For me, seeing TikTok’s virality and impact on consumerism skyrocket this past year was mesmerizing to witness. SKINCARE TRENDS ON TIKTOK
TikTok has been dominating the world with non-stop trendy content, some of the most viral subjects being one of my favorite—skincare trends. Certified dermatologists like Dr. Joyce @TeawithMD and Dr. Dustin Portela @208skindoc are on TikTok to help debunk skincare myths and spread science-based advice. But there are also hundreds of zealous Gen Z-ers and Millennials sharing enticing viral skincare trends that often sound too good to be true… Or are they? I tested out top 3 TikTok skincare trends to find out their skin benefits first hand.
Dermaplaning has noticeably changed the softness of my skin.DERMAPLANING
First, we have dermaplaning. Dermaplaning is the treatment of removing the dead skin cells and fine hairs located on the top layer of your skin with a clean and appropriately angled blade. Then, gently moving the sterile blade across your face, your razor tool takes off surface-level hair and eliminates the top layer of your skin. This top skin layer collects pollution, bacteria, and debris from the environment. So I bought a dermaplaning kit to try it out at home. It was a bit scary at first, but using the dermaplaning technique has noticeably improved dark spots, reduced my pore size, and has left my face feeling softer than ever! I can’t speak for long term benefits, however, dermaplaning sure did give instant gratification of baby soft skin.
ICE FACIALS
My personal favorite of these TikTok skincare trends is using ice cubes for reducing facial swelling, puffiness, and inflammation.
Ice facials derive from cryotherapy, which translates to “cold therapy.” Cryotherapy is the process of using extremely low temperatures for alleviating medical issues such as pain, swelling, numbness, and arthritic pain. Currently, there is no scientific evidence suggesting that ice facials can cure any skin issues (only anecdotal evidence). In spite of this, a few of the benefits that TikTok users and influencers have shared include:
- Reducing painful inflammation, sunburns, rashes, or bug bites
- Eliminating swelling and extreme puffiness around the eyes
- Revitalizing skin, creating a natural “glow”
This TikTok craze for cooling down the skin has done wonders for me. Ice facials have de-puffed my under eyes, reduced my pore sizes, and has given my skin a noticeable “firmness” that I’m currently loving.
GUA SHA
Gua sha (pronounced gwah•shah) exploded in TikTok content upload in 2021 but it traces back to ancient Eastern medicinal traditions. Gua sha is the art of scraping and applying intense pressure to bodily skin or facial skin. To practice Gua sha, you typically use a flat jade or quartz stone to help relieve issues including:
- Muscle stiffness
- Lack of blood flow and poor circulation
- Muscle Pain
- Skin swelling
The technique of using Gua sha on the under eyes I tried using my Gua Sha facial lifting tool every morning for a couple of weeks. First, I apply pressure with the tool on my chin and my jawline, moving the Gua sha upwards and away from my face. Next, I apply pressure from the outside of my nose as I move the tool towards my hairline. Gua sha gives me a feeling of relief throughout my face. More than anything, it gives me a great sense of self-care. Additionally, the reduced tension leaves my skin refreshed and ready to take on a new day!
TIKTOK SKINCARE TRENDS
Dermaplaning, ice facials, and Gua sha are facial treatments that have long been around in skincare. Nonetheless, Tiktok has popularized these treatments to a new and global audience. Some of these viral “trends” come with big claims of immediate and lasting benefits. I can’t justify all the claims of the three TikTok skincare trends I’ve tried. But, I do feel that dermaplaning, ice facials, and Gua sha all do have skincare benefits—but taken with a grain of salt of course.
Which TikTok skincare trends are you interested in?
