TikTok Trends: Skin MPLS Style
Staring at yourself on Zoom all day has taken skin obsession to a whole new level. Part of our job, as aestheticians, is to be in-the-know and up-to-date with new trends. So, we've been listening to your most frequently asked questions about what you see on TikTok and what to think. We weigh in on the good, the neutral, and the unfortunate TikTok trends.
THE GOOD
Skincare fridges. There is no downside to keeping your skincare products cool. In fact, most products will stay fresher longer when refrigerated. But who wants to be trekking back and forth from the kitchen every time you need a skin product? So we think that small skincare fridges are the perfect way to keep your products fresh and cool.
What products and tools should go in there? Most serums, most toners, hydrating masks, gua shas, and other sculpting tools. These products and devices will calm the skin more effectively and feel amazing if kept a little colder.
At Home Facials. We are all about budget sustainable skincare! In fact, investing in products that are right for your skin, and you use regularly, will yield more results than facial treatments alone. So, if you are looking to stretch your monthly treatments out further than four weeks apart, performing a mini-treatment on yourself at home is a great way to save money.
If you want to mimic what we do to your skin (minus the extractions of course!), start with manual exfoliation, then gentle enzyme exfoliation, next apply a hydrating mask and use your skincare device of choice on top of it, and finally apply nourishing serums and SPF. This should take about an hour and please ensure you include your neck and chest as well. We have masks and products for every budget and skin type. And, while it will be an investment up front, you'll have months of self-care treatments in the long run. Watch queen of masking, Cassie, teach us all about caring for your skin at home on our Instagram highlights.
THE BAD
Influencer Recommended Products. Just because your favorite TikTok celebrity uses a product doesn't mean you should. Every person's skin and needs are completely different. Some people have naturally flawless skin (for instance, the influencer that swears by Cetaphil but has never had a pimple), while others have to work hard at it. Some have especially sensitive skin, while others could use so many acids without a reaction.
Let a trained professional handle the right balance and regimen for your skin. Adding in another product, without an in-depth look at the full picture of what you are using, will not necessarily yield results. So, no matter if your skin is reactive, acne-prone or you just want to maximize your skincare budget, impulse buying is never the right answer.
And for you product junkies, here is a little reminder of how backing away from the beauty aisle may help you finally achieve your skin goals.
“Natural” Remedies. Raise your hand if you've put apple cider vinegar, coffee grounds, coconut oil, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, turmeric, or sugar on your skin. We know so many who are guilty of one (or all) of these seemingly harmless hacks. But please cease and desist already! First of all, it won't work. Second, overly acidic (or basic – we're talking pH here, not boringness) ingredients and harsh scrubs can seriously damage your skin barrier. Third, natural ingredients can grow bacteria and lead to breakouts. And finally, these products cannot penetrate your skin to the appropriate level to actually elicit a noticeable change. Your skin does not get nutrients by simply having them on the surface, it needs serious science and delivery systems to actually penetrate in order to make a difference.
Stick to eating natural foods. And, for a yummy nutrient boost to your skin, try Raspberry Resurfacing Peel.
THE SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN
High-Frequency Machines at Home. These zit zapping devices have gained at-home popularity due to their low price point and how easy they are to use. Our thoughts on them are pretty neutral. They can be helpful as anti-bacterial boosters to shorten the length of a pimple. They are great for ingrown hairs after shaving. They can be a good incorporation into your at-home facial treatments for both acne and anti-aging reasons. Just don't overuse it because it can lead to dryness (even scabbing). Also, don't expect it to be the miracle tool they might be promised to be. It's just another small step on the very tall skincare ladder.
For more information on some of the TikTok trendy tools, here are our do’s and don’ts,
Pimple Patches. Thanks to social media, we now know that even celebrities get pimples. It seems pimple patches have basically become a fashion statement at this point. Besides being cute, what are these "medicated" patches useful for? While they can bring down swelling or inflammation, we don't fully recommend relying on them. We do applaud their ability to keep people from picking though! However, the best way to get rid of pimples fast is icing them 2-3 times daily.
So, while we don't endorse pimple patches, we also won't lose sleep over them if you decide to give it a try (especially if it helps keep you from picking). For a more holistic guide to treating acne read our breakdown of breakouts.