Following Skincare Trends May Harm Your Skin
By: Shahara Lum
Skincare has turned into a global phenomenon, with new trends emerging almost daily. From elaborate 10-step Korean routines to viral DIY face masks, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are brimming with influencers recommending their favorite products and routines. While keeping up with these trends can be tempting, they may not always benefit your skin. Jumping from one trend to the next could do more harm than good.
Every Skin is Different
The skincare industry offers countless products targeting various skin concerns, but no single product or routine works for everyone. Trending routines may promise glowing or clear skin, but your skin type, sensitivities, and specific concerns determine what’s effective. For instance, a moisturizer that works wonders for someone with dry skin could cause breakouts in people with oily skin.
In addiition, factors like environment, genetics, diet, and lifestyle play significant roles in skin health, making it nearly impossible for a single product or trend to deliver universal results.
Overloading the Skin Barrier Can Backfire
Many trends involve layering several products, often with potent active ingredients such as retinoids, AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids). While these ingredients can benefit the skin, overusing them may disrupt the skin’s protective barrier. [3]
The skin barrier plays a critical role in retaining moisture and shielding against environmental irritants. When compromised, it can lead to issues such as redness, inflammation, breakouts, dryness, or even conditions like dermatitis. An example is the trend of excessive exfoliation, which can cause microtears in the skin, leaving it vulnerable to infections and irritation. [3]
The solution: Stick to products with proven ingredients, and introduce new ones gradually. The goal is to strengthen your skin barrier, not overwhelm it.
Trends Don’t Always Prioritize Safety or Science
Many skincare trends on social media are driven by popularity, not scientific evidence. Some DIY skincare hacks — like using lemon juice or toothpaste to treat acne — can cause serious skin damage. Natural does not always mean safe. Ingredients like essential oils, vinegar, or baking soda may sound harmless but can lead to irritation, chemical burns, or allergic reactions when applied incorrectly. [4]
Similarly, not every trending product has undergone rigorous testing for safety and efficacy. Influencer recommendations may also be biased or sponsored, which further complicates the reliability of skincare advice online. Instead, you should rely on peer-reviewed studies or dermatologist-approved products rather than viral trends.
Skin Purging vs. Breakouts
Many skincare enthusiasts are now adopting the use of active ingredients like retinoids, which can cause skin purging. This temporary phase can lead to an increase in breakouts as the skin adjusts to the new ingredients. However, it can be quite challenging to differentiate between purging and a breakout caused by a product that doesn’t suit your skin. While purging typically subsides within a few weeks, breakouts caused by unsuitable products can lead to prolonged damage.
This confusion often leads people to abandon effective products or, on the other hand, continue using harmful ones for too long. The pressure to keep up with trends adds another layer of complexity, as individuals may switch between products before giving their skin sufficient time to adjust. It’s essential to be patient and observant when introducing new products into your skincare routine to accurately assess their effects.
Social Media Filters and Unrealistic Expectations
Social media platforms are filled with flawless, airbrushed images and videos, creating unrealistic beauty standards. Many influencers use filters or editing tools to enhance their skin, giving the false impression that their skincare routines deliver perfect results. Consumers trying to replicate these results may become frustrated, leading to excessive product usage and disappointment. The pursuit of “perfect” skin often overlooks the fact that healthy skin can have texture, pores, and occasional blemishes.
Financial and Environmental Cost of Skincare Trends
Skincare trends often introduce new products promising amazing results, leading people to buy more. This constant buying can be expensive, especially with high-priced items flooding the market. Trying to keep up with trends can also lead to hoarding skincare products, resulting in many unused items.
Besides the financial burden, this behavior also has environmental consequences. Skincare packaging adds to plastic waste, and unused products often end up in landfills. Disposing of products due to expiration or poor results also contributes to the waste issue.
FOMO Can Trigger Stress, Impacting Skin Health
The fear of missing out (FOMO) is when people feel worried about not being part of the latest trend. This can make them try skincare routines that might not be right for their skin, hoping to get the same results as others. Ironically, feeling stressed about missing out can make skin issues like acne, rosacea flare-ups, and eczema worse. When people rush their skincare routine, it can backfire. They end up changing products too often and not giving their skin enough time to heal or get used to the products.
Skincare Should Be Personal, Not Trendy
Social media often promotes performative behavior, leading to a focus on skincare routines for their aesthetic appeal and public validation rather than personal well-being. The emphasis on showcasing complicated routines and product collections can fuel unhealthy comparisons and change the misconception that more products equate to better skin.
It’s important to remember that effective skincare is about finding what works for you rather than following trends or curating a shelf for social media. A minimal yet personalized routine tailored to your specific needs will always trump an elaborate routine aimed at making an impression. It’s not about the number of products, but rather the quality and suitability for your skin.
Works cited:
[2] https://www.npr.org/2024/07/12/1198910381/skincare-teens-tiktok-social-media-glass-skin
[4] https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/harmful-social-media-skin-care-trends-viral-doesn-t-mean-safe
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