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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

“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

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.

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.

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.

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.