Social media is riddled with beauty tips, tricks, and hacks, promising eternal youth and a glowing complexion. From homemade remedies to special diets, we have all been down the road of buying into the hype and being influenced to try certain products or tools. Unfortunately, a lot of the time these “secret remedies” hold no legitimate health or beauty benefits.
Below, I debunk popular TikTok beauty trends that many have been tempted to try.
Debunking Popular TikTok Beauty Trends
Slugging
This K-Beauty skincare trend, which has gone viral, includes coating your face in petrolatum or Vaseline, the aim of this process is to treat dehydrated skin by locking in moisture overnight.
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels
This does work to some extent, as an occlusive agent like Vaseline provides a barrier to transepidermal water loss. It, therefore, locks the moisturizing ingredients in the skin. However, I would not use the occlusive agent as the sole moisturizer.
This trick works well in the winter months and for people that suffer from dry skin. However, if you have sensitive, or acne-prone skin, this is a trend that you should stay clear of.
Sunscreen contouring
Firstly, applying sunscreen is a step that should never be skipped. The trend was making the rounds on social media over the summer, where sunscreen is applied to certain areas of the face as a way of keeping skin lighter, while everywhere else is left unprotected to tan, achieving a contoured tanning effect and definition.
This approach will work to a certain degree for the intended purpose of making certain areas slightly lighter and others more tanned. However, one does tan through an SPF, so the covered skin parts will eventually tan as well. Leaving certain parts of the skin exposed will lead to an increased risk of cancer in the unprotected areas and acceleration of aging.
My advice is to give this one a miss, instead use a good bronzer to achieve a perfect contour.
Sandpaper shaving
This trend encourages women to use sandpaper to shave their legs. Although this is a cheap alternative for hair removal, I advise that you do not try this at home.
G-Stock Studio
This technique can lead to severe damage to the skin. Not only will it damage your skin, it simply won’t work. The hair follicle is too tightly adhered to allow the hair to be removed with sandpaper.
Chlorophyll water
Chlorophyll is a pigment that gives plants their green color, and it helps them create food through photosynthesis. It is currently having its moment in the world of wellness. It is said that this magic ingredient detoxifies the body and helps reduce acne in the process. Chlorophyll water is the green-colored water that has been popping up on social media timelines.
Studies are very limited when it comes to chlorophyll water. Based on the ones that I have come across, the number of participants has consisted of 10 people or fewer, which is a very small sample group. That being said, there’s no real conclusion when it comes to the benefits of chlorophyll water for acne or the skin.
Double cleansing
This trend might be the most popular one out of the lot. Many TikTokers have recommended adding a cleansing balm or cleansing oil to your skin routine. This needs to be incorporated as the first step of your double cleanse.
I can confirm that this technique does work, and many people prefer a double cleanse approach. It usually involves cleansing with a toner or a gentle cream or oil-based cleanser, followed by a regular, more exfoliating cleanser.
This technique removes stubborn makeup and sunscreen and also breaks down excess oil.
De-puffing with jade rollers and gua sha
The jade roller and the gua sha are arguably the most popular beauty tools that everyone wants to own. It is important to note that there is a difference between these two tools. The jade roller’s main benefit is lymphatic drainage, whereas the gua sha is to be used as a facial release massage tool.
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels
There are no scientific studies that I can find that show the benefits of using a jade roller or gua sha. However, numerous people highly recommend it for improving circulation and increasing serum or cream absorption.
Although this trend might not be backed by science, this is still something that many could get behind as this process feels relaxing and soothing.
Takeaway
The bottom line is not to believe everything that is seen on social media. It is important to do proper research or ask a professional.
Visit the Skin Miles website and sign up for a free Face2Face Assessment. You will receive personal recommendations from me for your skin type or skin concern.
