Top Viral Skincare Hacks (and What Actually Works)
The skincare side of TikTok and Instagram is full of viral hacks. Some are genius, while others aren’t. As a student esthetician, I’ve tested out, researched, and seen firsthand what works, what’s best left for the professionals, and what you should just skip. Let’s break down a few of the biggest trends and whether they deserve a spot in your routine.
Slugging
The Hack: Slathering your face with Vaseline or Aquaphor to “lock in moisture”.
My Take: This one can work, but with a caveat. This trend can work great if you have dry or compromised skin and want a little overnight protection. It can even lock in moisture to help with healing. If you’re acne-prone or oily, it can trap oil and bacteria. While Aquaphor is a lighter occlusive compared to Vaseline, you might want to skip this on active breakout days and if you’re not experiencing dryness.
Ice to Depuff & Tighten Skin
The Hack: Rubbing ice cubes all over your face to reduce inflammation.
My Take: A chilled jade roller or ice globes? Yes. Raw ice? Not so much. Direct ice might help with inflammation, but it can also lead to damaged capillaries and increased redness. If you’re using ice cubes, wrap them in a paper towel or place them in a baggie. Cold tools are much better for getting that cool spa-like effect without the possibility of damage.
DIY Face Masks
The Hack: Making masks at home with kitchen ingredients.
My Take: While honey can be calming and yogurt has lactic acid, DIY masks lack proper pH balance and preservation. Be careful with where your ingredients are coming from. Are they organic? Do they include potentially irritating colorants or additives? If you do make a DIY mask, make sure you’re taking proper precautions for storing it. For consistent results, stick to pre-formulated masks. At the end of the day, your skin deserves precision.
Hemorrhoid Cream for Puffiness
The Hack: Applying Preparation H under the eyes.
My Take: There’s a reason the supermodels used to use this. It works, but there’s a big possibility for irritation. At the end of the day, it wasn’t made for your face. Nowadays, there are safer de-puffing options out there, from eye gels, products with caffeine, and cooling metal tip applicators.
Microneedling at Home
The Hack: Rolling your skin with a derma roller for collagen and product absorption.
My Take: This trend can work, but technique and hygiene are everything. Without proper training and sterilization, you risk infection and scarring. If you’re going to try this out at home, stick with a derma roller and make sure you’re cleaning and sanitizing your tool before and after every use. When it comes to actual microneedling, leave it to the pros.
Social media can be inspiring, but your skincare routine should be rooted in real results, not just aesthetics. Want to learn which trends are worth it and which your skin would take a pass on? Follow along @SkinByIsabela for more skin truths.
