TikTok Skincare Trends – What to avoid?

There’s no denying, TikTok, a recent video-sharing social network, has taken the world by storm. Whether it’s starting a trend, teaching daily life hacks, learning to play a new instrument, and even renovating a house, there is a content fit for everyone’s taste. It successfully captured a wide array of users━ ranging from kids, to their parents to even grannies! Its easy-to-use features enabled everyone to create short videos even without experience.

Awareness of the dreaded products containing harsh exfoliants, alcohols, and fragrances, such as the popular ones back in the day, is now being frowned upon. Natural skincare products are starting to gain popularity as more people are now informed about which ingredient is harmful or beneficial for the skin, thanks to the internet.

Unfortunately, there’s also this ugly side of TikTok. Since it doesn’t take a pro to create content, several clips may not be 100% factual all the time. Misinformation is common, and newbies looking for a routine may fall victim to “skinfluencers” claiming #Hacks and start trends that, often, do quite the opposite for the skin.

Here’s a list of some of the skincare trends to avoid on TikTok and why.

1. DIY Tanning Oil

For a long time, people thought that wrinkles and skin aging naturally comes as we become older. It has been proven that sun exposure is the number one cause of premature skin aging. People who expose themselves to the sun are actually damaging their skin, especially without SPF products or protective clothing. Baby oil attracts UV rays and makes the skin absorb them faster. Think of skin damage, but accelerate it! So what’s the safest way to tan? Any form of prolonged sun exposure can cause skin damage, and dermatologists agree that tanning is simply not healthy. 

2. Sunscreen Contouring

Basically, the female who started this trend applied an SPF 30 in her whole face as a base and SPF 90 on the areas where you would usually put your highlighter on. Hypothetically, this would produce a natural contour from the uneven protection from the sun. Though this may result in a temporary tan line, it could also leave permanent skin damage. Use an appropriate Sun Protection Factor (SPF) for your skin and sun exposure duration. As mentioned above, tanning is nowhere healthy for the skin. 

3. Over Exfoliation

The process of exfoliation removes dead skin cells and oil build-up, revealing the new and healthy layers of the skin. However, a lot of videos on TikTok show aggressive use of physical and chemical peels, if not both at the same time. This could potentially wreck your skin barrier, resulting in either flaky, dry skin or excessive sebum production and acne. A general guide on how frequently you should exfoliate is around 2-3x per week, depending on one’s skin type and tolerance. Redness, irritation, and burning sensation are some of the immediate signs you’ve overdone your exfoliation.

4. Pore Vacuums & Nose Pore Strips

These products claim to remove whiteheads, blackheads, or other gunk from your face. Since whiteheads and blackheads are congested hair follicles, the solution must be able to treat the actual skin issue. Products containing AHA/ BHA, salicyclic acid, and retinoids, paired with a good cleanser and moisturizer, can help in a long-term solution. Not to mention pore strips and pore vacuums are painful and may cause irritation following usage.

5. Instant Acne Removal

Products that claim to remove pimples are definitely fake as they need quite some time to dry and flatten. It’s a marketing strategy used to entice viewers to buy their products, promising instant results. On a careful inspection, there’s also heavy use of a blurring filter and fake gunk. Instead, another TikTok trend, the hydrocolloid patches, can be a more effective and realistic alternative. They help absorb oil and pus from the acne, accelerating the drying and healing process.

6. Fake Freckles

Fake freckles can be achieved by using make-up or if you want a longer-lasting method, use a henna tattoo. This trend really depends on your personal preference. Some people would want to hide their freckles with make-up, and some wear it proudly as a badge for sun exposure. It can be a great alternative for people who want freckles minus the sun damage. Just don’t forget to do a skin patch test before applying it to the rest of your face.  

7. DIY Microneedling

Microneedling, also known as dermarolling, makes use of a tool with needles rolled onto the surface of the skin to stimulate the production of new collagen. In the process, microtears are formed in the skin, and the body’s wound-healing processes come in. As a result, the body’s skin heals. Scar tissue remodeling can improve skin elasticity, skin tone and reduce wrinkles and fine lines when performed correctly. 

Since it’s usually performed by trained professionals, doing this at home can be risky. Bruising and swelling may result from excessive use of pressure and infection if the device is not sanitized properly. Although there are many success stories, this procedure is best left to the qualified hands of professionals.

8. Slugging

Slugging is the process of applying a layer of occlusive, such as a petroleum product, on the skin as the final step of a skincare routine. The claimed benefits include sealing all of the products used for better absorption and helps retain moisture. Though as good as it may sound, it’s not suited for everyone. People with particularly oily and acne-prone skin may experience clogged pores and even breakouts.

Bottomline

Some TikTok trends are helpful and informative. There are registered dermatologists and estheticians on TikTok who give professional advice. However, these tips cannot guarantee results because they only serve as a general recommendation. Glowing skin is a sign of good health. A holistic approach should also include lifestyle changes. These include daily exercise, coupled with healthy meals, adequate sleep, and hydration. Seek professional advice to help formulate a skincare routine based on your skin type and needs. Combine these tips to get that healthy, glowing skin from within! 

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