In a world of ever-increasing luxury skincare gadgets and products, maybe mother knew best after all? At least, that is what board-certified dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky said in a now-viral video in which she listed her favorite “grandma” trademarked lotions and potions.
The viral Instagram video urged viewers not to overlook so‑called “grandma skincare,” and has amassed hundreds of thousands of viewers. Zubritsky said the nostalgia is well earned.
Shared under @dermguru on March 31, the post has racked up almost 500,000 views to date. In it, the dermatologist and social-media creator reacts to another viral clip in which a woman suggested people stop dismissing the simple, old‑school products their grandmothers once swore by.
“I’ve been present on social media for almost six years now, using the platforms as a way to educate, debunk myths, and demystify skincare and dermatology,” Zubritsky, 38, told Newsweek.
Her video spotlights affordable, accessible skincare staples at a time when the beauty market is saturated with expensive serums, multitasking actives and viral launches promising overnight results. To many, it feels like a new peptide gel is rolled out every day, and for good reason; this year, the skincare market is projected to generate a revenue of $204 billion worldwide, and it is expected to experience annual growth on top of that. In the clip, Zubritsky, who is based on the Gulf Coast, wastes no time making her case.
“I am begging you not to sleep on grandma skincare,” she told viewers. “As a board‑certified dermatologist, there are four products that your grandma used that will transform your skin.”
Zubritsky’s Favorite ‘Grandma’ Skincare Staples
First on her list is Vaseline, the petroleum jelly long praised for its ability to seal in moisture on different parts of the body. Next comes Pond’s cold cream, a decades‑old cleanser that continues to hold shelf space in drugstores. She then gestures broadly to Gold Bond products, adding that there is “not a skin problem [they] can’t resolve.” Rounding out the list is Olay, once known as Oil of Olay, a brand many in Generation Z associate with the bathroom vanities of past generations rather than trending TikTok beauty routines.
Beyond those four staples, Zubritsky also pointed to other legacy products she still relies on at home.
“Dove’s beauty bar is one of the OG skincare products that grandma used, and it’s fantastic, it’s a staple in my household,” she said. “It’s technically not a true soap, because it’s less drying and stripping to the skin barrier.
“It’s moisturizing and great for acne or eczema‑prone skin,” Zubritsky added.
She also highlighted Nivea creams as a budget‑friendly alternative to glossy, high‑end moisturizers.
“This is a fantastic ‘dupe’ for more expensive moisturizer for drugstore prices,” Zubritsky said. “The product is thick, iconic, and works great for really dry spots on both the face and body.”
The appeal of these products, she added, goes beyond their ingredients list. As skincare discourse becomes more complex, scientific and commercialized in a way that can overwhelm the average customer, many consumers are finding comfort in routines that feel simple, familiar and financially achievable.
“I’ve learned that people love practicality, nostalgia, hacks, and affordability, so I’m not surprised that this post has hit home for so many,” Zubritsky said. “So many people have a love and respect for their grandmother and can absolutely appreciate her skincare routine.”
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