You’re damaging your skin with 4 TikTok trends – I’m an aesthetics nurse, a popular acne DIY just makes your face worse
A DIY face mask backed by self-taught beauty enthusiasts could be worsening your skin, says an aesthetics nurse.
She said many people are unaware of the “long-term and dangerous implications” that could occur from following social media trends.
Nina Prisk founded the Update Aesthetics clinics in London and Truro, which patients frequent for injectables and skincare treatments.
She said it’s “vital” to keep the skin healthy as it’s the biggest organ in the body.
The Harley Street skin and aesthetics expert has been left horrified after seeing thousands of people unwittingly damage themselves after being convinced to try TikTok and YouTube hacks.
She spoke candidly about the risk associated with the four current most popular trends online.
DIY FACE MASKS
It isn’t uncommon for self-care gurus to suggest using budget-friendly cooking staples in recipes for homemade face masks.
Nina said including baking soda with the hopes of drying up spots can be “very dangerous.”
She's seen several videos recommending using the cooking ingredient in DIY acne treatments.
“Firstly, applying baking soda to the face can strip it of natural oils, resulting in dry, itchy, and irritated skin,” she said.
“It can also negatively impact the skin’s natural pH levels, compromising the skin barrier and leaving skin more prone to irritation and inflammation.”
STARVEMAXXING
On TikTok, the hashtag #starvemaxxing has worryingly racked up over 8 million views from young men trying restrictive diets to sculpt their faces.
Nina said the trend is “extremely worrying” and needs to stop as soon as possible.
“There are a number of factors which influence the shape of someone’s face, and genetics is the main factor,” she said.
“Extreme weight loss is not a good way to create a chiseled look, and in fact it can result in sagging skin and wrinkles.
“There are a number of non-surgical aesthetic procedures, such as dermal fillers, which can help to effectively contour the face, and they don’t come with the health risks that this does.”
Dermatologist-approved anti-aging tips
Dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp shared his dermatologist-approved tips with The U.S. Sun.
- Stop using tanning beds.
- Don't use sunscreen to contour your face.
- Wear driving gloves to protect your hands from the sun. He likes Coolibar Gannett UV Gloves UPF 50+, $15.99 to $39.
- Exercise, stick to a healthy diet, and get enough sleep.
- Don't drink excessively or smoke.
DIY FRECKLES
The desire for freckles has evolved from people using makeup to create the illusion to tattooing the skin.
Over 131 million TikTok users have searched for permanent freckles.
Nina warns people not to try giving themselves permanent freckle tattoos because it can lead to lasting complications.
“I read about one person online who tried to do this and ended up in hospital with an infection,” she said.
“If you penetrate the skin barrier with anything, especially an unsterilized needle, you’re leaving skin at risk of infection and permanent scarring.”
HOMEMADE SUNSCREEN
The beauty expert said a high-factor sunscreen should be routinely worn to protect the skin from cancer and premature aging.
She said it’s worrying to see people mixing ingredients at home to make their SPF.
Creators with little skincare knowledge have suggested mixing anything from titanium dioxide to zinc oxide with oils, such as olive, coconut, and avocado, to make sunscreen.
“Sunscreen, like all skincare products, is formulated by qualified and experienced experts using carefully selected ingredients,” Nina said.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“Creating homemade sunscreen is dangerous and can leave skin at risk of sunburn, irritation, sensitivity, not to mention skin cancer.
“You should wear a high factor broad spectrum SPF from a trusted manufacturer and re-apply regularly.”
