In this social media era there are some beauty trends which Dermatologists Don’t Recommend.
The beauty industry evolves at lightning speed. A new skincare secret, makeup tip or DIY
treatment appears every week on social media and guarantees you will have perfect skin in little
effort. Some trends are based on scientific evidence while others can do more harm than good.
What works for one influencer may not work for everyone, and following unverified advice can
lead to allergic reactions, skin irritation, and long-term skin damage.
Beauty trends that focus on overnight results rather than the health of the skin are often cautioned
against by dermatologists. Healthy skin doesn’t come from relying on viral tricks but through
consistency, evidence-based skincare and an understanding of your skin’s needs.
If you are wondering which social media beauty trends are best avoided, here are some of the
common DIY practices dermatologists don’t recommend.
1. DIY Lemon Juice for Brightening Skin
Along with having hundreds of uses, lemon juice is also used as a natural remedy for dark spots
and acne due to its citric acid and vitamin C content. However, applying lemon juice directly to
your skin can be harmful.
Lemon juice has a lower pH than healthy skin. This pH imbalance can disrupt the skin barrier,
leaving the skin red, irritated, with a burning sensation, and more sensitive to the sun’s rays. Lemon
juice can sometimes cause a painful skin reaction, known as phytophotodermatitis, when exposed
to UV rays.
Rather than experimenting with kitchen ingredients, dermatologists advise people to try vitamin C
serums that are professionally formulated for topical use with stable, skin-friendly formulations.
2. Over-Exfoliating Your Skin
Exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and enhance the texture of the skin. However, many
people think that daily exfoliation will leave their skin softer and brighter.
The truth is, it’s quite the opposite.
Excessive exfoliation weakens the barrier function of the skin, resulting in dryness, inflammation,
acne and sensitivity. Combining more than one product containing exfoliants such as scrubs,
glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and retinol in the same regime causes further damage to the skin.
Dermatologists generally recommend exfoliating no more than one to three times per week,
depending on your skin type and the product you are using.
3. DIY Toothpaste for Pimples
For decades, people have been using toothpaste on acne. Although toothpaste may temporarily dry
out a blemish, it is not designed for use on facial skin.
Some toothpaste formulations contain ingredients such as menthol, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or
baking soda that may irritate, redden, peel, and even cause chemical burns on sensitive skin.
Instead, dermatologists recommend evidence-based acne treatments containing ingredients such
as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or adapalene.
4. Physical Scrubs with Large, Harsh Particles
Most exfoliating scrubs have large particles derived from walnut shells, apricot kernels or coarse
sugar crystals.
Such rough particles can cause tiny micro-tears in the skin, which can lead to irritation and
inflammation, particularly for individuals who suffer from acne, rosacea or sensitive skin.
Chemical exfoliants such as lactic acid or PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) are often recommended by
dermatologists as gentler alternatives to harsh physical scrubbing.
5. Skipping Sunscreen Because It’s Cloudy
One of the biggest skincare mistakes people make is skipping sunscreen.
Many people think of sunscreen as something needed only in the summer or on sunny days. But,
UV (ultraviolet) rays can cause skin damage all year round, even when it’s cloudy.
Regularly using sun protection helps prevent:
● Premature aging
● Hyperpigmentation
● Sunburn
● Collagen breakdown
● Skin cancer
Dermatologists recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day,
regardless of the weather.
6. Pore Vacuum Devices at Home
The popularity of pore vacuums has been growing on the internet over the years with countless
videos claiming they effectively remove blackheads and impurities.
However, when used incorrectly, these devices can cause bruising, broken capillaries, skin
irritation and inflammation. Although they may seem satisfying to use, dermatologists generally
do not recommend them for at-home use.
People with sensitive skin or rosacea are particularly vulnerable.
Professional extractions performed by trained skincare professionals are generally much safer than aggressive at-home treatments.
7. DIY Microneedling
When done by a trained specialist, microneedling can improve acne scars, wrinkles and skin tone.
But using inexpensive derma rollers purchased online without proper sterilization or training
carries significant risks.
If the technique is not correct, the following can occur:
● Infection
● Permanent scarring
● Pigmentation problems
● Skin inflammation
● Cross-contamination
Dermatologists advise against performing invasive skin procedures at home, as improper
techniques can worsen existing skin conditions and increase the risk of complications.
8. Following Every Viral TikTok Beauty Hack
While social media is a great place to find information and skincare inspiration, it’s not always
accurate.
Most viral beauty hacks lack scientific evidence and are based solely on personal experiences.
Some ingredients or techniques may trigger allergic reactions, irritate the skin, or worsen existing
skin conditions.
If you want to try a skin hack that’s popular online, first ask yourself:
● Does it have scientific evidence to support it?
● Do dermatologists recommend it?
● Is it suitable for my skin type?
● Could it damage my skin barrier?
It’s always better to get skincare advice from trustworthy sources than blindly following “internet
trends”.
Final Thoughts.
While beauty trends fade and fall out of fashion, the fundamental principles of skincare remain the
same. Social media can be a source of inspiration, but should not be a substitute for expert advice
or scientific evidence.
The best skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Dermatologists typically
advise keeping your routine simple, protecting your skin barrier, and choosing products backed by
scientific research rather than social media hype.
Remember, before you try your next viral beauty hack, your skin deserves care, not
experimentation. Eat right, drink plenty of water, get plenty of rest and exercise. These habits will
help keep your skin healthy for years to come, proving that timeless skincare will always outshine
temporary trends.