AAD

Dermatologists call out five unsafe skin care trends to avoid

November 27, 2023

Social media platforms are teeming with skin care advice from a variety of sources around the world, making it more difficult than ever to know what's safe and what might carry potential health risks. Board-certified dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) review the top five unsafe skin care trends they're seeing on social media:

1. Performing cosmetic treatments at home

Dermatologists caution that watching someone perform a cosmetic procedure on social media can give viewers a false sense of security about trying out such potentially dangerous procedures at home. For example, procedures such as microneedling, dermal fillers, and laser hair removal can all lead to infections if not done properly and should not be done outside a clinical setting. Additionaly image and video filters can make the results of a procedure appear better than it does in real life, and social media content creators may not share with their viewers if they experienced a bad reaction after the procedure.

2. Trying nasal tanning spray

Another worrisome trend that concerns dermatologists is the use of nasal tanning sprays. These are not the same as self-tanning lotions that are safe to use. Nasal tanning sprays require individuals to first inhale a spray that contains unsafe and unregulated melanotan I or II and then to spend time in the sun without sun protection. The subsequent sun exposure increases an individual's risk of developing skin cancer and signs of premature skin aging like wrinkles and age spots.

3. Using hot peppers to make lips temporarily fuller

For individuals who want to achieve a fuller lip look, board-certified dermatologists can inject FDA-approved dermal fillers safely. However, some individuals prefer to apply hot peppers like Scotch bonnet or habañero to get a temporary fuller lip. Dermatologists warn that doing so carries the risk of developing allergic contact dermatitis or other rashes that can leave difficult-to-remove dark spots around the mouth or on the lips.

4. Taking supplements randomly

The practice of taking supplements without first consulting a physician can also be problematic, according to dermatologists. Ingredients in supplements advertised for skin, hair, and nails have been linked to birth defects, an increase in cancer risk, and side effects such as acne and hair loss.

5. Skipping the sunscreen

Dermatologists are observing that the use of sunscreen has become a controversial topic on social media with some individuals claiming—without evidence—that most sunscreens lead to cancer or contain cancer-causing ingredients. In contrast, the FDA's current recommendations don't indicate that any sunscreen ingredients currently available in the U.S. are harmful to human health. To reduce individual risk of sun cancer, the AAD recommends that people seek shade when appropriate, wear sun-protective clothing, and apply—and reapply every 2 hours as needed—a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Source:

(2023, November 1). American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). News Release. Five unsafe skin care trends to avoid. https://www.aad.org/news/5-unsafe-skin-care-trends-to-avoid