These Skincare & Beauty Hacks Are All Over TikTok — We Asked A Dermatologist Which Ones Are Actually Great (Or Terrible) For Your Skin

Some are actually really effective — while others are not.

If you're anything like me, then you probably spend WAY too much time scrolling through and giggling at videos on TikTok. And it's no surprise at this point that my "for you" page on TikTok is filled with... skincare videos. ✨

The Groundlings / Via giphy.com

Which makes sense — I write bout my love for beauty and skincare a lot!

When it comes to social media and skincare, it's tough to know what to believe because nowadays, it seems like anyone and everyone claims to be a skincare "expert" giving advice and sharing products that supposedly promises clear, glowy skin.

Eugenio Marongiu / Getty Images/Image Source / Via Getty Images

I love getting to the bottom of things so I decided to pick five popular skincare trends that I often see on TikTok and get an expert's opinion on them. I spoke to Dr. Michele Green, M.D., a New York-based cosmetic dermatologist to find out if these trends are actually effective (and safe) for your skin.

@michelegreenmd / Via Instagram: @michelegreenmd

Here's what she had to say.

TREND #1: Ice rolling your face to combat puffiness and redness.

@sincerelyshifa / Via tiktok.com

Effectiveness:

Dr. Green said using an ice roller (or a chilled jade roller) is actually very beneficial for the skin. "The use of tools such as these can help to soothe inflammation, decrease puffiness, and improve lymphatic drainage." 

"The cool temperature of these tools combined with the pressure applied during rolling causes blood vessels to dilate as well as increases circulation, ultimately reducing swelling and boosting skin radiance," she said. 

Dr. Green suggested using one of these chilled tools first thing in the morning to reduce the appearance of any puffiness that was caused by fluid retention overnight.

Safety:

She said this trend is safe as long as the appropriate tools are used. "Using a makeshift ice roller, or using ice in a Ziploc bag, would not provide the same benefits and may actually harm the skin by causing an ice burn." 

Dr. Green also advised to use the right tools safely and to not use them in one spot for too long on your skin. It's also crucial to properly clean and store your ice roller or jade roller after each use in order to prevent bacteria growth. 

Recommend?:

Yes! 👍🏼👍🏼

TREND #2: Using an at-home microneedling tool to improve skin tone.

@phildoeshair / Via tiktok.com

Effectiveness:

"Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that is also known as collagen induction therapy — where very small needles are used to create microscopic wounds in the epidermis of the skin to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin within the skin," explained Dr. Green. 

Microneedling is an effective procedure in that it can help improve overall skin tone, boost skin elasticity, and result in a healthy, youthful complexion. However, Dr. Green said it should not be done at home. 

Safety: 

She explained that a DIY version of this treatment can be dangerous. "While there are many cosmetic companies that produce derma-rollers and microneedling kits for at-home use, I would note recommend DIY microneedling treatments," Dr. Green said.  

"Microneedling requires sterile conditions to avoid skin irritation and infection and the majority of at-home microneedling treatment users don’t experience significant results," she said. 

In this case, she said, it's worth paying the money and getting this treatment done by a professional. 

Recommend?:

No! 👎🏼👎🏼

TREND #3: Shaving your face for soft, smooth skin.

@tryjill / Via tiktok.com

Effectiveness:

Dr. Green said using a straight mini-razor, such as this one, to remove peach fuzz from your face can effectively be done at home depending on how you do it and your skin type. Technically speaking, shaving acts as a physical exfoliator because it lightly removes dead layers of skin to reveal soft, baby smooth skin. (So if you have sensitive skin or are prone to ingrown hairs, you might want to think twice about doing this treatment to yourself.)

Safety: 

"To keep your skin safe, refrain from shaving against the grain of the hair and stay away from dull razors," said Dr. Green. If you plan on shaving your face at home, be sure to cleanse your face first to remove any dirt and debris. 

It's also important to use a blade that is solely used on your face and not anywhere else on your body because you don't want the bacteria on your legs being transferred to your delicate face. 

Recommend?:

Yes! 👍🏼👍🏼

TREND #4: Skincare fridge to preserve products.

@miyaevarenae / Via tiktok.com

Effectiveness:

Dr. Green explained that skincare products — especially ones that contain active ingredients such as hydroquinone and vitamin C — should be stored in a fridge to preserve them and prevent them from oxidizing. On the flip side, skincare products such as facial oils and clay masks work best when kept at room temperature, so don't store those in the fridge. 

She also said that our skin can highly benefit from certain products being kept cool. "Storing an eye gel in the fridge can help further reduce puffiness around the eyes by encouraging dilation of blood vessels." 

Safety: 

As long as you're storing the right products in a fridge, chilled skincare is perfectly safe to use on your skin. 

Recommend?:

Yes and no! 👍🏼👎🏼

TREND #5: Facial cleansing brushes for a deep cleanse.

@kendallfuhrma / Via tiktok.com

Effectiveness:

Using a brush with cleanser on it to clean your face is another trend that can be beneficial depending on your skin type. Dr. Green said those with acne prone or oily skin can benefit from using a face cleansing brush. 

"A tool like this can be used to penetrate the pores and cleanse the skin at a much deeper level than what is possible when cleansing with just the hands," she said.

In terms of silicone brushes vs. bristle brushes, Dr. Green said it's a personal choice — but there are a few things to keep in mind. "Silicone brushes are ideal for sensitive skin types who may find that the firmness of the bristles is too abrasive."

If your skin is more on the oily side, "Bristle brushes offer a deeper cleanse than the silicone brushes, and may be preferred by those with oily skin or those who struggle with acne breakouts," she said. 

Dr. Green went on to say that regardless of which one you use, both types of brushes should be properly cleaned after every use. She says it's important to note that a silicone brush is less likely to harbor bacteria than a bristle brush. 

Safety:

Since face cleansing brushes exfoliate the skin, they should not be a part of your daily skincare routine. "Face cleansing brushes are safe to use to exfoliate the skin — but use should be limited to every other day or just a few times a week," Dr. Green said. If you have sensitive skin, stick to using a face cleansing brush just once or twice a week.

Recommend?:

Yes and no! 👍🏼👎🏼

Overall, when it comes to beauty trends seen on social media, before diving into trying one make sure to do your research, know your skin type, and speak to a professional if you're unsure if a particular trend is right for you.

Have you ever tried a skincare trend you saw online? How did it go? Tell me in the comments below!