The Truth About Viral Skincare Trends: What TikTok Doesn’t Tell You

Before you slather Vaseline all over your face in the name of "slugging" — let’s talk. Not all viral skincare hacks are as skin-loving as they claim. As a licensed esthetician, I’m here to gently (but honestly!) guide you through which TikTok trends to skip and why your skin deserves better.

P.S. — Need a product that supports your skin barrier without clogging pores? This ceramide-rich moisturizer* is my go-to for clients who want deep hydration without the Vaseline.

TikTok has given us some fun skincare inspiration — jade rolling, mini skincare fridges, and the occasional gem of a product recommendation. But it’s also become a breeding ground for trends that make my esthetician heart cringe just a little.

Let’s dive into a few of the most popular skincare hacks that aren’t as beneficial as they seem — and what to do instead.

🐌 "Slugging" — Not for Everyone

Slugging (coating your face in an occlusive like Vaseline at the end of your skincare routine) is meant to seal in moisture. And yes, it can help with dry, compromised skin — but only for certain skin types.

🔸 Why it might backfire: Occlusives like petroleum jelly trap everything underneath — including bacteria, sweat, and clogged pores. If you're acne-prone, oily, or dealing with congestion, this trend can quickly lead to breakouts and irritation.

🔸 Better option: Use a barrier-repairing moisturizer with ceramides or squalane. They hydrate without suffocating your skin. My favorite is this one.

DIY Scrubs with Sugar or Coffee

They look cute in a jar and feel oh-so-satisfying to scrub on — but those gritty textures are way too harsh for your delicate facial skin. These make great body scrubs, but definitely do not use on your face.

🔸 Why it might backfire: These large, uneven particles can cause microtears in the skin, leading to inflammation, sensitivity, and long-term damage to the skin barrier.

🔸 Better option: Use a gentle enzyme exfoliant or a professional-grade chemical exfoliant with mandelic acid — which is pregnancy-safe, by the way, and one of my favorites for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Lemon Juice for Brightening

This one hurts to even type! Lemon juice is not skincare. TikTokers love it for lightening dark spots, but it's extremely acidic.

🔸 Why it might backfire: Lemon juice can severely disrupt your skin’s pH and make it more sensitive to sun exposure — leading to burns or worse hyperpigmentation than before.

🔸 Better option: Try products with niacinamide or licorice root extract. These ingredients naturally brighten without the burn.

Ice Cubes for Pore Shrinking

Rolling ice over your face might feel refreshing, but it’s a short-term trick — not a real solution.

🔸 Why it might backfire: Sudden cold can irritate broken capillaries or sensitive skin, and it won’t actually shrink your pores (they’re not muscles — they don’t open or close).

🔸 Better option: A consistent routine with gentle exfoliation, proper hydration, and maybe a clay mask here and there will improve your skin texture over time.

Final Thoughts from the Treatment Room

I know these trends seem fun and sometimes even work for someone on your feed — but your skin is unique and deserves thoughtful, well-formulated care.

If you’re ever unsure about something you’ve seen online, don’t hesitate to ask your esthetician (or please message me! I genuinely love helping you make sense of skincare chaos).

🌼 Affiliate Note:
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). I only share products I personally use, love, or would recommend to clients in my spa studio. Your support helps keep Bee Well Living going — thank you! 💛