Dermatologist explains which social media skincare trends actually work

Social media is full of skincare trends, but not all of them are safe or effective. From Vaseline slugging to rubbing garlic on pimples, people are trying everything they see online. Dermatologist Dr Aparajita Lamba, founder of Iksana Wellness, explains which viral hacks actually help the skin and which ones can do more harm than good.

One popular trend is skin slugging, where people cover their face with Vaseline before bed. Dr Lamba says this can be helpful for dry or damaged skin, especially in winter. It locks in moisture and allows the skin to repair overnight. However, people with oily or acne-prone skin should avoid it, as it can trap oil and bacteria and cause breakouts.

Another trend is using lemon juice masks. Many people apply lemon juice to brighten the skin, but Dr Lamba warns against it. Lemon has a very low pH, which can burn the skin, cause irritation, or lead to peeling. She suggests using dermatologist-approved vitamin C serums instead for safe skin brightening.

Icing the face is also trending. Some influencers dunk their faces in ice water to reduce puffiness. Dr Lamba says this can help circulation and morning puffiness if done in moderation. But overdoing it can irritate the skin or worsen conditions like rosacea.

A long-standing trend is putting toothpaste on pimples. Dr Lamba says this should be avoided because toothpaste is made for teeth, not skin. It can cause burns, dryness, and dark spots. Instead, she recommends using gentle treatments like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid for spots.

Sunscreen contouring is another risky trend. People apply sunscreen only to some areas to create tan lines for a contour effect. Dr Lamba emphasizes that UV protection is more important than looks. Sunscreen should always be applied evenly to protect skin from sun damage.

Finally, retinol sandwiching is a safer trend. This involves layering moisturizer and retinol to reduce irritation. Dr Lamba says this method helps beginners start retinol without harsh side effects. She warns not to combine retinol with strong acids or exfoliants in the same routine.

Dr Lamba advises following simple, safe, and consistent skincare routines rather than experimenting with every social media trend. The right combination of cleansing, moisturizing, sun protection, and targeted treatments is more effective than extreme hacks.

By following expert advice, people can avoid skin damage, improve their skin health, and enjoy safe, glowing skin without falling for risky viral trends.