If you’re like us, your social media feed is probably filled with so-called “skincare trends” that claim to help you achieve the best skin possible. These DIY tricks may look great, but tick tock or Instagram, especially those inspired by spa treatments that are typically performed by trained professionals, should be skipped. Read this article to learn about popular internet skin care trends to avoid and find alternative treatments that are better for your skin.
Avoid: Pore Strips
Pore strips (also known as blackhead strips) first hit store shelves in the 1970s. They’re back in the spotlight because people online love to share the satisfaction of peeling them off to reveal things like buildup, dirt, and oil removed from inside the pores. . I can understand the staying power of the strips. Who wouldn’t want to “empty” their pores with a simple, inexpensive product that provides such instant gratification?
Unfortunately, pore strips aren’t everything. They work by forcing oil out of sebaceous fibers. Smoothes pore lines and maintains skin oil balance. If you see some redness after use, it doesn’t mean your skin is squeaky clean. It’s actually an irritation by stripping away essential oils and breaking down the skin’s protective barrier.
according to very healthy, the benefits of pore strips are temporary and not as impressive as the strip residue suggests. Often, our sebaceous fibers (which actually play an important role in regulating skin hydration and oil content) are mistaken for clogged pores. Pore Strips target these important sebaceous filaments and anything else they can trap. Additionally, when used to remove blackheads from the nose, Pore Strips can only pull out a small section and cannot reach larger, deeper blackheads. This means that most of it remains on the skin. If you don’t address the root of the problem, you’ll only be leaving small gaps open, making it easier for new dirt and buildup to collect. Hi.
Choose chemical or micropowdered physical exfoliants instead of pore strips. we, Eminence organic skin care Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant unclogs pores around the nose. This fine powder gently removes dirt and grime without stripping skin of its protective oils, thoroughly cleaning without causing damage.
Avoid: Using glue to remove blackheads
One surprising trend we’ve seen is the use of white adhesive to mimic the effect of traditional pore strips. According to Healthline, this DIY treatment is a bad idea because “glues are not meant for human skin and can further clog pores.” While I understand the appeal of budget-friendly hacks, I can’t recommend this in good conscience, especially considering the nasty chemicals in the glue. Avoid more skin problems in the future and save the glue for your next craft project.
Instead, incorporate exfoliation into your weekly routine. This helps prevent blackheads, whiteheads, and surface-level texture. We love the Clear Skin Willow Bark Exfoliating Peel. This is a deep cleansing, clarifying peel solution designed to even out the complexion without irritation while reducing the appearance of problem skin.
Avoid: Pore vacuum cleaners
You may have seen a new tool popping up in your skin care corner or on your social media feed called a pore vacuum. A pore vacuum is a hand-held device that applies suction to the skin and is expected to remove blackheads, dirt, and buildup. But don’t believe the hype.
Pore vacuums are similar to, but not the same as, highly effective tools used by spa professionals. Specialized training is required to use specialized tools to treat the area without damaging the skin layers. According to Healthline, household pore cleaners can cause bruising, discoloration, and scarring, especially if used by someone without esthetician training. Even worse, if you’re prone to sensitive skin reactions or rosacea, the vacuum in your pores can damage your blood vessels and capillaries.
Instead, we recommend gommage. This exfoliation technique involves layering a physical exfoliant over a gel-like mask or treatment and gently rolling it around with damp fingers after a few minutes. Gommage uses physical and chemical exfoliation to soften and remove dead skin cells and remove other debris from the skin’s surface. This technique, with soft touches and slow movements, can be safely tried at home. Or, talk to your esthetician and have them professionally perform extractions safely alongside your gommage treatment.
Would you like to try it at home? Our lead skin care trainer, Natalie PargerFor a gentle yet invigorating treatment, we recommend the combination of Stone Crop Mask and Stone Crop Oxygenating Fisofoliant.
Product recommendations
dual action exfoliant
For problematic skin types
Try: Charcoal and Black Seed
Another option to target blackheads and reddened skin at home is a combination of charcoal and black seed oil. Charcoal has the ability to absorb excess sebum and prevent pores from becoming clogged. It can also manage overproduction of sebum, which causes enlarged pores. Enlarged pores can easily become clogged with oil, dirt, and dead skin cells, leading to uneven skin texture. Charcoal draws out oil and debris, reducing the possibility of clogged pores.
