New skin-care trends emerge on social media every day, promising glowing and youthful-looking skin. While some of these trends can be beneficial, others can be outright dangerous. To keep your skin healthy and safe, here are the skin-care trends to avoid, according to dermatologists.
Avoid: Sunscreen Contouring
One of the most dangerous and popular skin-care trends is sunscreen contouring. In 2020, a TikTok video of a woman using sunscreen to contour her face went viral, garnering over 1.9 million likes and 13.1 million views. While using sunscreen is essential for preventing skin damage and skin cancers, it is not a makeup product. Dermatologists warn against using sunscreen as a contouring product on select parts of the face, as it can compromise the long-term health of your skin. Instead, use makeup as a safer alternative.
Avoid: DIY Exfoliation Scrubs
Another dangerous trend is DIY exfoliation scrubs, mostly made from baking soda. While these scrubs may seem cheap and accessible, baking soda has a highly alkaline pH that can be harsh and disruptive to the skin’s barrier. Using these scrubs can lead to skin dryness, dermatitis, and even infections or rashes caused by micro-tears in your skin. For a safer alternative, incorporate chemical exfoliators like alpha-hydroxy acids, such as lactic or glycolic acid, or retinol into your regimen, or use a physical exfoliant from your local drugstore.
Avoid: At-Home Pore Vacuums
Pore vacuums have been trending on social media for the past few years, and while they can be effective when used correctly, they can lead to skin issues if used aggressively. Pore vacuums are suction-based devices that physically remove blockages from your follicles. However, if used incorrectly, pore vacuums can be very damaging to the skin, resulting in broken superficial capillaries, tears, scarring, and infection. Instead of pore vacuums, opt for noninvasive gentle exfoliation methods such chemical peels or resurfacing lasers in the office.
Avoid: Hyaluron Pens
Home-based hyaluron pens can be used to self-inject lip fillers, which can be very dangerous. These pens use high pressure to push supposedly hyaluronic acid into the skin, but the materials in the pen are not guaranteed to be hyaluronic acid. Moreover, using these devices without a comprehensive anatomy-guided approach poses a high risk for blood-vessel occlusions and skin necrosis, where the skin can permanently scar. If you want fuller-looking lips, consult your doctor or dermatologist about trying lip filler.
Avoid: At-Home Microneedling
Microneedling is a skin rejuvenation treatment using a derma roller to cause precise micro channel injuries to the skin. Skin is able to stimulate collagen production through these micro-injuries as it heals. While microneedling is a popular in-office treatment, at-home microneedling can lead to contact dermatitis, bacterial spread, infections, and permanent scarring. If you’re interested in this treatment, the safest option is to schedule an in-office treatment with a licensed professional who can adjust the needle depth according to your skin goals and perform the treatment in a sterile fashion.
In conclusion, these dangerous skin-care trends can do more harm than good to your skin’s health and appearance. Instead of following viral social media trends, consult with your dermatologist for safer and effective treatments that suit your skin’s needs.
