Young women are putting their health at risk by using powerful skincare products promoted on social media that can lead to rashes, blemishes and burns, experts have warned.
Videos of influencers applying multiple face creams and serums at once have been viewed by tens of millions of people on TikTok.
Many claim that these products, which are also advertised on the app by celebrities, are the key to achieving ‘glass skin’ – where the face is so flawless that the skin resembles glass.
But experts are now warning that young women are using too many of these products, which can lead to serious skin damage.
Women have already taken to social media to share their TikTok skincare horror stories.
TikToker Hannah Chan says she spent £2,000 on skincare in an attempt to emulate the glowing skin of other influencers, but ended up breaking out in some areas.
In a video that has been viewed 200,000 times, Hannah revealed which products she believes will ‘ruin her skin’ within a few months.
“I’d seen so much AlphaRet retinol and ZO used that I thought, OK, this is going to make my skin so good,” she said, referring to two products that promise to revitalize skin and cost £135 and £90 each.
Tiktok influencer Peyton Smith warns against using strong skincare products on the skin. Experts have warned that the products can lead to serious skin damage
But within eight weeks, she said her clear skin had peeled off in painful areas. Hannah, who has 385,000 followers, says her skin is worse than before she started the regime. “If I could do it again, I would use one product at a time,” she says.
You can use too much skin care, says Dr Anil Sharma, consultant dermatologist at a private clinic in London.
He adds: ‘One problem we see all the time is patients using multiple products – recommended on social media and with powerful ingredients – at the same time. They react on the skin and cause irritation and peeling.
‘If you try to follow every fad to improve your skin, you are exacerbating the underlying problem – people need to realize that less is more.’
One of the most popular skin care products are exfoliants, which are designed to remove dead skin cells to create a healthy ‘glow’.
They usually contain hyaluronic acid or other harsh ingredients. Creams containing retinol are also in high demand, as they are intended to combat sagging skin. Experts say these products are safe when used in recommended amounts. However, excessive use of cosmetic products can damage the skin.
“I always tell patients to think of the skin as a piece of cloth,” says Dr. Sharma. “If you wash it too often or use too many harsh products, you can really wear it out.”
But lately, the increase in skincare recommendations from TikTok influencers has led many people to try or combine products that have damaged their skin.
In one video, watched by 340,000 people, influencer Kayla Ryan showed off her pimples after simultaneously using three products developed by Rhode, a skincare company founded by Hailey Bieber, a social media influencer who was married to singer Justin Bieber.
Keen to show off the products, Kayla filmed herself applying Rhode Glazing Milk at night,
Peptide Glazing Fluid and Barrier Restore Cream, which cost £30 each, but quickly stopped when her skin developed painful bumps.
In another clip, which has been viewed 130,000 times, TikToker Peyton Smith listed popular products she wouldn’t use “for a million dollars”, including a £22 serum from Glow Recipe, a company popular with young women.
Experts also warn against ‘slugging’ –. Apply a thick layer of Vaseline to your face every evening to retain moisture in the skin and ensure a radiant complexion.
But in a video watched by two million people, American influencer Savannah Turner says she was left with a painful red rash around her mouth. “I couldn’t talk,” she says.
A dermatologist told her that by continually applying Vaseline, she had damaged her skin barrier – the outer layer that keeps out toxins and bacteria – leading to a severe allergic reaction. “Within two days of stopping the snails, it went away,” she says.
Videos of influencers applying multiple face creams and serums at once have been viewed by tens of millions of people on TikTok (file photo)
Experts say trying multiple new products at once can strip the skin of healthy cells and moisturizing nutrients, leaving the skin inflamed and more prone to acne and infections.
The key to healthy skin is to use a limited number of products.
Dr. Sharma recommends using a cleanser to wash the skin, a moisturizer to hydrate it, and sunscreen to protect against sun damage.
Research shows that a balanced diet, hydration and limiting smoking and alcohol can also keep skin looking young and healthy.
“And if you’re using something new, use common sense,” adds Dr. Sharma.
‘Understand what ingredients it contains and stop immediately if you have a bad reaction.’