Glass skin, caveman skincare, beef tallow: how seriously should we take TikTok skincare trends?

CapeTalk and 702's Africa Melane speaks to Liezel van der Westhuizen, resident fitness and wellness enthusiast, coach and mentor.

Listen below: 

If you’ve spent time on TikTok recently, you’ll know that skincare trends are everywhere, from serums and beef tallow to glass skin masks, caveman routines, and laser skin tightening.

This year, skincare trends on TikTok are leaning towards:

• A more natural and minimalist approach called 'skinimalism'.
• Embracing healthy, natural skin with fewer, more targeted products.
• People are moving away from lengthy, multi-step routines in favour of simplified skincare, using multifunctional products that address several concerns at once.
• There's also a growing interest in eco-friendly and sustainable skincare, including biotech innovations like exosomes.
• Importance of sunscreen: more people are recognising the need to apply it daily, even during winter, as a vital step in preventing sun damage. Some people have even started making their own sunscreen at home, although this practice is controversial and not recommended by dermatologists due to safety concerns.
• On the opposite end of the spectrum, the 'caveman' or 'do not wash' skincare trend has emerged, where individuals avoid washing their face altogether, believing it allows the skin to balance itself naturally.

According to Van der Westhuizen, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to skincare.

The best routine is one that suits your specific skin type, lifestyle, diet, and hormonal balance.

Copying the routines of influencers online can lead to more harm than good, especially if their skin type differs from yours. For example, what works for someone with dry skin might not be suitable for someone with combination or oily skin.

"... do not follow TikTok skincare trends blindly... rather do some research first or ask a cosmetic medical practitioner, skincare specialist or dermatologist on a new or emerging trend. Often, these trends have no scientific substance, so it's best to check before damaging one's skin."

- Alek Nikolic, doctor

Van der Westhuizen warns that not all skincare trends are harmless. Some can do more harm than good. Here are the biggest red flags to watch out for:

• The caveman method: This trend involves completely skipping cleansing — no bathing, showering, or washing the face for weeks. While it's based on the idea of letting the skin 'balance itself', it can lead to buildup, breakouts, and irritation.

• Beef tallow: Rendered beef fat is being hyped as a natural moisturiser that supports the skin barrier. While it may benefit some, it can clog pores and worsen acne-prone or sensitive skin.

• DIY chemical peels: Attempting chemical peels at home without proper knowledge or guidance can result in burns, irritation, and serious skin barrier damage.

• DIY sunscreen: Mixing your own sunblock might sound natural and safe, but getting the formulation wrong can leave your skin unprotected and vulnerable to sun damage.

• DIY microneedling: Although microneedling can be effective for treating acne scars, enlarged pores, and other skin concerns, doing it incorrectly at home can cause permanent damage, scarring, and infection.

To avoid falling for harmful advice, Van der Westhuizen suggests always checking the source: Is the person sharing this trend a qualified professional? If not, it’s best to consult a licensed expert before trying it on your skin.

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