Dangerous Skincare Trends Going Viral And What Dermatologists Want You to Stop Doing

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Social media has turned skincare into a spectacle, a kind of skin clinic show without the scientific evidence to support it. Through Instagram Reels and DIY hacks, beauty regimens tend to be more about excitement rather than results, and the truth about what actually does work on the skin is quite often neglected.

Dr Vidushi Jain, Dermatologist and Medical Head, Dermalinks, Noida and Ghaziabad, points out that "a lot of viral trends have no basis in dermatology" and they can silently harm the skin barrier, cause inflammation, or result in pigment changes that last. Doctors across the globe are observing more cases of contact dermatitis, skin barrier damage, and acne flare-ups.

How Are They All Connected?

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"It is basically due to the overuse or misuse (stacking) of online, recommended skincare actives. Irritants and allergens seem to be the main culprits which can be found even in the most popular skincare products, especially if the users are trend followers who lack the advice of a doctor," said Dr Jain.

Viral Skincare Trends That You Should Avoid

Here are a few viral skincare trends which might be backfiring:

1. DIY Microneedling and At-Home Dermarolling

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This is one of the scariest trends. Performing microneedling at home in an incorrect way can cause infections, scarring, dark spots caused by the skin's reaction to inflammation, and, to top it off, further acne. In reality, these types of treatments are carried out in sanitised, clinical environments, hardly ever shown on social media.

2. Lemon Juice For Skin Brightening

'Natural' doesn't always equal safety. Putting lemon juice on the skin and then exposing it to sunlight may lead to phytophotodermatitis, a chemical reaction resulting in burn, dark spots, and prolonged skin sensitivity, warned Dr Jain. Clinics of dermatology have informed a sudden increase in cases of this nature after the virus of online tutorials of home remedies.

3. Overdoing the Application of Active Ingredients ('Skin Cycling Done Wrong')

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"The 'glass skin' craze has people even stacking retinol, AHAs, BHAs, and Vitamin C in one session. Too much layering can greatly affect the skin barrier, leading to redness, scaling, sensitivity, and even breakouts. Skin is not a chemistry lab," clarified Dr Jain.

4. Ice Rolling On Acne

Using ice on pimples directly may still be nice and a good thought, but it also can hurt the skin and thus cause red, broken capillaries.

5. Baking Soda and Undiluted Essential Oils As Exfoliants

She cautions that, "These skin hacks can make the skin's normal pH levels unstable and cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and chemical burns, especially with sensitive skin."

The Rising Danger for Teens and Young Adults

Influencer culture encourages shortcuts, and as a result, many teens begin using anti-ageing products, such as retinol, in their early twenties, often when they don't need to, which can be damaging to the skin.

Expert Tips: Prioritise Simplicity over Sensational Trends

Dr Jain concluded, "Healthy skin isn't made by viral trends. It's made by consistency and science. A simple routine of gentle cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen, and dermatologist-recommended actives is much safer than following trends on the internet."

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.