Listening

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Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. an influencer
    • ex. Fitness influencers show videos of their exercises and food on Instagram.
  2. skincare
    • ex. She uses several skincare products, like cream and soap, to keep her face clean and soft.
  3. dermatology
    • ex. John visits a dermatology clinic to get advice about a scar on his skin.
  4. moisturize
    • ex. Pia moisturizes her face after a shower to make it smooth and healthy.
  5. efficacy
    • ex. Scientists studied the efficacy of the medicine to find out if it really stops the pain.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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These days, many influencers on TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram show skincare routines that have several steps. They often use expensive products that they say can make the skin soft or reduce skin lines. But are these routines really needed? Do they actually work?

Dr. Kathleen Suozzi, a professor of dermatology, says social media is pushing people to try too many products. She explained that everyone is acting like their own doctor and trying to test many things on their own skin. But doctors say many popular skincare products are not needed. Some products don’t do anything for the skin, while some even cause problems. Experts agree on a simple routine: use a gentle cleanser, moisturize the skin to keep it soft, and use sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Using too many products can hurt sensitive skin.

More expensive products don’t always mean better results. Dr. Jordan Lim explains, “Price does not equal efficacy.” The same ingredient can be found in a cheap cream and also in a very expensive cream. Doctors also warn against unusual ideas that many influencers use, such as using cow fat on your face.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Skincare

  • What do you think is the best way to take care of your skin? Discuss.
  • Dr. Suozzi said everyone is acting like their own doctor and trying to test many things on their own skin. Why do you think people do this? Discuss.
  • Dr. Lim says, “Price does not equal efficacy” when it comes to skincare products. Do you agree with him? Why or why not? Discuss.

Influencers on Social Media

  • Do you think people can trust skincare advice from social media influencers? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Social media influencers often encourage people to buy many skincare products. Do you think this is helpful or harmful? Why? Discuss.
  • Many social media influencers share details about their life and promote products online. Do you think influencers share these things mainly to help people or to make money? Why? Discuss.