TikTok has become more than just a place to learn viral dances and songs. For many beauty enthusiasts, it has become a platform to share valuable beauty hacks that have come in handy while we’re living in a stay-at-home world.
While some pros have put their stamp of approval on some of the latest makeup tips from this app, there are other beauty trends that have proven to be ineffective, or worse, deemed unsafe by dermatologists and licensed aestheticians.
To avoid endangering your health or having beauty-related mishaps, steer clear of these dangerous TikTok skincare tips that are currently trending on the social media app.
Face Shaving or Dermaplaning
Lately, women have taken to shaving off their facial hair as this TikTok beauty hack promises to make skin brighter, make foundation and other skin products go on smoother, and help to get rid of dead skin cells.
However, that peach fuzz on your face is actually useful to give your skin a smoother look as it creates a blurring effect, so getting rid of it can highlight scars, dark spots, and other skin imperfections. Moreover, it can result in thicker and coarser hair regrowth, which means that you’ll have to shave frequently if you want your skin to remain hair-free.
Dermatologists also say that dermaplaning is not for everyone, especially if you have adult or cystic acne or rosacea as shaving your face could further irritate your skin. If you have excessive facial hair on your upper lip or chin, you can get rid of it through laser hair removal. As for the barely noticeable fuzz on your cheeks, it may be best to leave it alone.
Contouring with Sunscreen
Another TikTok beauty hack that is causing concern among experts is the sunscreen hack. This beauty tip involves applying sunscreen only on the high points of your face, such as the tip of your nose and the tops of your cheekbones, then sunbathing to get a natural contour.
People under acne treatment should avoid this incorrect, harmful skincare tip at all times. The best retinaldehyde serums, benzoyl peroxide gels, tretinoin creams, and other highly potent and effective acne topicals can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sun exposure and stress. Applying sunscreen as a contour makes you more susceptible to sun damage, causing short-term effects such as irritation and burning, as well as long-term consequences like increased chances of developing skin cancer.
However, not putting on sunscreen before sun exposure can result in skin ageing, discolouration, and even melanoma or skin cancer. So for your health and safety, skip this trend and keep using your favourite bronzer to sculpt your face.
DIY Mole Removal
Do-it-yourself mole removal has become a trend on TikTok as there are hundreds of videos on the app that show people scraping or burning off their moles at home. But according to experts, removing your own moles can be dangerous as it can lead to scarring or deformity of the area.
Mole removal should only be done by a dermatologist or a qualified professional, so leave your beauty marks alone and schedule an appointment with your doctor if you truly want to get rid of them.
TikTok can be a source of great entertainment, but don’t let it be your main resource for skincare advice. Be wary of the beauty tips shared on social media, and when in doubt, always consult a professional to ensure your skin’s health and your overall wellbeing.
Making Your Skincare Routine Too Complicated
TikTok is the perfect platform to share one’s daily life, particularly how everyone’s self-care routine. Many influencers introduce tons of skincare products to their followers mainly for the sake of education and inspiration, but some go overboard and send the wrong message.
Skincare isn’t about layering ten products on your skin every night, but it’s about using fewer products that are right for your skin. Ideally, having three to four products in your stash can be enough, including a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
By layering too many skincare products, more ingredients are seeping into your skin and interacting with one another, thus increasing your chances of irritation and clogging of pores. Also, introducing new products on your skin all at once, especially those with active ingredients, may impair your skin barrier.
