Scrolling online, you’re often met with viral videos offering skincare and beauty advice, but rarely from a professional. Thousands tune into these clips from content creators and take it upon themselves to try the trend at home, without realising the implications it can have on their skin.
As well as leading to short term issues such as irritation, these trends can lead to serious long-term skin damage.
Skincare expert and owner of Eavanna Breen Skin and Laser Clinic, worries about the lasting impressions these viral trends could have on a person.
“I’m deeply concerned about the rise in popularity of unqualified influencers dispensing skincare advice on platforms. The prevalence of incorrect and unsafe skincare tips online has reached alarming levels, with everyday users often following these trends without understanding the potential harm they can cause. Recently, we saw the consequences of this with the case of a content creator who suffered a severe sugar burn after following a viral skincare trend.
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This incident highlights the real dangers of trusting advice from those who lack the necessary knowledge and expertise. It’s crucial to remember that proper skincare requires accurate information and professional guidance.”
While it may seem like an easy fix following online advice, it could have lasting issues on the skin. What works for one person, mightn’t work for everyone!
“Misguided treatments can aggravate conditions and cause flare-ups which can lead to potential scarring or even persistent inflammation. The overuse of products or using them incorrectly can cause damage to your natural skin barrier. And a compromised skin barrier can lead to dryness and irritation and sensitivity. You’re basically more vulnerable to infections when your barrier is damaged.”
Here, Eavanna dispels some of the most popular skincare myths and issues we’re seeing online at the moment.
Pulling the Skin
“Tugging or pulling on your skin, whether during application or cleansing, can lead to premature wrinkles and sagging. The delicate skin around your eyes and on your face needs gentle care to maintain its elasticity and avoid unnecessary damage. Always apply products with a light touch, using your ring finger for areas around the eyes.”
Not using products in the correct order
“Applying products in the wrong order can prevent them from working as intended. Generally, start with the lightest formulations, such as serums and essences, and finish with heavier ones like moisturisers and oils. This ensures proper absorption and maximises the benefits of each product.”
Avoiding neck and chest areas
“The neck and chest are often overlooked, yet they are just as susceptible to signs of aging and sun damage as your face. Neglecting these areas can result in uneven skin tone and texture. Extend your skincare routine to include your neck and chest to maintain a consistent and youthful appearance.”
Failing to apply suncream
“A huge amount of viral videos fail to mention the addition of sun protection. Suncream is the most critical step in your skincare routine. It protects your skin from harmful UV rays, preventing sunburn, pigmentation, and even skin cancer. Skipping this step leaves your skin vulnerable to damage. Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50 as the final step in your morning routine. The best one I have ever found is the Skinmade Protect & Care Sun Oil.”
Skin flooding
“Skin flooding is a skin care technique that involves layering hydration products. It typically includes multiple layers of toners, essences, serums, and moisturisers to maximise hydration. The key benefit is that you’re going to be super hydrated. Hydrated skin is healthy skin. It gives you a more radiant complexion. But there is a risk that you can over-hydrate, and that can actually do the opposite to the skin barrier and weaken it. If you’re using the wrong products or if the products are too heavy for certain skin types, it could end up clogging your pores. And again, multiple products can sometimes cause an increase in your skin sensitivity. Another downside is that it can be costly because you’re using lots of different products and it’s time-consuming as well. So it’s not for everyone, but there are advantages to it when done correctly.”
Glycolic acid on Keratosis Pilaris
“Glycolic acid can be an effective and sustainable treatment for KP when it’s used correctly. Again, this would be case specific. It works by exfoliating and breaking down the bonds between the dead skin cells, which can help to reduce the rough texture and the bumps that are associated with KP. I think the key with glycolic acid is to use it consistently, but also in moderation. It’s essential that you don’t overuse it because that can lead to irritation. I would be a fan of exploring alternatives like lactic acid, which helps to not only exfoliate the skin, but it helps draw moisture to the surface, so it helps with that dryness and roughness. It improves the texture and is a little bit more gentle. Salicylic acid can also be used. Urea is very good. And retinoids are actually extremely beneficial for KP. So while glycolic can be effective, there are other ingredients that I think might be more effective.”
Rise of tweakments in younger age groups
“Botox at a young age can have all sorts of implications that might not be fully considered. You need to think about Botox as a medical procedure and it can have both long and short-term effects and regular use from a young age might lead to muscle weakening over time, which can alter facial expression. You also need to think about the psychological impact of getting Botox done at an early age and, you know, this contribution to an unrealistic beauty standard and the potential impact that has on self-esteem and body image. I think it’s important to focus on building confidence from within rather than relying on external treatments. I think any younger than 30, having Botox isn’t warranted. Alternatives would be establishing a strong skincare routine with your cleanser, your suncream and introducing retinoids in your 20s is absolutely fine. Sun protection is something that you can start to teach your children from a very young age and that’s one of the best anti-aging things that you can do for your skin.”
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