Black seed oil is obtained from an annual flowering plant whose fruit contains small black triangular seeds packed with powerful nutrients. One of these, linoleic acid, is an omega-6 fatty acid that reduces excess sebum. Another, Thymoquinone, reduces the appearance and formation of clogged pores.
Our Charcoal & Black Seed Clarifying Oil is a non-greasy formula with activated charcoal and black seed oil that visibly reduces uneven skin tone while absorbing excess sebum for a softer look. Realize your skin. Double up on the benefits with our Charcoal & Black Seed Clay Mask, designed to remove impurities, unclog pores, and refresh your skin’s appearance.
If you need professional help dealing with clogged pores, head to a spa for an exfoliating treatment. This is a process that uses a solution to unclog oily or congested skin, deeply cleanse pores, and prepare the skin for extraction. Alkaline-based products are used to soften and break down the oil and dead skin cells within the skin’s hair follicles. This technique, which often involves a gentle massage, removes built-up sebum, debris, and other impurities, keeping pores clear and reducing blemishes. This treatment improves skin texture and health, making it an ideal choice for oily or puffy skin. Our Charcoal & Black Seed Exfoliating Gel is a professional product and should only be used by spa-licensed estheticians.
Product recommendations
Lightweight clarifying oil
purifying face mask
Avoid: Facial taping
A new trend making the rounds on the internet is applying a sticky tape-like product to your skin before bed to reduce movement and prevent wrinkles overnight. While this may make sense in theory, there are many reasons why this may not be an effective strategy for smoothing out your face.
by cleveland clinic, short-term results quickly disappear as your skin returns to its normal position when you wake up and start your day. What’s worse, removing the tape can strip away layers of skin, causing irritation, blisters, and even an allergic reaction to the tape itself.
Instead, use a gua sha tool as part of your daily routine to increase lymph flow and smooth wrinkles. Regular gua sha practice gently engages your muscles, increases radiance, and reduces swelling. Find our favorite gua sha techniques here.
Avoid: Harsh scrubs
It makes sense to aggressively buff the surface to make it smooth when painting your walls or priming your furniture, but do you want to use a product similar to sandpaper on your face? I didn’t think so. If you scrub too hard with products that have nut shells or other ingredients with sharp edges, you won’t get the clear base you’re looking for.
Scrubbing with thick, gritty pastes can cause micro-tears and irritation, damaging the skin barrier and creating an environment ripe for future breakouts. Harsh physical exfoliation strips the skin and causes it to overproduce lost oils, which can lead to acne and other problems. Additionally, if you already have pimples, Scrubs can aggravate already irritated skin and make breakouts worse.
Instead, gently exfoliate with a fine powder. While conditioning your skin with a powder scrub, apply it around your face with plenty of water. Chemical exfoliants do the same job without scrubbing at all. Remember, skin care is a marathon, not a sprint. Make your exfoliation ritual slow and relaxing. Your skin will love it too.
Avoid: Dermarolling
A dermaroller is a hand-held device covered with tiny needles that are rolled over the surface of the skin. Dermarolling is inspired by microneedling, a specialized treatment that uses low-level trauma to stimulate collagen and elastin production in the skin. Microneedling is an effective treatment for skin tightening because the professional can adjust it according to the client’s skin response. However, dermarolling’s “one size fits all approach” means that this treatment is not all that safe or effective.
According to Healthline, potential risks include: Permanent scarring and darkening of the skin. Dermarolling also carries the risk of infection if proper sterilization is not used. Several Dermatologists express concern About potential micro-lacerations and the risk that cheap rollers leave tiny needle-like particles on the skin. Dermarollers should not be used by people with eczema or dermatitis due to the risk of irritation. Additionally, dermarolling is especially dangerous for people with acne or cold sores, as the rolling motion can spread bacteria around the face. Don’t try this at home! Instead, always choose a professional microneedling treatment.
Want to know more? Watch Natalie Parger discuss these and other skin care trends to avoid.
If you’re looking for a better way to improve your skin, consider contacting your local Eminence Organics Spa partner to help you choose the right option.
