Over the years skin care formulas and routines have become fairly popular. Everyone tries to get that perfect clear and glowy skin you see in movies, the skin that never pops a blemish, darkens in one spot but not the other, or even ages. For some people, the skin care routines have worked, for others not so much. And I am not so surprised, skin care trends have drastically changed over the years. It used to be just wash your face with basic soap and water or slap mud on it. Now, it’s mix turmeric with honey and a bunch of other oils that nobody ever tells you could be dangerous. Trust me I know, but that’s for another time.
In this article we will be going over the extreme and overdone skin care trends that you most definitely should stay away from, especially if you have oily and sensitive skin. It’s just not for you.
Lemon Face
There are so many out there that I don’t even know where to begin. Although, I say we should start with one key ingredient people love putting in skin care trends, lemons. Now don’t get me wrong, I love lemons, and even I had fallen for most of these skin care trends (which is the reason I know they do more damage than good). Lemons are high in vitamin c which is a key ingredient in lightening up the skin. However, lemons might not be the best source of skin lightening. They are also high in citric acid which can burn your skin, yikes. Not only, but it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun due to an ingredient called furocoumarin, which is found in citrus fruits. When the sun mixes with the furocoumarin on your skin (from the citric) it can cause a reaction called “phytophotodermatitis,” this leads to dark hyperpigmented areas on your face (or anywhere you put citric acid ). The pigmentation takes about a year until it fades, and may not be completely, so I advise against it.
101 Complex Skin Care Routines
I am sure a lot of you have seen TikTokers and other social media influencers show off their morning and night skin care routine. Their faces are clear and glowing, so you assume the 101 products that work on them will have the same effect on you. Not necessarily true, you have to take into account that your skin sensitivity and skin type (oil, dryness, or combination) might not be the same as who you are getting inspiration from. With that, applying so many chemicals to your skin is not always a good thing, especially in the long run. Skin irritation can occur and trust me it’s not pretty. Speaking from experience, I had burned my skin and developed rashes because I followed what someone else was doing. The top layer of someone’s skin can look clear and glowy, but that does not mean underneath the barriers are as clear (so be careful to not trick yourself).
DIY Face Mask
Face masks have many benefits if you are using one that is right for you. From the classic mud mask, to oatmeal, and sheets all have ingredients that can brighten, moisturize, or cleanse your impurities. However, making a DIY face mask can either benefit you or ruin your skin. There was a point where turmeric face masks were very popular, people decided to create a homemade version with turmeric, honey, and essential oils of your choosing. Social media influencers (including YouTube) advertised the homemade turmeric mask as lightening their skin while getting rid of dark spots. While dermatologists do note the benefits of turmeric, such as the lightning, creating a DIY might not have that same effect.
Now I am going to be real with you, I have tried the turmeric face mask. My choice of essential oils were avocado and tea tree, since I read they work best on oily skin.
Once I made the face mask I used it for three days before I noticed my face started burning and itching like crazy. Another day went by and I woke up with a rash. Immediately I stopped and waited nearly three weeks for the rash to go away. As for getting any of the benefits, none, my face did not lighten nor did any of my dark spots. That is when I learned my lesson about trusting trends.
Best Solution Out There
If you truly are looking to find a skin care routine and to clear your skin, consult a dermatologist, not social media trends. It’s okay to get inspiration from influencers, but make sure to do some research of your own. It is very important to know your skin type and what doesn’t work for you.
Other places you can visit are beauty parlors like Ulta or Sephora and ask an employer for help (warning: both are pretty expensive).
After I had cleared the rashes my dermatologist recommended a face wash (cetaphil) that I had used for 3 years before looking further into ingredients that work best for me: anything for sensitive and oily skin, and fragrance free. I now keep cetaphil close, but have moved on to CeraVe which was recommended by an Ulta employer along with a serum and moisturizer that helps control oil reproduction. I can honestly say, the employer knew what they were doing.
I know this is cliche, but beauty isn’t always what’s on the outside. And remember, just because you see all the good results on social media, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any bad ones.
Reference
Makeup, M. (2021, August 30). Dangerous TikTok Skincare Trends to Avoid with Dr. Muneeb
Shah from @Doctorly | Dermatologist Chat [Video]. YouTube.