Dfrom cocoa used as dry shampoo to toothpaste on pimples, to DIY acids: the viral beauty hacks circulating on TikTok they promise quick, cheap and seemingly harmless solutions. But behind the illusion of immediate results often hide irritation, acne, contact dermatitis and damage to the skin barrier.
Viral beauty hacks on TikTok, beware
Danielle Louise, beauty expert by Fresha, analyzed some of the most shared practices online. «Many of these hacks only appear to work»explains. «The skin may seem tighter, less swollen or the pimple drier, but the effect is often due to a dehydrating, refreshing or occlusive actionnot to a real improvement in skin health.”
Why do they seem to work? «A recent thread, dedicated to “Weird beauty hacks that really work”cited the use of ice applied directly to the face, toothpaste or anti-dandruff shampoo on pimples, nappy changing cream as a soothing treatment and even strong acids used independently as localized stain removers.. Solutions that can give immediate satisfaction, but which prepare the ground for more complex problems in the following days.”
Skin is a barrier, not a scientific experiment. «Compromising it often means spending weeks trying to calm redness, flaking and sensitivity and small outbursts that didn’t exist before” underlines Danielle Louise.
When DIY can cause damage to the skin
It is particularly worrying the dissemination of advice suggesting the domestic use of potent acids, like hydrogen peroxide on pimples and blemishes.
«This is where the DIY beauty it becomes really dangerous”, warns the expert. «Incorrect use of these ingredients can cause chemical burns, scarring and long-term hyperpigmentation. Damage that is much more difficult and expensive to treat than the initial problem.”
Toothpaste, shampoo and “makeshift” remedies
«Even apparently softer remedies, such as toothpaste on pimples or anti-dandruff shampoo used on the face, are not without risks. These are products formulated for other areas of the body, with surfactants or antibacterial agents that can alter the skin’s balanceoverdry the skin and trigger an effect rebound, with an increase in sebum production and even more marked inflammation.”
The trends deserve a separate chapter “kitchen skincare”which invite you to use ingredients from the pantry on the skin of the face such as lemon, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, corn starch or cocoa. «In addition to alter the pH of the skin, these ingredients can increase photosensitivity, cause irritation and leave residues that clog follicles, especially on the scalp. The result is often an uneven complexion, itching or flaking” continues the expert.
Slugging and ice: not for all skin types
«Slugging with Vaseline or Aquaphor, which has gone viral as a secret for glass skin, it can help very dry skin, but can be counterproductive if applied over powerful active ingredients or on skin predisposed to perioral dermatitis or congestion. The possible consequences? clogged pores in some skin types, irritation due to the “trap” of the active ingredients, flare-up of dermatitis”.
The practice of ice on the skin is also widely followed by celebrities (Via Instagram)
«The same goes for the use of ice directly on the skin: if on the one hand it temporarily reduces swelling, on the other it can stress the capillaries and increase sensitivity, especially in reactive skin.”
The signs not to ignore
According to Danielle Louise, there are clear signs that a hack should be avoided. If it causes burning, intense stinging or persistent tingling, if it involves the home use of professional acids, if it includes harsh ingredients such as lemon, vinegar, cinnamon or undiluted essential oils, or if it uses products not formulated for the face, it is best to stop.
“If you wouldn’t use it on a child’s skin or near the eyes, don’t apply it to an already compromised skin barrier,” she explains. «And be even more careful if you already use retinoids or exfoliating acids: combining too many trends is the quickest way to exaggerate without realizing it.”
The safe and harm-free alternatives
The good news is that the objectives promised by viral hacksless swelling, glowing skin, less visible pimples, can be achieved more safely.
For example? «Cold compresses or Chilled eye masks work better than ice directed to deflate the face. Use Formulated dry shampoos and frequent washing help improve the condition of the skin and avoid irritation.
Targeted treatments with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are more effective and controllable than improvised remedies to combat pimples and blemishes. Finally, if you are looking for a remedy for a bright and glow skin better to focus on a well-formulated vitamin C and on daily sun protection, rather than on acidic ingredients taken from the kitchen” concludes Danielle Louise.