The skincare industry is a multi-billion-dollar business, and with its rise, so has the proliferation of skincare trends. From DIY chemical peels to ice facials, these trends often promise quick fixes and dramatic results. However, dermatologists are increasingly concerned about the potential harm these trends can cause to skin health. In this article, I will explore 10 skincare trends that dermatologists want you to stop following, and provide my own analysis and commentary on each trend.
One trend that dermatologists are particularly concerned about is DIY chemical peels at home. While lemon juice, baking soda, and apple cider vinegar may seem like safe and natural options, the reality is that these ingredients can cause burns, pigmentation, and scarring. Dermatologists calibrate chemical peels to a patient's skin type and monitor their reaction, but a bottle of vinegar does not. In my opinion, this trend is dangerous and should be avoided. The allure of a quick fix is strong, but the potential consequences are not worth the risk.
Another trend that dermatologists warn against is layering multiple actives in a skincare routine. While it may seem efficient to stack retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, niacinamide, and a hydroxy acid toner, skin does not need more ingredients thrown at it. Overloaded actives can cause redness, flaking, and a barrier that takes weeks to calm down. Personally, I think this trend is a recipe for disaster, and it is important to introduce actives one at a time and space them out.
Beauty filters have also reset what people consider normal skin. Pores are smoothed to nothing, texture disappears, and patients arrive asking to fix things that were never actually problems. Dermatologists are now counseling patients on how to distinguish a real skin concern from a filtered expectation. In my view, this trend is problematic because it creates unrealistic expectations and can lead to unnecessary procedures. It is important to remember that filters are not reality, and what you see on social media is not always an accurate representation of what is actually possible.
Skipping sunscreen because a product claims to have built-in SPF is another trend that dermatologists want to see phased out. Tinted moisturisers, foundations, and powders that mention SPF on the label often do not deliver the protection they promise in real-world use. Relying on these products as your only sun protection is a quietly damaging habit that can lead to stubborn pigmentation years later. I strongly advise against this trend, as sunscreen is an essential part of any skincare routine and should not be skipped.
Ice facials and extreme cold therapy are also on the list of trends to avoid. While rubbing ice cubes over the face may temporarily tighten the skin and make pores look smaller, it does not actually shrink pores. In fact, on sensitised or broken skin, this type of therapy can trigger redness and, in rare cases, cold-induced irritation. I think this trend is a bit of a fad and not worth the risk of potential irritation or damage to the skin.
Following a routine because it worked for someone else's skin is another trend that dermatologists warn against. Skin is not generic, and what clears one person's acne can trigger another person's rosacea. I believe this trend is problematic because it fails to account for individual skin types and concerns. It is important to understand your own skin before changing what you are doing to it.
Treating every red mark as acne and reaching for stronger actives is another trend that dermatologists want to see phased out. Not every bump is acne, and piling on benzoyl peroxide or high-strength salicylic acid without a proper diagnosis can make things worse. I think this trend is a bit of a one-size-fits-all approach and can lead to unnecessary damage to the skin. It is important to seek professional advice before reaching for stronger actives.
Chasing natural as a synonym for safe is another trend that dermatologists are concerned about. Essential oils, raw-honey masks, and garlic paste for acne may seem appealing, but natural does not necessarily mean safe. Some of the most common allergic reactions dermatologists treat come from ingredients marketed as gentle simply because they are plant-derived. I think this trend is a bit of a myth, and it is important to do your research before using any new ingredient.
Buying treatments based on before-and-after photos alone is another trend that dermatologists want to see phased out. A dramatic transformation photo tells you almost nothing about lighting, skin type, concurrent treatments, or how long the aftereffects actually lasted. I think this trend is problematic because it creates unrealistic expectations and can lead to unnecessary procedures. It is important to seek professional advice before booking any procedure.
Finally, waiting for a quick fix before an event instead of building a routine is another trend that dermatologists want to see phased out. Good skin is closer to compound interest than a crash diet, and it consists of small, consistent habits over months. I strongly advise against this trend, as it can lead to unnecessary damage to the skin and can be a waste of time and money.
In conclusion, these 10 skincare trends are all problematic for different reasons. From DIY chemical peels to ice facials, these trends promise quick fixes and dramatic results, but the reality is that they can cause more harm than good. As a dermatologist, I strongly advise against following these trends and instead encourage people to seek professional advice before making any changes to their skincare routine. Remember, your skin is unique, and what works for someone else may not work for you. Take the time to understand your own skin and build a routine that is tailored to your individual needs.
