If it’s one thing that we should all know by now, it’s that we should not believe everything we see or read on the internet. With that being said, it’s important to question certain trends that we see online, especially when it involves skincare... After all, if the internet is not always a reliable source, why should we trust it with something as precious as our skin? So the next time your favorite YouTuber or TikToker shares the skincare routine that “everyone keeps asking about,” be sure to do your own research before attempting any of these trends.
Below are a list of current skincare trends that should be avoided:
Homemade Scrubs
The idea of making an exfoliating facial scrub with items you already have at home is very appealing because who doesn’t want to save money on expensive products. Whether it’s a coffee scrub or sugar scrub, these viral skincare hacks may be causing more harm than good. Using abrasive ingredients that were not formulated to exfoliate can cause microtears in the top layer of skin, leaving it vulnerable to damage.
Yes, incorporating exfoliants into your skincare routine may be a great way to remove dead skin, but let’s stick with products that were formulated to exfoliate the skin safely.
Blackhead Vacuums
As satisfying as these videos can be, using an at-home blackhead vacuum is only a temporary fix that can actually be harmful to your skin. Pore vacuums are available at many aestheticians’ offices, but unless you are properly trained, you can bruise your skin or even develop telangiectasias, a skin condition that causes small “hickey-like,” broken blood vessels in the skin.
So yes, as annoying as blackheads can be, even when they are vacuumed, it is a temporary fix that may cause harm. So if you have been considering purchasing a blackhead vacuuming device, you may want to consider the damage that it can do.
Toothpaste Spot Treatments for Pimples
This one has been around before viral skincare trends were even a thing. In fact, I remember plenty of people “advising” me to use toothpaste as a spot treatment when I was a teenager. Not quite sure where or how this myth started but it has started to gain renewed interest thanks to TikTok, YouTube, and Pinterest.
Though toothpaste may not cause permanent or severe damage, it can be irritating to your skin. Keep in mind that toothpaste was formulated to clean your teeth and not your skin, so a lot of the chemicals can be very harsh for the surface of your skin.
If you want a pimple spot treatment, skip the toothpaste and try products that are gentle enough to use on your face.
Lemon Rub
This skincare hack claims that by simply rubbing a lemon on your face after cleansing, you will notice brighter, clearer skin. Some videos say to use it as a toner while others suggest to add honey and clean your face with it, either way, this is another trend that should be skipped.
The idea suggests that lemons provide the same benefits as expensive brightening serums because both are high in Vitamin C and acidity. Although that is technically true, high levels of acidity can cause irritation and strip your skin of its natural protective barrier. Keep the lemons off your face and opt for a brightening serum or toner that was formulated for your face.
DIY Microneedling
Microneedling, when performed by a professional, can be a great way to rejuvenate your skin. Microneedling works by delivering micro-injuries to the top layer of the skin to stimulate your body’s natural healing process, in hopes of increasing collagen and elastin production. Although some people swear by microneedling, it’s important to note that unless performed by a certified aesthetician, microneedling can really damage the top layer of the skin. We suggest leaving this procedure to the professionals.
Listen, we get it...we totally understand the desire to stumble upon skincare secrets and hacks that can save you time and money, but it’s important to do your research or talk to your dermatologist before trying harsh or invasive treatments at home.
If you are looking for a skincare trend to follow try incorporating collagen peptides into your daily routine - it’s simple and safe! We recommend trying our Collagen Hydrolysate, which helps to promote and maintain healthy skin...and I don’t know about you, but that sounds easier and way more effective than rubbing toothpaste or lemon on your face.
