By: Lauren White
Okay, okay, I’ll admit I spend way too much time on TikTok. Like, WAY too much time. And yes, it makes me spend money. And yes, it makes my screen time embarrassingly high. And yes, Doja Cat songs now live in my head rent-free. But I’m learning guys, and that’s all that matters, right? Because #SkinTok is my real happy place. Btw, if you aren't already following ZitSticka's TikTok, are you ok?
If your FYP looks anything like ours, it's less Sway House and more Skincare. From chlorophyll water to hydrocolloid patches (use these instead of toothpaste pls!) TikTok gives us some of the best—and worst—skincare trends. Here’s the top 3 that have been all over our FYP…
1. Dermaplaning
Basically, you’re shaving your face. Nice!
Wait, what?
Dermaplaning is a skin treatment that uses an exfoliating blade to skim dead skin cells and hair from your face.
How?
Performed in facials or as an exfoliation treatment, a small blade is used to lightly remove *peach fuzz* (the tiny hairs on your face) and dead skin by making downward strokes carefully across the skin.
Some women have been concerned with the thought of their facial hair growing back thicker or darker, but that’s not the case. Hormones and hormonal conditions are the only things that can affect hair growth.
If you go to a dermatologist, the professional treatment can cost up to $200 a session. But of course, TikTok has gone DIY style, using affordable single-blade beauty tools from local drug stores to dermaplane at home.
Just like any type of exfoliation, dermaplaning rids dead skin cells, allowing for maximum absorption of skincare products. It also stimulates collagen production in the skin and helps prevent acne from forming in clogged pores—yes pls!!!!
PSA: Avoid dermaplaning if you have sunburn, active acne, a flaring rosacea breakout, or an inflammatory skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis.
Does it work though?
When done right, totally! Though it must be said: We don’t actually recommend the TikTok DIY approach—though it’s entertaining!—professional is always best. But as for results? The post-dermablade glow speaks for itself.
2. DIY Facemasks
Avocado, honey, oatmeal, banana…Oh sorry—no, we’re not baking. We’re making our own face masks at home!
Wait, what?
Mixing your own face masks makes fridge clean-out day a lot more fun. And the easiest way to know what ingredients are in your products is by making them yourself!
How?
Super affordable, convenient, and a fun activity, DIY face masks have taken over skincare TikTok with good reason. OBVI, whatever ingredients you decide to use in your ~recipe~ will determine the effect on your skin. But FYI…
Banana = Vitamin A
Tea Tree Oil = Fight Acne (use sparingly, and never in its concentrated form!)
Yogurt = Soothe redness
Cucumber = Depuff
Worth a shot?
As long as you’ve done your research into safe ingredients and the right ones for your skin, go for it! Have fun! Give your skin that TLC it deserves, just try to refrain from eating it first.
3. Gua sha
Ah, the real CEO of #skintok here.
Wait, what?
Gua sha is a traditional Chinese healing method using a smooth-edged tool to scrape your skin and improve circulation.
How?
Similar to a jade roller, a gua sha tool is used to promote lymphatic drainage, giving your face a less puffy appearance. It also stimulates collagen production, decreases inflammation, softens fine lines and wrinkles by temporarily tightening skin, brightens complexion and releases any stress held in the facial muscles.
So, when my FYP started telling me I can look snatched the morning after too much chips and guac, I took out the credit card.
*insert credit card and bomb emoji meme*
I’ve found it to be a ~satisfying~ little treat to myself when I do some facial massage, but it’s important to do it the right way. First, you never want to use a gua sha tool on your face when it’s completely dry—the tool won’t be able to glide easily. Grab your favorite facial oil and once applied, *lightly* scrape the tool in upward strokes from your chin along your jawline, your nose to your cheek, and your eyebrows to top of the forehead. Oh and don’t forget the neck!
Y or N?
As always, don’t ask for magic by a skincare hack, but gua sha drainage really does feel great, and it can give you a little lift when you need it.
Flush out all the puff, baby.
You know what's NOT a trend? Probiotics on the body. Click here to learn the who, what, when, where, and why of this mainstay skincare ingredient. Wanna follow us on TikTok? Say no more.
