There’s no question that home beauty treatments can be extremely effective, especially for day-to-day maintenance. But sometimes social media influencers, in their quest to attract views with novelty beauty tips, get into some questionable areas. Here are a few of the more sketchy beauty trends popularized on TikTok.

Tan Line “Contouring”

Maybe it all started when an influencer accidentally forgot to swipe the sides of her nose when applying sunscreen. Whatever the origins, facial contouring through sunscreen applications is one of the crazier — and riskiest — TiKTok tips out there.

It should go without saying that leaving any part of your face unprotected puts you at risk of reddened, leathery skin at best, and literal cancer at worst. Let’s all just stick with our favorite contouring makeup from now on.

Mad Scientist Skincare

We can kind of see the logic behind using household products to mimic ingredients in pricey skincare products. But while oatmeal scrubs and yogurt masks are tried-and-true home remedies, some TikTok home versions that deconstruct trusted retail products go way too far.

For example, scrubbing your delicate eye area with literal coffee grounds will only damage the skin, as opposed to commercial eye creams containing caffeine extract for depuffing. Similarly, despite the fact that Vitamin C is a beneficial ingredient in many face serums, applying caustic lemon juice to your face can actually make it super-sensitive to sunlight. It’s also likely to cause breakouts through pH disruption.

Petroleum Pretense

If you winced when you saw TikToks advocating for “slugging,” your instincts are dead on. Even people with the thirstiest complexions should shrink at the thought of covering their faces with Vaseline or a similar petroleum jelly product.

As anyone who’s even glanced at a beauty magazine knows, anything that clogs your pores will backfire. If you go to bed with Vaseline smeared on your face, you’re more likely to wake up with acne and red patches than with silky-smooth skin.

DIY Kits

Promoting mail-order skincare tools that mimic professional devices is perhaps the sketchiest corner of TiKTok skincare. Home microneedling kits, for example, can actually lead to scarring, infections and dark patches if not used correctly.

Some experts believe that, in of themselves, home microneedling kits aren’t harmful when used with a light touch. The problem, however, is that TikTok videos don’t always emphasize the damage they can do when too much pressure is applied. (Plus, these home devices don’t stimulate collagen as professional treatments do — they’re really best at helping topical creams penetrate more deeply.)

Ask A Professional Or Be A Professional

Now, as tempting as it might be to follow a TikTok trend that has gone viral, be sure to consult an esthetician before you go ahead and put something on your face that you might regret later! New York Institute of Beauty offers consultations and treatments for all your skin concerns. Interested in giving advice and becoming an influencer? Become an esthetician and give real, expert advice! Call us today to get started 631-582-4737.