TikTok Skincare Trends: Helpful or Hype?
As a facialist with over 35 years of experience and founder of Face Matters, I’ve seen skincare trends come and go ~ but thanks to TikTok, they’re now spreading faster than ever! Some of them are brilliant, some are questionable, and a few make me want to put my head in my hands. So, let’s break down a few of the latest trends and whether they’re worth your time (and skin!).
💚 Trends I Love
✅ Skin Cycling – This is actually a great approach! Alternating active ingredients with recovery days can help prevent irritation and support skin health. Just remember, your skin is unique—what works for one person may need tweaking for you.
✅ Lymphatic Drainage & Facial Massage – Yes, yes, and yes! Encouraging circulation, reducing puffiness, and boosting your skin’s natural glow? I’m all for it. Plus, it’s free and completely natural—what’s not to love? Don’t forget the Gua Sha!
✅ Barrier Repair & Skin Minimalism – Finally, people are realising that less is often more. Strengthening your skin’s barrier with nourishing, natural ingredients (like the ones in Face Matters!) is always a good idea.
🚨 Trends to Approach with Caution
⚠️ DIY Skincare Hacks – Mixing your own skincare in the kitchen? Be careful! Lemon juice, toothpaste, and bicarbonate of soda do not belong on your face. Natural doesn’t always mean safe.
⚠️ Slugging – Coating your skin in a thick layer of Vaseline overnight isn’t a great plan. If you’re prone to breakouts, this could definitely make things worse. Opt for nourishing plant-based oils instead!
❌ Trends I’d Avoid Completely
❌ At-Home Chemical Peels & Acid Overuse – The horror stories I’ve seen! Overloading your skin with strong acids can do more harm than good. Leave the serious stuff to the professionals.
❌ Sunscreen Contouring – Skipping SPF in certain areas to create a “natural” contour? Just no. Sun damage is real, and your future skin will thank you for wearing SPF everywhere.
The bottom line? Trends come and go, but good skincare is timeless. Stick to ingredients that nourish and protect, listen to your skin, and don’t be fooled by every viral hack. And if in doubt, ask a pro, not an algorithm!
Stay glowing,
Sally, Founder of Face Matters 💚✨