TikTok and Instagram are great places for beauty and skincare recommendations – but one skin expert is warning that some viral products could be doing more harm
There are so many different opinions on skincare on social media, so it can be hard to know what advice to follow. With hundreds of viral products out there, all offering solutions to different skincare concerns, one leading dermatologist has shared how some people may be ‘ruining’ their skin following online ‘advice’.
Consultant Dermatologist Dr Emma Amoafo-Mensah has shared top tips on how people can cut through social media hype and protect their skin, without following the wrong advice online.
The expert is calling for a “skincare reset” after 69% of Gen Z are reportedly feeling “overwhelmed” by the beauty aisle, and two thirds are already incorporating anti-agening products, aimed for more mature skin.
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“With everyone chasing the latest trend or ‘hack,’ young people are often encouraged to try products and complex routines they don’t need. The growing popularity of these products puts unnecessary pressure on young people to buy items that aren’t suitable and can actually be harmful to the skin,” Dr Emma explained.
Firstly, the expert urged under 25’s to skip anti-ageing, and calls it ‘unnecessary’ as signs of ageing “simply haven’t apperared yet. She said: “Young skin can react harshly to active chemicals like retinol, glycolic or salicylic acid and these can cause actual harm to the skin’s healthy barrier.”
She also urged them to avoid harsh ingredients, alchohols and actives as these “accelerate cell turnover and often lead to irritation, inflammation and disruption of the skin barrier” and added that repeated exposure to fragrances can also “increase the risk of contact dermatitis.”
Instead, she said under-25’s don’t need “complicated” skincare routines as over-cleansing with stripping formulas and harsh scrubs can strip skin of natural oils and weaken the barrier. Signs of this include dryness, sensitivity, redness, and even breakouts.
Dr Emma hailed just a simple three step routine including a hydrating cleanser, a toner and a water cream. “Young skin is more sensitive and can react poorly to harsh exfoliants and retinols, which can weaken the skin barrier and cause irritation. The restorative ingredients to look out for are niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, which help maintain a strong and healthy skin barrier,” she said.
For niacinamide, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum (£5) brightens and smooths for blemish prone skin. It works to visibly improves skin radiance and smooths texture in one week.
Alternatively, Beauty Of Joseon Glow Serum Propolis + Niacinamide (£15) from Superdrug works in a similar way. It’s made for those struggling with enlarged pores and skin inflammation. With a blend of 60% propolis extract and 2% niacinamide, it skillfully manages sebum production while ensuring your skin remains hydrated.
Simple also have their own version, the Simple Booster Serum 10% Niacinamide (£6.66) from Boots, and contains vitamin B3. The versatile serum treats every skin type with kindness (from dry to oily and even sensitive skin). This multitasker is powered by high-performance, 88% naturally derived ingredients to supercharge your skin care routine for instant, visible results.
Dr Emma also advises to use a good SPF as the final step in any skincare routine to protect against UVA and UVB rays, even on cloudy winter days. “A minimum of SPF 30 is essential year-round to protect against premature skin aging and cancer, as UV rays are present even on cloudy winter days.”