Ah, TikTok. The platform where teenagers become overnight celebrities, dances go viral, and, surprisingly, where everyone suddenly becomes a skincare expert. With a 15-second clip and a catchy tune, a skincare trend can quickly become the new gospel. But not all that glitters is gold, especially when it comes to what you're slathering on your face. Here are some guidelines for separating the trends from the traps.
The Good
Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen!
Let's start with a trend we can all get behind: sunscreen. TikTok has done wonders for sunscreen advocacy. Influencers are showing their morning routines and, hallelujah, SPF is a star player. Dermatologists are rejoicing, and so should you. Sunscreen is the ultimate anti-aging product and the best defense against skin cancer. Plus, have you seen those UV camera reveals? If you haven't, they're like the skincare version of a horror movie.
Double Cleansing
Double cleansing has also taken TikTok by storm, and it’s actually a fantastic practice. The idea is to first use an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen, followed by a water-based cleanser to clean your skin. It's a two-step process that ensures every bit of grime is off your face. Bonus points if you use this trend to justify buying more cute skincare products. Check out Adonia Organics Daily Cleansing Gel for an all-natural cleanser.
Our cleansing gel:
- Uses a Safe, Gentle Cleansing Action
- Boosts Skin Cell Renewal
- Is Sulfates-Free, Alcohol-Free, Paraben-Free, Cruelty-Free and Gluten-Free
- Is a Dual Action Anti-Aging Cleanser that Leaves Your Skin Fresh, Youthful and Radiant
- Is 100% Plant-based
Retinol
Retinol is the queen bee of the anti-aging world, and TikTok users are singing its praises. This vitamin A derivative helps with acne, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. Of course, the trick is to start slow to avoid looking like a molting lizard. If you see a TikToker with glowing skin talking about retinol, you can probably trust them. Just remember: sunscreen during the day is a must when using retinol at night!
The Bad
DIY Skincare Remedies
Oh, the horror stories. TikTok is a breeding ground for DIY skincare remedies, some of which are outright dangerous. Case in point: the lemon juice and baking soda mask. Yes, you read that right. People are mixing two highly reactive ingredients and slathering them on their faces. Lemon juice is extremely acidic and can cause burns, while baking soda disrupts your skin's pH balance. Together, they create a recipe for disaster, or at least for a very angry face.
Toothpaste for Pimples
We've all heard of this old wives' tale, but TikTok has given it new life. People are smearing toothpaste on their pimples with the hope that it will dry them out. While it might do that, it also irritates the skin, leading to redness and peeling. Toothpaste is for teeth, folks. Let's keep it that way.
Face Taping
In a bid to combat wrinkles, some TikTokers are taping their faces at night. They believe that this will prevent their skin from creasing while they sleep. While the idea might seem logical (kind of like trying to iron out wrinkles), in reality, it’s just plain silly. Taping your face can cause irritation, and let's be honest, you’ll look like you lost a battle with a roll of kinesiology tape.
Adonia Organics StemuLift Serum is a simpler, less time-consuming and much more practical solution to add to your daily skincare routine.
Our serum:
- Reduces the appearance of deep wrinkles, fine lines, & sagging skin
- Fades the look of skin discolorations & dark circles
- Reduces the appearance of 'Turkey neck' & 'neck wrinkles'
- Simplifies your beauty routine by replacing your current day & night cream
The Hilarious
The Mayo Mask
Remember when mayonnaise was just a sandwich spread? TikTok has repurposed it as a hair and face mask. The logic? It's rich in oils and eggs, which can supposedly nourish your skin and hair. While it's true that mayo can add some shine to your hair, the idea of smearing your face with sandwich filler is just too funny. Plus, there's the smell. Imagine lying in bed, smelling like a deli, and wondering where it all went wrong.
Snail Mucus
K-beauty enthusiasts have been on the snail mucus train for a while, but TikTok has taken it to new, hilarious heights. Watching people slather on snail slime with a mix of disgust and delight is comedy gold. Despite the ick factor, snail mucus is actually packed with beneficial nutrients. It’s one of those trends that’s both weird and wonderful, making you question everything while secretly adding it to your shopping cart.
The Saran Wrap Face Lift
Ah, the lengths people will go for beauty. Some TikTokers swear by wrapping their faces in Saran wrap to create a DIY facelift effect. The process involves applying a thick layer of moisturizer, then wrapping your face like a leftover sandwich. The results are debatable, but the visuals are downright hilarious. Imagine trying to unwrap your face in the morning while praying your roommate doesn’t walk in.
The Ugly
At-Home Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are fantastic when done by professionals. However, TikTok has seen a surge in people attempting them at home with disastrous results. Over-the-counter chemical peels can be dangerous if used incorrectly, leading to severe burns and scarring. The moral of the story? Leave the heavy-duty stuff to the experts and stick to milder exfoliants at home.
Excessive Scrubbing
Scrubs are great for exfoliation, but TikTok has popularized aggressive scrubbing techniques that do more harm than good. Using harsh scrubs can cause micro-tears in the skin, leading to irritation and sensitivity. Less is more when it comes to exfoliation. Remember, you’re not sanding a piece of wood; it's your face!
Overloading on Products
With influencers flaunting their extensive skincare routines, it's tempting to buy every product under the sun. However, more products don’t necessarily mean better skin. Overloading your skin with too many active ingredients can cause reactions and sensitivity. The key is to find a balanced routine that works for you, not to mimic someone else's 10-step regimen just because it looks fancy.
Good, Bad, Ugly or Just Plain Hilarious
TikTok is a treasure trove of skincare advice, some of it wonderful and some of it downright bizarre. While it’s great that the platform has brought attention to skincare, it’s essential to approach these trends with a healthy dose of skepticism. When in doubt, consult with a dermatologist and remember that skincare is highly individual. What's miraculous for one person might be a disaster for another. So next time you’re tempted to try a TikTok skincare trend, ask yourself: is it good, bad, or just plain hilarious? And if it's the latter, at least you’ll have a funny story to tell.
