TikTok has become the go-to platform of young women who are looking for new ways to improve their skin. The video sharing app’s influence is undeniable as a recent survey reveals that 89% of TikTok users have bought beauty products after seeing them on the app.
Since beauty brands are utilizing the app to promote their products, it’s no wonder that new beauty and skincare hacks continue to pop up regularly on TikTok. Some of these tips work to give you glowing and healthy skin, while others give poor results. But how do you know which ones are worth trying? Here’s what you need to know about the latest viral beauty hacks so you can decide whether to try them or not.
Skin Cycling
One of the most talked about skincare hacks in social media is the skin cycling trend. This involves rotating your nighttime skincare products so that your skin doesn’t become sensitized. Using skincare products that contain actives like retinol after exfoliation can result in redness, peeling, and irritation, especially if you do this every night. To prevent this, try skin cycling by focusing on exfoliation on the first night, then apply actives on the second night, then give your skin a bit of rest with deep moisturization or hydration on the third night.
Experts say that revamping your skincare routine this way makes active ingredients more gentle on the skin, so it’s worth a try especially if you have sensitive skin. Using products from one brand also helps to reduce irritation since they’re formulated to work together. If you have sensitized skin or other skin conditions, look for skincare products designed by dermatologists, or those that are clinically proven to produce results.
Beer Tanning
Summer is here, and TikTok users have started hopping on the beer tanning trend, believing that it’s the key to get a good tan. Content creators claim that hops, which is the main ingredient of beer, supposedly helps the production of melanin, which can lead to a golden and even tan. This beauty hack involves pouring beer all over your skin and laying out in the sun, and this practice isn’t new at all since some people in South East Asian countries have been getting a tan this way since the 1970s. However, experts say that this can be dangerous, since hops and yeast in beer can trigger skin infections and rashes. Moreover, using beer without applying sunscreen first increases the risk of getting a sunburn or skin cancer. For a safer way to tan, say no to this trend and use self-tanning lotion instead.
Beef Tallow
Some beauty gurus on TikTok have started smearing beef tallow or beef fat on their face, claiming that it can help to reduce acne and give their skin a good glow. As a result, beef tallow balms are now popping up in online stores, and influencers have started promoting self-branded and formulated balms. Dermatologists say that while beef tallow isn’t technically unsafe, more tests need to be done to prove its efficacy as a skincare product. Moreover, since its high in oleic acid, it’s more likely to irritate the skin barrier than heal it. Instead of beef tallow, stick to rich moisturizers, or apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly over your nighttime moisturizer to hydrate your skin.
Trying new skincare trends can be fun, but to be on the safe side, it’s better to be wary about certain hacks. Do your research and stick to proven methods to improve your skin. In case of severe skin conditions or allergic reactions to products, make it a point to consult a dermatologist.
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