Five Unsafe Skin Care Trends to Avoid

Don't Risk Your Skin Stay Away From These 5 Unhealthy Skin Care Fads

Derm Dangers 5 Unhealthy Skin Care Trends to Avoid

Social media platforms are notorious for churning out trends that are not only unsafe but can also leave you questioning the sanity of humanity. In honor of National Healthy Skin Month, board-certified dermatologists have taken it upon themselves to shine a spotlight on five of these ludicrous practices that you might stumble upon while scrolling through your social media feeds. Brace yourselves, folks, because things are about to get weird.

1. Performing cosmetic treatments at home: The recipe for disaster

People have now taken the art of DIY to the next level. Brace yourself for videos of folks microneedling, injecting fillers, and even using lasers to get rid of unwanted hair IN. THEIR. OWN. HOMES. Yes, you read that right, pushing the boundaries of sanity and basic common sense. Dr. Sara Moghaddam, a board-certified dermatologist, finds this trend deeply concerning. Not only is at-home microneedling, also known as derma-rolling, dangerous due to the risk of infections and improper techniques, but it’s also a perfect recipe for disaster. Seeing someone perform a cosmetic procedure and looking perfectly unscathed on social media doesn’t mean they didn’t end up in the emergency room later (filters can be deceiving, folks!).

2. Trying nasal tanning spray: When your nose becomes a tanning booth

If you thought nasal tanning spray was a clever invention, think again. It turns out, inhaling tanning spray and then basking in the sun like a reptile is not only unsafe but also qualifies for the “what were they thinking?!” award. Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, a board-certified dermatologist, warns that this new trend significantly increases your risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. Plus, to add more fuel to the dumpster fire, the active ingredient in nasal tanning sprays, whether it’s afamelanotide or bremelanotide (melanotan I or II), is neither safe nor FDA-approved. Talk about giving “nosey neighbors” a whole new meaning!

3. Using hot peppers for fuller lips: Getting saucy in the name of beauty

Move over lip fillers, because now we have hot peppers from the pantry to thank for giving us plumper lips temporarily. Yes, you heard right. Social media mavens have taken their quest for the perfect pout to new heights by smearing Scotch bonnets and habaneros on their lips. But hold your horses before you raid your kitchen cabinets, because this spicy experiment might leave you with more than you bargained for. Dr. Oyetewa Oyerinde, an expert in dermatology, warns that using hot peppers can lead to allergic contact dermatitis, eczema, rashes, and even stubborn dark spots around the mouth that are harder to eliminate than that one pizza stain on your favorite shirt. Ladies and gentlemen, stick to safely injected dermal fillers. Trust us.

4. Taking supplements randomly: The health equivalent of playing Russian roulette

We all want flawless skin, luscious hair, and nails that could rival a unicorn’s mane. But popping supplements like candy without consulting a doctor? That’s a big no-no. Dr. Rajani Katta, a clinical assistant professor, has some words of wisdom for the supplement enthusiasts out there. Some ingredients found in these “miracle” pills advertised for skin, hair, and nails have been linked to an array of side-effects, including birth defects, increased cancer risk, acne, and hair loss. So instead of playing a risky game of Russian roulette with your health, maybe it’s time to have a serious chat with your healthcare provider. Don’t worry, unicorns will still be jealous.

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5. Skipping the sunscreen: A dangerous debate

In the land of social media, there’s no shortage of debates, from politics to the perfect avocado toast recipe. But of all the debates out there, one stands out as terrifyingly dangerous: the anti-sunscreen sentiment. Yes, you read that correctly. Some people, against all scientific knowledge, claim that sunscreen is harmful and can cause cancer. Cue eye roll from dermatologists everywhere. Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, our favorite board-certified dermatologist, wants to set the record straight. Current scientific evidence does not show that sunscreen ingredients available in the United States are harmful to human health. Please, folks, remember that protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is an absolute must. So slather on that SPF, wear that floppy hat, and enjoy the beach while laughing at those who believe sunscreen is the root of all evil.

And there you have it, folks, the top five unsafe skin care trends that are causing dermatologists to scratch their heads in disbelief. Let this be a lesson to us all: just because it’s trending on social media doesn’t mean it’s safe or sensible. Your skin deserves better, and so do you.

Now it’s your turn: Have you come across any outrageous skin care trends on social media? Share your weird and wacky experiences in the comments below!