The WORST Skincare Trends Of 2024

Summary

In this 2024 rant, the speaker critiques five skincare trends gaining traction online. These include the dangerous practice of mouth taping, face taping as an alternative to Botox, DIY animal-based sunscreens, the harmful Russian manicure, and physicians spreading misinformation on social media. The speaker emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practices and warns against DIY skincare concoctions, fearmongering, and experts who mislead their audiences. The video highlights the growing trend of misinformation in the skincare and medical spaces and stresses the need for professionals to counteract misleading content.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mouth taping at night may cause more harm than good, including health risks like sleep apnea and poor oxygenation, especially if there are underlying nasal issues.
• 😀 There is no conclusive evidence supporting face taping as an effective alternative to Botox, despite some claims that it prevents wrinkles and enhances lymphatic drainage.
• 😀 DIY sunscreens made from ingredients like beeswax, coconut oil, and zinc oxide are not formulated to provide proper UV protection and could lead to skin damage and increased sensitivity to the sun.
• 😀 The Russian manicure, which uses an electric file to remove cuticles and skin around the nail, can lead to infections, nail damage, and disruptions in nail growth due to the exposed and vulnerable nail area.
• 😀 Physicians need to be mindful of the content they share online, as spreading misinformation about common skincare products or treatments (e.g., sunscreen or benzoyl peroxide) can harm their audience.
• 😀 Physicians should be held accountable for the accuracy of their online advice, especially when endorsing unverified or harmful practices, as they hold significant influence over public health perceptions.
• 😀 Homemade sunscreens made from natural ingredients, like coconut oil, can worsen sun damage by allowing more UV rays to penetrate the skin, similar to past dangerous trends like using baby oil for tanning.
• 😀 Face taping might be harmless, but many of the claims surrounding it, like its ability to reduce wrinkles or act as an alternative to Botox, are exaggerated and not scientifically supported.
• 😀 Healthcare professionals have a broad medical foundation that allows them to debunk a majority of misinformation circulating online, even outside their specific area of expertise.
• 😀 Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram amplify misleading trends, and it’s crucial for influencers and experts alike to prioritize accurate, evidence-based information to prevent public health confusion.

Q & A

What is the trend of mouth taping, and why is it dangerous?

Mouth taping involves taping your mouth shut while sleeping to encourage nasal breathing. While it claims to improve sleep and reduce dry mouth, it can be harmful if someone has underlying health issues, like a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils, which could prevent proper nasal breathing. It can lead to oxygen deprivation or apnea and may cause additional health risks, such as aspiration for people with GERD.

What are the risks of face taping as a skincare trend?

Face taping involves applying tape to the face to prevent wrinkles or promote lymphatic drainage. While the practice itself might not be harmful, there are exaggerated claims that it can replace Botox or improve skin drainage. There's no scientific evidence supporting these claims, and it could irritate the skin, especially when using paper tape. Silicone scar sheets, however, may provide some benefit in smoothing wrinkles.

Why is DIY sunscreen considered dangerous?

DIY sunscreens, often made by mixing ingredients like coconut oil, beeswax, and zinc oxide, are dangerous because they lack proper formulation. Sunscreen needs precise formulation to ensure even distribution of active ingredients, which DIY mixtures don't provide. This could lead to uneven sun protection, increasing the risk of skin damage. Furthermore, ingredients like coconut oil can exacerbate sun exposure, rather than protect from it.

What is the issue with the trend of Russian manicures?

Russian manicures involve using an electric file to remove excess skin around the nail, including the epin, which can harm the protective seal around the nail. This increases the risk of infections and disrupts proper nail growth, leading to issues like nail ridging and slower growth. Even with sterile techniques, the practice leaves nails vulnerable to damage and infection.

What is the role of physicians in debunking online medical misinformation?

Physicians should be able to debunk medical misinformation online, as they have a solid foundation in general medicine. However, misinformation can be amplified when health professionals promote misleading or incorrect content. This leads to public mistrust of physicians and creates echo chambers where false claims are validated. Doctors must uphold accurate medical practices and educate the public to slow the spread of misinformation.

What should you do if you are struggling with sleep issues, like mouth breathing or snoring?

If you struggle with sleep-related issues such as mouth breathing or snoring, it's important to consult a healthcare provider before attempting trends like mouth taping. A doctor can evaluate any underlying conditions like nasal blockages or sleep apnea, and recommend appropriate treatments like a sleep study or professional care to address the issue safely.

Can face taping help prevent wrinkles?

Face taping might provide temporary relaxation of facial muscles and reduce skin creasing, but it doesn't prevent dynamic wrinkles or muscle contraction, which is the actual cause of wrinkles. While using silicone scar sheets could help hydrate the skin and reduce water loss, face taping with regular adhesive tape is ineffective for long-term wrinkle prevention.

Why is it not advisable to trust influencers and experts who fearmonger about skincare ingredients?

Influencers and experts who promote fear about certain ingredients without scientific backing can mislead their audience, making them avoid proven, safe ingredients. For example, promoting the idea that sunscreen is harmful or that certain chemicals in skincare are dangerous without evidence can result in unnecessary anxiety and harm. Physicians and experts should provide evidence-based advice, rather than fueling baseless fears for commercial gain.

What is the issue with sunscreen supplements promoted by some health professionals?

Some health professionals promote sunscreen supplements while downplaying the importance of traditional sunscreen. These supplements may not offer sufficient protection against harmful UV rays, and promoting them as a replacement for sunscreen can mislead the public. Sunscreen, both chemical and physical, remains a critical tool for preventing skin cancer and sun damage.

Why should you avoid DIY skincare products like coconut oil sunscreens?

DIY skincare products, especially those like coconut oil sunscreens, can be harmful as they do not provide adequate sun protection. While coconut oil can intensify UV penetration, it can increase the risk of sun damage, as seen in older tanning trends. Using such products instead of professionally formulated sunscreen may lead to more skin damage, despite claims of being a safer, natural alternative.