From sunscreen contouring for a “naturally snatched” look to swishing around hydrogen peroxide for whiter teeth, viral TikTok beauty trends are a fast-spreading force to be reckoned with–but are all of these tips, tricks, and “hacks” safe? Short answer, no. Aesthetician Waleed Taleb from Vera Clinic, the leading cosmetic surgery hospital in Europe, broke down six viral TikTok beauty trends to avoid and revealed why they might actually be harmful to your skin. A reminder that it’s always important to consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider before blindly jumping onto the next beauty trend.
Slugging
With 117.1 million views on TikTok, slugging (coating your face in Vaseline overnight) has quickly become a popular moisturising method for people looking to get “glass skin.” According to Waleed Taleb, this viral beauty trend is closely linked to clogged pores and causes serious breakouts.
Gua Sha Massage
A Gua Sha massager is a tool made of crystal, such as rose quartz or jade. It is often used daily at the end of a skincare routine in order to achieve benefits like improved elasticity, smoother skin, and reversed signs of ageing. However, there is little evidence to back up these claims, according to Waleed Taleb. The porous surface on some Gua Sha massagers and facial rollers have also been linked to breakouts.
Skin Icing
Popularised for its potential to depuff your skin and leave it with a nice glow, skin icing has risen to popularity on TikTok with over 10.3 million views. The method of skin icing (putting ice in a bag and rubbing it on your skin) is not a dangerous viral skin hack, but it’s also not recommended by professionals. Ice pressed against the skin for extended periods of time increases redness in your complexion and can sting the skin.
DIY Face Masks
Although DIY facemasks don’t typically include harmful ingredients, they are often made with granules used to exfoliate the skin that has pointed or rough edges. When rubbed against your soft facial tissue, these rough granules leave the face red and raw afterwards. Waleed Taleb recommends skipping the DIY face masks if possible and opting for a storebought exfoliator.
Microneedling
With over 364.9 million views, microneedling is one of TikTok’s most popular viral beauty trends. The beauty treatment uses a derma roller to puncture the skin with tiny needles in order to stimulate collagen production. It’s popular for its firming and toning effects on the skin and is widely considered safe. However, it does come with substantial risks that should be considered before trying. The serum used during the procedure can cause allergic reactions and the wounds caused by the needles can become infected if not cleaned properly.
Toothpaste On Spots
Ever heard of this at-home remedy for spots? This viral TikTok beauty trend consists of applying a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to spots overnight in order to dry them out. Although there are drying properties found in toothpaste, our aesthetician’s advice for this “hack” is that it isn’t worth the risk as it’s linked to skin irritation and isn’t all that beneficial for overall skin health.
Explore Vera Clinic’s website for more information on skin health.
