#skincare is having movement on social media – with the hashtag hitting over 204.5 billion views on TikTok and 110 million posts on Instagram. However, according to skin expert and founder of SkinB5, Judy Cheung-Wood the trends we’re seeing don’t always translate to clear skin. Nonetheless, new research suggests young Aussies are relying on them anyway, with over one in three admitting to being #influenced by social media skincare content.
“With entertaining content and literally millions of acne videos, skincare crazes can spread like wildfire on platforms like TikTok, so it’s little wonder we get caught up in the advice when our skin is aggravated and our confidence is low,” said Judy. “While the appeal is obvious – quick and simple hacks that promise to change your skin – the reality is usually vastly different and often doesn’t end in the result you saw in the 15 second video.”
Curious about what works and what won’t? Judy busts five of the most popular TikTok Beauty Myths that don’t really work (including the one about applying toothpaste to treat your pimples!). And reveals the one that does.
Tiktok Beauty Myth #1: Toothpaste will Shrink Pimples
FALSE! It’s an age-old trend that’s been doing the rounds since long before TikTok, but according to Judy, the ingredients in toothpaste are meant for teeth, not skin and can be harmful when applied topically.
“Because of its antibacterial and drying properties, people assume that it is a logical option to dry out a stubborn pimple but using toothpaste on your skin is a definite no-no,” says Judy.
According to Judy, TikTok has taken this trend to the next level, suggesting that you should spread the toothpaste over your skin and then use a toothbrush to exfoliate it into the problem area. “This is a really bad idea! Brushing a harsh toothpaste into your skin can result in irritations, or worse even, makes your skin angrier,” she confirms.
Tiktok Beauty Myth #2: Saltwater Spray will Soothe Skin
FASLE! “Saltwater spray to combat acne has recently taken off on TikTok, with posts recommending combining water and sea salt and spraying it liberally onto the skin to curb breakouts,” says Judy.
“While a combination of Vitamin D from the sun, and saltwater is known to help improve acne, a daily spray of saltwater will do nothing to curb a bad breakout which is mostly driven by internal causes that are the root of the problem,” she said. “While it may offer minor benefits, the reality is it’s a short-term solution and persistent breakouts will continue.”
Tiktok Beauty Myth #3: Target Pimples with Potato Slices
FASLE! Cucumbers for cooling your eyes? Excellent! But when it comes to spuds, this comforting carb is great on a literal pizza, But probably won’t do much if you’re dealing with a case of “pizza face.”
“Potatoes contain starches which are oil-absorbing and anti-inflammatory. They also contain Vitamin C which we know can help to promote healing,” says Judy. Sounds promising! But before you head out to load up on fries, Just admits that “taping sliced potatoes onto your face shouldn’t be your go-to for addressing acne,” says Judy.
“Frankly, it is a waste of time and effort! A Vitamin C serum or light hydration essence is probably a wiser option, but like any topical skincare, it does not address the underlying causes of skin flare ups.”
Tiktok Beauty Myth #4: Ice Facials are an Effective Way to Treat Acne
FASLE! From ice cream to ice baths, cold experiences always seem to one of the hottest trends online. And ice facials are no exception. Ice facials are effectively the process of rubbing an ice cube on your face and are, according to Judy, yet another example of an acne-treatment inaccuracy made large on social media. “Since the ice doesn’t target the root cause of the acne itself, it’s unlikely to actually help your skin heal or prevent further breakouts.”
“This all said, if you pair ice facials with your acne treatment, there is some evidence to suggest it can help calm inflammation, but as a treatment method on its own, they’re fairly pointless.”
Tiktok Beauty Myth #5: Hydrocolloid Band-Aids
FASLE! Pimple patches have been around for a while but with the cost of living, TikTokers have started using generic hydrocolloid band-aids – which promise the same effective results, without the hefty price tag.
“I can understand how this may help if you only have a few pimples. With agents like gelatine or sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, these wound care ingredients help to draw out fluid in pimples to speed up healing, plus with a Band-Aid over a sore site, you’re definitely less likely to pick,” says Judy.
All this said, while they’re helpful in treating the odd pimple, hydrocolloid Band-Aids won’t prevent future acne from developing, and aren’t ideal for skin with multiple break out sites.
TikTok Beauty Myth #6: You Can Eat Your Way to Better Skin
TRUE! Plot twist, this myth is actually accurate.
Despite the fact that one specific food alone (such as sugar) will not directly cause you to break out, some foods may make you acne worse, while others help your skin stay healthy.
According to Judy, the secret to managing acne and pimples starts from the inside out, “When it comes to acne, if you’re only addressing your symptoms and not the cause itself, you’ll struggle to see results and the vicious cycle continues,” she said.
“Instead of topically treating your breakouts, a more holistic approach can get to the root of the issue while addressing break-outs as they happen. Holistic skincare, such as SkinB5, does just that, using nutraceutical grade dietary supplements and skin barrier protective skincare, it tackles acne both topically and systemically at a cellular level,” explains Judy.
SkinB5’s patented formulation with SB5-BIOTRx combines the strategic use of high-potency vitamin B5, with other essential skin health vitamins such as Vitamin B3 in an oral supplement is the first step to an effective 3-step system that helps reduce acne from within. High potency Vitamin B5 is the star ingredient that supports many biological functions inside the body, especially help regulate the over production of skin oil, known as sebum.