Skin Docs Flag 5 Unsafe Skincare Trends on Social Media

The hashtag "skincare" has billions of views on popular social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. However, skincare professionals are warning that there is a lot of unsafe advice circulating online. Here are five alarming skincare trends, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Number One: Performing cosmetic procedures at home. This is the most worrisome trend, according to board-certified dermatologists. They warn that do-it-yourself treatments like microneedling and injecting fillers significantly increase the risk of infection and improper techniques.

Number Two: Trying nasal tanning spray. While using self-tanner is a safe way to achieve a bronzed look, nasal tanning spray is not. Videos promoting this practice show people inhaling the spray and then sunbathing without sunscreen. Not only is the active ingredient in nasal tanning spray unsafe, according to the Academy, but unprotected sun exposure also increases your risk of skin cancer, age spots, and wrinkles.

Number Three: Using hot peppers for fuller lips. The temporary plumpness promised from hot peppers like Scotch Bonnet or Habanero can cause eczema or other rashes, leaving dark spots around the mouth or on the lips that are difficult to eliminate.

Number Four: Taking supplements randomly. This can be risky without first consulting your doctor. One dermatologist warns that ingredients in supplements advertised for skin, hair, and nails have been linked to birth defects, an increased risk of cancer, and side effects such as acne and hair loss.

Finally, Number Five: Skipping sunscreen. This is a hotly debated topic on social media right now, with some people claiming that sunscreen can cause cancer—a claim that is not backed by science. The Academy states that there is currently no evidence showing that sunscreen ingredients available in the U.S. are harmful to human health.