TikTok has become a haven for beauty trends, including countless skin-care methods that promise to transform your complexion. But not everything that goes viral is good for you. In fact, some popular trends have caused harm and our skin experts say be careful with any DIY treatment you try. We’ve consulted with top dermatologists, cosmetic chemists and aestheticians to separate the facts from the fads and find out which TikTok trends you should embrace—and which you should absolutely avoid.
Featured Experts
- Ginger King is a cosmetic chemist in Parsippany, New Jersey
- Dr. Joel Schlessinger is a board-certified dermatologist in Omaha, NE
- Dr. Daniel Schlessinger is a board-certified dermatologist in Omaha, NE
- Nerida Joy, is a celebrity aesthetician and skin-care expert in Los Angeles
- Veronica Barton Schwartz is a celebrity aesthetician in Malibu, CA
Sunscreen Contouring
One of the most alarming TikTok skin-care trends of 2024 is “sunscreen contouring,” where users intentionally apply sunscreen only to certain areas of their face to create a contoured tan look. This leaves other parts of the face exposed to harmful UV rays. Joel Schlessinger, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Omaha, NE, warns that this trend is extremely dangerous.
“No tan is safe for the skin and increases your risk of sun damage, discoloration and skin cancer,” says Dr. Schlessinger. “You should always apply sunscreen evenly across your skin to protect it fully. Using makeup to contour is a much safer option.”
DIY Peels and Mole Removals
Another harmful TikTok trend resurfacing is DIY professional treatments, including chemical peels and mole removals. These complex procedures require professional training and should not be attempted at home.
“At-home peels can cause painful burns or severe skin injuries if done improperly and trying to remove your own moles is incredibly risky,” explains Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “Aside from the risk of scarring and infection, improperly removing a mole could mask a dangerous or cancerous mole, putting your health at risk.”
Noneffective LED Masks
While LED masks and other light therapy devices have gained popularity on TikTok, celebrity aesthetician Nerida Joy believes the results are often minimal. “These devices may offer some results, but they’re generally very limited unless you’re using professional-grade equipment,” says Joy. While LED therapy can be beneficial in a clinical setting, most at-home devices don’t have enough power to achieve noticeable improvements.
Homemade SPF and Excessive Active Ingredients
DIY skin-care recipes have exploded on TikTok, with some users even attempting to make sunscreen at home. This is a dangerous practice, warns cosmetic chemist Ginger King. Since sunscreen is considered a drug, clinical testing is required to ensure its safety and efficacy. “Anything DIY is not a good thing, particularly sunscreens. Without proper lab testing, you risk getting burned,” says King. She also notes the trend of mixing too many active ingredients like AHA, BHA and retinol into at-home concoctions. “People are creating cocktails of actives, but without proper patch testing, it can lead to inflammation and a compromised skin barrier.”
Overcomplicated Routines
TikTok is filled with users promoting extensive skin-care routines, often involving layers of products that may cancel each other out. Celebrity aesthetician Veronica Barton-Schwartz warns that these routines can have the opposite effect of what’s intended. “Most of these content creators aren’t professionals, but they’re very convincing. Too many steps and products can be overwhelming, expensive and irritating for the skin,” she says. Instead, she advises consulting with a professional to simplify your routine and find products for your skin type.
Younger Audiences on TikTok
A particularly worrying trend on TikTok is the rise of young children replicating intricate skin care routines they see online. These TikTok posts often include potent ingredients like retinol and AHAs. “I’ve seen children as young as 10 mimicking skin-care routines designed for adults, which is completely unnecessary and can lead to irritation and even long-term skin damage,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, a board-certified dermatologist. He advises parents to monitor what products their children are using and consult a dermatologist if unsure.
DIY Permanent Freckles
One of the TikTok skin-care trends that’s particularly dangerous is the rise of DIY permanent freckles, which involves people attempting to tattoo freckles onto their skin using at-home tattoo kits or even henna.
“DIY tattoos can lead to serious complications like scarring, allergic reactions and infections,” warns Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. “Tattooing requires professional knowledge of skin depth, sterilization and ink composition, all of which are crucial to avoid long-term damage.” Attempting to achieve a sun-kissed freckled look at home can easily result in permanent disfigurement.
Beneficial TikTok Trends
While many TikTok trends do more harm than good, not all are bad. According to Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, some trends, like “skin cycling,” can benefit your skin.
“Skin cycling involves alternating active ingredients like retinoids and exfoliants with recovery days. This allows your skin to rest and repair, preventing over-exfoliation and irritation,” explains Dr. Schlessinger.
Fortunately, more board-certified dermatologists and licensed skin-care experts are stepping onto TikTok to debunk harmful myths. “Whether we like it or not, people are turning to social media for health information,” adds Dr. Schlessinger. “It’s important that qualified professionals continue to provide accurate, reliable and safe skin-care advice.”
Nerida Joy adds, “Find and follow true experts in the skin-care industry. Read their credentials and reviews to verify their expertise and always ask yourself if what they’re saying makes sense to you.”
