Debunking TikTok Beauty Myths

Pimple patches have been one of the more fashionable trends in skincare. From cute stars to character-themed packs, pimple patches are making skincare a fashion statement. Pimple patches help to bring up all the gunk that gets clogged in the skin that causes breakouts. When you pull the patch off, all that gunk comes out with it and helps to reduce the appearance of the pimple. It helps to make the pimple go away faster as well. Some TikTok users have been advising pimple patch users to cut open the skin of their pimple and then put the patch on. These users hypothesize that this will allow the serums inside the pimple patch to penetrate the skin better. However, this method can cause infections. The last thing you want on top of a pimple is an infection.

There's been a debate over which drying method is better for your hair. Some hairstylists will argue that blow-drying is, while others might say air drying is. Regardless, there's no evidence that suggests one is better than the other. Hair can hold up to 30 percent of its own weight in water. This makes it weaker and easier to damage from brushing and styling. But, this also means that it takes a long time for hair to dry naturally. Advocates of the blow-dry method say that putting stress on the hair when it is wet can cause breakage, making blow-drying the better method. However, blow-drying your hair on a high heat setting can cause heat damage and breakage. No matter which method you chose to follow, it's important to make sure you're using the right products to protect your hair. 

Slugging is one of the latest beauty trends to take over the app. Originating in South Korean beauty, slugging is the process of applying heavy moisturizers, such as Aquaphor, over the skin to help with hydration. While this method can be a great way to repair a damaged skin barrier, it can also cause complications if done too often. If you do the slugging method on top of harsh exfoliants or retinol it can cause irritation to the skin. Slugging is great for those occasional periods where your skin needs that extra bit of moisture, but using the method every night is a one-way ticket to major breakouts. 

As summer is right around the corner, it's important that we're taking care of our skin in the sun. Although most people typically use sunscreen when going to the pool or beach, it should be a part of your daily skincare routine. However, sunscreen contouring is not the way to go about applying your daily sunscreen. This new beauty trend advises people to apply sunscreen where they want their skin lighter and leave the rest of the skin unprotected to tan. While most people might see this as a way to achieve a natural contour, it's an incredibly damaging method. Leaving certain areas of the face unprotected from the sun can result in damage to the skin, aging, burns, and even skin cancer. Having a gorgeous golden bronze face is always a nice touch, but let's stick to makeup. 

Sandpaper is a great tool for home restoration, but should not be the latest beauty tool to buy. TikTok users have started promoting using sandpaper to shave your legs instead of a razor. While sandpaper does remove body hair, it also removes skin. This practice can lead to hyperpigmentation and scarring, especially since the legs take a long time to heal from injury. If silky smooth legs are the goal you're trying to achieve, razors, cosmetic wax, and professional hair lasering are all options to achieve the look. 

It feels like every time silicone is mentioned in the beauty world it receives a negative connotation. One of the biggest myths about silicone is that it blocks your pores. However, that's not true at all. Silicones are used in beauty products because they help give the product a smooth, silky finish. You'll typically find silicone in products like foundation, moisturizers, and makeup primers. While some TikTok beauty gurus will claim that silicone clogs pores and causes breakouts, there's actually no evidence to support this since the molecules of silicone are too big for your skin to absorb. So the next time you see silicone in your face product, remember that it's safe to use on your skin.