5 Current Skincare Trends You Should Avoid

From bubble face masks to at-home facials, it seems there are new skincare trends popping up wherever you look. However, following some of these trends can do more harm than good. Not all products are safe to use on every type of skin, for example. You might be following a damaging skincare routine without realizing it. With that in mind, here are five trends to steer clear of.

1. DIY Skincare Products

You’ve probably read at least one article or blog post with recipes for making all-natural scrubs, moisturizers, cleansers, or even sunscreens with ingredients such as honey, oats, avocado, lemon juice, and yogurt. But you might not realize some of these ingredients are problematic for more than one reason. For example, lemon juice can cause extreme photosensitivity to skin, and there’s no evidence that yogurt causes any benefits when applied topically. Depending on your skin type, making and applying at-home skincare products could clog pores and cause breakouts. For these reasons, it’s best not to hop on board with this trend. 

2. Peel-Off Masks

Peel-off masks have exploded in popularity in recent years, but if you have sensitive skin, you may wish to think twice about using them. These masks can cause a great deal of irritation among people with conditions like rosacea, eczema, or acne. In addition, the act of peeling them off may get you plenty of likes on Instagram, but it stretches and pulls the skin, which can lead to a lack of elasticity and cause premature aging. Some of these masks contain harmful and even toxic ingredients. Also, peeling off the mask can remove the top layer of skin, stripping it of its protective layer of oils and leaving it more vulnerable to environmental factors like air pollution and UV rays.

3. Over-Moisturizing

The idea of layering oils like coconut oil onto your skin as a moisturizer has caught on thanks to many beauty bloggers. However, contrary to popular belief, when it comes to anti-aging benefits, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. Your skin will only absorb what it needs, while the rest can sit on top and lead to breakouts and clogged pores. 

4. Overly Elaborate Skincare Routines

This beauty trend is another example of how it’s possible to go overboard with your skincare. If you have developed a complex routine that relies on tons of fancy gadgets and layering multiple products, you could be overdoing it. Applying too many products in the wrong order increases the chances that the ingredients in the different products could counteract each other. For best results, find a mild cleanser and a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that works well in tandem with each other. Skip toners, which can dry out your skin and lead to early aging.

5. Following Online Advice

The rise of social media has enabled many people to set themselves up as “experts,” even if they lack training or education on a given topic. Many of these people gain significant followings by posting regular blogs or videos where they offer beauty tips and tricks. While they are probably well-intentioned, the information they spread is often incorrect. When it comes to the health and quality of your skin, online advice is no substitute for visiting a qualified dermatologist who has years of study and practice as a skincare professional. There’s no harm in following your favorite beauty bloggers for fun, as long as you take their suggestions with a grain of salt. 

Improve the Quality of Your Skin

Whether you are seeking skincare solutions for medical reasons, or if you are looking to make cosmetic improvements with cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedures, contact our San Francisco office today at 415-362-2238. Dr. Seth Matarasso is a leading expert in the field of aesthetic dermatology, and has also completed rigorous training in treating skin cancer with Mohs surgery. He is a clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California School of Medicine in San Francisco and a frequent author and lecturer on topics of his expertise.