Should you even bother seeing a dermatologist in 2026? With prescription skincare apps, social media advice, and endless product recommendations online, it is harder than ever to tell what is skincare and what is actually medicine.
In this video, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dray breaks down the difference between cosmetic skincare products, over-the-counter medications, and prescription treatments. You will learn why the line between them feels so blurry, how to tell what category a product really falls into, and when it is time to stop guessing and see a dermatologist.
If you have ever felt confused walking down the skincare aisle or scrolling online, this video is for you.
⏱️ Timestamps
0:00 Intro
Is this skincare or is this medicine?
1:45 The three categories of topical products
Cosmetics vs OTC medications vs prescriptions
2:05 Cosmetic skincare products
What they do, what they cannot do, and how they support healthy skin
4:27 Over-the-counter medications
How they differ from cosmetics and how to identify them on labels
8:49 Prescription medications
Why some skin conditions require medical treatment
10:48 Why the line feels so blurry
Marketing terms, packaging, and social media confusion
14:48 When OTC treatment is reasonable
And how seeing a dermatologist helps
19:12 Red flags you should see a dermatologist
19:38 Closing and call to action
Key takeaways from this video:
• Cosmetic skincare supports the skin barrier and overall skin health but does not treat disease
• OTC medications are drugs, even when they look like skincare
• Prescription medications are more targeted and require medical guidance
• Many treatment plans include a mix of cosmetics, OTC products, and prescriptions
• Seeing a dermatologist provides clarity, diagnosis, and a more efficient treatment plan
If this video helped clear things up, consider liking, subscribing, or sharing it.
Leave a comment below. Have you ever been surprised to learn that something you were using was actually a medication?
FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links.
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Disclaimer: This video is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided on this Youtube channel is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this Youtube channel should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The statements made about specific products throughout this video are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
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