Social networks are full of trends for various treatments, products, techniques and tools that will supposedly bring the skin to perfection. It's never been more important to learn to filter information and trust cosmetics manufacturers, skin care experts and your own logic. If you're considering or implementing some of these beauty trends, here's why you should just ignore them, bypass them, and find a better alternative.
1. Homemade masks and peels
Of course, not all masks and peels that we make at home are inherently bad. For example, those made on the basis of homemade, freshly picked aloe vera leaves, honey, and soft sugar are very moisturizing, soothing and usually well tolerated. However, using ingredients such as baking soda and lemon juice is extremely bad for the skin.
First of all, these two substances with very alkaline or very acidic pH values ​​disrupt the natural pH of the skin, which is important for preserving the hydrolipidic barrier. Long-term use almost inevitably leads to irritation, dryness, and even sensitivity to external influences such as solar radiation. Clay is a good ingredient only if it is used correctly. It is important to choose it according to the skin type (white kaolin for more sensitive and normal skin, green clay for oily skin) and mix it into a moisturizing base that will not allow excessive extraction of moisture and lipids.
2. Dermaplaning at home
The well-known trend of shaving the face with specially designed razors is another in a series of treatments that, at the very least, are best left to trained professionals. Dermaplaning is a procedure in which, in addition to fine hairs on the face, the surface layer of the skin is also removed, thus exfoliating. This treatment can bring certain benefits, but there are many more possible negative consequences.
In doing so, we are not referring to the hairs that will grow in greater numbers and stronger than ever (because they won't!) but to the fact that due to the special way of handling the razor (angle) during dermaplaning, microdamages, or scars, can be etched on the skin. Such damaged sensitive skin is a suitable "ground" for the development of infections, skin irregularities, but also long-term loss of elasticity and the development of wrinkles. If you already have to, it is better to remove the hair with one of the usual methods.
3. Sleeping with a sheet mask
Sheet masks are a good option if you want instant refreshment. As a rule, they are very "wet" and richly saturated with serums with moisturizing active substances, and they are recommended to be kept on the face for 10 to 15 minutes. However, this recommendation is often ignored, and the mask is left on the skin for several hours, even overnight. Why is that not good? When the skin absorbs the serum, it stays on it a practically dry fabric that then begins to attract the moisture that you have just provided to your skin. In short, you are doing the opposite of what you want. Like all products, it is important to use these masks according to the manufacturer's recommendations, especially if they contain hyaluronic acid or other humectants.
4. Soap brows
One of the most famous Instagram trends may give a fresh, modern look to the eyebrows, but it also damages the health of the hairs that we so carefully care for - and the skin that lies beneath them. As with household "shakers" with baking soda or lemon juice, using alkaline soap on the eyebrows drastically changes the pH of the skin. Such experiments very often end with severe drying, flaking of the skin and hair loss, especially if the eyebrows are additionally strengthened with hairspray. If you want to raise your eyebrows naturally and comb them neatly, and you don't have a dedicated product at hand, any waxy, firmer texture like Propolis ointment will do.
4. Microneedling at home
Dermapen, dermarolling, microneedling - these are all similar terms that mean targeted puncture of the skin with a special tool with needles that can be adjusted to the depth of the puncture. This technique, when performed under highly controlled conditions and in expert hands, provides excellent results in the form of scar reduction, increased elasticity, firmness and a generally healthier complexion. "Thanks" to the Internet, this tool has become very popular - and unfortunately also widely available.
So we can see various examples (and errors) of use. Choosing too deep a needle that causes scars, not changing needles, using bad tools, applying the wrong products before and after treatment, such as serums with vitamin C and even chemical peels, microneedling on uncleaned skin and in unsterile conditions... The list is long, and the list of unwanted consequences is even longer. Ignore the advice from Instagram and YouTube and let yourself be in the hands of a beautician who still uses better tools and simply knows what she's doing better.
6. Too strong chemical peels
Chemical peels based on AHA, BHA or PHA acids undoubtedly have numerous advantages. Unlike usual peelings, they do not use physical substances for exfoliation, which can be especially suitable for more sensitive skin. However, if they are not used according to the manufacturer's recommendations, all their benefits usually "fall into the water" and become dangerous. The most common mistakes when it comes to chemical peels are the following:
- the first introduction of too strong concentrations
- blame the selection of acids according to skin type
- staying on the skin for too long
- incorrect removal from the skin
- too frequent use
- application to wet skin
- not wearing SPF
In order to reduce the possibility of irritation to a minimum, it is necessary to choose the most suitable acid (lactic and mandelic for sensitive skin, glycolic and salicylic for oily skin), but also to start with the lowest possible concentration, while respecting the recommendations for use. Acids are applied to dry skin, and in very strong concentrations where they are used as masks (wash-off treatment), they need to be thoroughly rinsed and thereby neutralized. Of course, when you buy a chemical peel, make sure you also buy an SPF cream right away.
7. Facial care with coconut oil
Coconut oil is fantastic for skin and hair care, no doubt about it. However, the skin of the body is different from the skin of the face and this oil is simply (in most cases) not a good choice for facial care. The reason for this is the comedogenicity of coconut oil , which has a very high potential, especially if it is pure oil. Regardless of whether it is regular or extra virgin and cold pressed, this oil is very likely to clog your pores and cause acne. For the face, choose lighter oils or carefully formulated oil complexes such as Omega Elixir .
8. Overdoing it with serums
The trend of using serums is one of the longest-lasting, and given their power in skin care, this is not surprising. However, the saying "less is more" also applies here. Flooding your skin with concentrated actives several times a day, even if it's a moisturizer , won't make any difference, except that it can overload both your skin and your wallet. Once again, follow the manufacturer's recommendations!
9. Uncleaned beauty gadgets
If you haven't already discovered a green jade facial massager , chances are you're in the minority. In addition to being a nice addition to your spa corner, this roller is great for massaging your face and reducing puffiness under the eyes. However, a mistake often sneaks in here too. Since jade is a porous semi-precious stone, this tool needs to be cleaned regularly. It is enough to wash it with a light cleansing gel that you use for your face (never with aggressive cleansers!), rinse it well, dry it on a clean towel - and it is ready for the next safe use.
