Worth the Hype? Check Out the Hottest Skin Care Trends on TikTok

TikTok, the video-focused social media platform, is currently taking the world by storm with a never-ending stream of memes, funny moments, product reviews, life hacks, tutorials and more. While TikTok users often come up with innovative hacks to improve life in some way, should you really trust them when it comes to something as important as your skincare?

Here are a few of the most popular TikTok skincare trends, starting with four beneficial, dermatologist-approved trends, followed by four TikTok hacks you should avoid at all costs.

But first…have you followed us on TikTok? Keep up with the latest from SoCo Derm by following our account: @socodermatology.

4 Beneficial TikTok Trends

1. Micellar Cleansing Water

Though this product has long been part of the French beauty scene, Micellar water is seeing renewed interest and popularity in the United States and beyond thanks to TikTok.

This water-based cleanser combines purified water, moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, and low concentrations of mild surfactants, making it the perfect face cleansing alternative to the heavy metal-laden tap water that comes from your faucet.

When the ingredients of micellar water come together, they form into tiny balls called micelles. These small spheres work to attract and lift away makeup, excess oil and dirt from the surface of your skin.

And though this product may seem new to at-home users, the SoCo Derm team uses micellar water after administering laser and other skin treatments including the new Genius laser. Incorporating micellar water helps to keep all products applied to the skin pure and clean, which is especially important after laser and other microneedling treatments.

Great for all skin types, micellar cleansing water is one TikTok skincare trend that dermatologists can stand behind!

2. Chemical Peel Exfoliators

Exfoliation is an important skincare step that involves removing dead, surface-level skin cells, leaving you with a fresh and smooth skin surface.

TikTok skincare gurus and reviewers enthusiastically embrace the use of chemical peel pads for at-home exfoliating, especially for those with oily, acne-prone or thicker skin.

Though the vampire exfoliator may be known as the most popular chemical peel exfoliant on TikTok, you can skip the hype and opt for something less gimmicky, like salicylic or glycolic peel pads.

No matter which chemical peel pad you choose, remember that your skin is at its most sensitive following exfoliation, so take care when venturing into the sunny outdoors and apply a water-based moisturizer to restore hydration.

Product Suggestions:

SoCo Skin Free 2% Salicylic Peel Pads

SoCo Skin Free 10% Glycolic Peel Pads

3. Jade Face Rollers

Jade face rollers have been around for thousands of years, originating in China, where the semi-precious jade stone is thought to have special healing properties that help your skin to maintain a youthful appearance.

Now a TikTok fave, jade face rollers are said to help boost circulation, bringing fresh blood and nutrients to the skin cells and giving you a more radiant complexion.

Though this product is not a miracle tool, it can be used as part of your daily skincare regimen to help increase blood flow to the face.

4. Ice Ice Baby

Icing your face may not seem like the most relaxing way to treat your skincare woes. However, TikTok skincare influencers stand by this method, which is said to constrict blood vessels and soothe inflammation, helping to improve blood flow, brighten your complexion and make you look less tired.

Additionally, incorporating facial icing into your daily skincare regimen can help soothe acne and lessen redness, increase skincare product absorption, and reduce puffiness around your eyes.

If you decide to try the icing method, be sure to avoid sticking ice directly onto your skin. Instead, wrap ice in a thin cloth and massage against your skin in small, circular motions. Do not hold ice or ice packs against one area of your face for longer than one minute and remember to always rub gently.

4 TikTok Hacks to Avoid

1. DIY Skincare Hacks for Your Face

2020 was the year of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) projects, and while we support bolstering your creativity when safe to do so, we strongly advise you to skip the recent TikTok trend of DIY skincare products for the face.

The rise in popularity of DIY skincare products may be related to the movement toward more natural ingredients and minimalistic solutions, but it’s important to remember that DIY concoctions have not been formulated or tested by professionals.

In fact, these products can have potentially severe drawbacks. For example, while vitamin C serves as a great skin brightener, applying raw lemon juice to your skin can disturb the natural pH of your skin, spread bacteria and make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Other popular homemade skincare products to avoid include those made with coffee grounds, which are too harsh for your face’s skin and can potentially lead to microtears and skin barrier damage.

Finally, consider the fact that homemade skincare products do not include preservatives, so your DIY project could easily turn into a bacterial petri dish. Stick with the experts on this one!

2. Sunscreen Contouring

Makeup contouring took off in popularity over the last decade, but have you heard of this viral TikTok hack that manipulates sunscreen application to make your face appear more contoured?

Sunscreen contouring involves using varying strengths of sunscreen in different areas of your face. For example, proponents of this skincare trend may use SPF 50 sunscreens on the nose and forehead and SPF 30 sunscreen along the cheekbones.

You develop a tan after your skin is exposed to sunlight, and tanning can lead to a range of harmful effects, including sunburn, skin cancer, and early signs of aging. Avoid this TikTok trend at all costs and instead apply a full-spectrum SPF 50 all over your face every day, even during winter.

3. Attempting Office Procedures at Home (Dermaplaning, Microneedling, etc.)

Not everything needs to be done at home, so leave the professional procedures to the professionals! Another recent and dangerous TikTok skincare trend includes tackling complex procedures like microneedling or dermaplaning by yourself at home.

Microneedling is the process of making small punctures into the skin using a microneedler. These tiny needle pricks generate an immune system response from your body, prompting your skin to create more collagen. Without proper, top-notch sanitation and a heightened awareness of the procedure, using an at-home device for microneedling can quickly turn into a medical disaster.

Dermaplaning involves using a sharp blade to eliminate dead skin cells and peach fuzz from the face for smoother skin. One misguided move during the dermaplaning process could damage your skin, and even if you don’t cut your skin with the blade, amateur dermaplaning can irritate the skin and cause acne flare-ups.

If you need to undergo a dermatological procedure, visit your dermatologist. Leave these skincare treatments to the experts and avoid harming your skin.

Learn more about microneedling and dermaplaning at SoCo Derm.

4. Slugging

Straight out of South Korea, slugging is a strange TikTok skincare trend that involves coating your skin overnight with a thick layer of petroleum-based products.

Adherents declare that slugging helps seal in your skin’s moisture, but the experts aren’t quite as convinced of the benefits.

Though slugging is said to result in softer skin, it can be detrimental for those with oily skin, potentially leading to enlarged pores and redness. Petroleum-based products are comedogenic and can promote acne by causing blackheads, whiteheads and folliculitis. Avoid excessive use, and especially occlusive application, of these products.

Instead of jumping on this TikTok skincare bandwagon, incorporate a moisturizing regimen into your daily skincare routine.

While skincare shortcuts, viral trends and DIY hacks can sometimes give you positive results, they can also negatively impact your skin. Before diving into any new skincare trends you see on TikTok, be sure to compare the benefits versus the risks and consult with your dermatologist before attempting any of these trends at home.

Did you know we’re on TikTok? Follow @socodermatology for the latest videos from the SoCo Derm team!