, according to Hu. This set of stackable drawers, which has a 4.8-star average rating from over 210 reviews on Amazon, is perfect for people who have a lot of products and need to access everything quickly. The acrylic material lets you see which drawer has which products, and its design makes retrieving them easy. It has handles to pull the drawers out, and its track allows it to come out smoothly without getting stuck, according to the brand. If you prefer shorter or wider options than this set, the brand also makes them in three additional sizes — 3.5' H, 4.4' H and 6.6' H. Reviewers say this portable mini fridge is perfect for small spaces since it's on the more compact side. It can fit roughly six 12 oz. soda cans and is great for storing things like eye patches and individual sheet masks. It comes with a removable shelf, so you can still fit taller items inside. The fridge, which has a 4.4-star average rating from over 12,700 reviews on Amazon, also has two temperature settings (cool and warm), so you can easily alternate depending on what you store inside. One of the best ways to preserve your products is by keeping them in containers with a lid, like this option from Yamazaki, which has a 4.6-star average rating from over 140 reviews on Amazon. Its adjustable inner divider lets you customize the organizer's internal shape to best fit your products. Reviewers say that it's easy to clean using soap and a damp cloth. This six-liter (nine 12 oz. soda can capacity) mini fridge is large enough to hold your skin care and other necessities at a chilled temperature without taking too much room on your desk, vanity and more. Reviewers say it's relatively quiet and makes a very small yet noticeable noise, but it isn't loud to the point it disrupts conversations or interferes with TV and movie watching. It has a 4.0-star average rating from over 7,100 reviews on Amazon. How do you know the shelf life of a product? One of the key things to look for to determine how long you can use a beauty product is by looking at the period-after-opening symbol (PAO), which you'll see displayed as an open jar with a cap floating over it, according to Robinson. This translates to how many months, or how long the product will stay good after you open it, says Hu. There is usually a number and a 'M' next to the image indicating the number of months you have until the product expires. For example, '6M' means 6 months and '12M' means 12 months. What if the beauty product doesn't have a PAO symbol? 'I typically tell consumers that after they open products, the one-year clock starts,' says Robinson. 'After that time, you should toss it.' However, if it's an item that comes in close contact with the eye area (eye creams, mascaras and concealers), consider tossing it anywhere from 6 months to 1 year. If mold or bacteria gets in the eye, it can lead to a serious infection, says Robinson. Here's what else to consider when determining if you should throw a product away: Color change Odor change Textural change The formula is beginning to separate If the product is colored and you notice streaking If you have an unopened beauty product, do you still have to follow the expiration date? Unopened skin care products may last longer than opened ones, but they eventually expire even if you don't use them, says Hu. Expiration dates are there to provide a general timeline for best usage. If you've properly stored an unopened product, you can expect it to work fine up to the expiration date. 'I would recommend that you try to stay aware or remember when you first purchased and opened a product to ensure it is safe to use,' she says. If you're unsure, it's best to remain cautious and discard any products that may be expired or are nearing their expiration date. Do some beauty ingredients expire faster than others? Yes — some ingredients like pure vitamin C (L-Ascrobic Acid) can oxidize and expire quickly, says Robinson. Oxidation is the process when an ingredient loses electrons, which changes its chemical structure as a result of being exposed to air. How quickly a beauty item oxidizes depends on its ingredient makeup because they can all happen at different rates, according to Robinson. For example, vitamin C is 'very unstable and can begin oxidizing very quickly, whereas oils and butters may take a little longer,' says Robinson. 'Air-tight packaging may prolong the life of sensitive ingredients, but over time, the ingredients still oxidize. This process renders the product or ingredient ineffective and or changes the color and/or makes the odor go off.' Beauty expiration dates Here's a general rule of thumb our experts recommend following: Products with the highest risk of expiring quickly are water-containing formulas (they require the most preservation given bacteria, mold, and yeast grow in water environments) — this includes creams and lotions, according to Robinson. These water-based products will expire more quickly than oil-based products, according to Hu. Anhydrous (products that don't have water) products such as makeup powders are the least likely to be a microbial risk, according to Robinson. Also, products that are in pump bottles tend to last longer since they're less exposed to bacteria and oxygen. 'It's important to use your best judgment, and if something looks or smells off, it's time to throw it out,' says Hu. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? I'm an associate reporter covering new product launches, skin care, hair care and more, including recent stories on the best under-eye patches and the best lip masks. For this story, I interviewed two cosmetic chemists to learn more about beauty expiration dates and how to determine if your favorite products are still safe to use.
