October brings pumpkin spice, porch decorations and a fresh wave of skincare “hacks” on your For You page. Some TikTok trends are fun, but others are the beauty equivalent of a bad Halloween trick: they promise a treat and deliver something scarier. Here are 5 skincare myths our Sarasota patients keep asking about, and why we would leave them in the past this season.
Myth 1: Kitchen Ingredients Make a Great DIY Chemical Peel
Lemon juice, baking soda and apple cider vinegar are popular “natural” peel ingredients on TikTok, but they are also highly acidic and unregulated for skin use. Instead of gently resurfacing your complexion, they can strip your skin barrier and cause real chemical burns, especially on sensitive skin. A professional chemical peel uses medical-grade formulas at controlled strengths, so you get smoother skin without the guesswork.
Myth 2: “Sunscreen Contouring” Is a Safe Way to Get Definition
One of this year’s more alarming trends involves applying sunscreen only to certain areas of the face and letting the rest tan, essentially using sun damage as a highlighter. Any amount of tanning means your skin cells are absorbing UV radiation, and the face is one of the most common sites for skin cancer.
If you want definition, makeup contouring or a treatment from our lasers and devices menu will get you there without the harmful sun exposure.
Myth 3: Stacking Every Active Ingredient at Once Gives Faster Results
Skin cycling was a helpful trend when it encouraged rest days, but its spookier cousin has patients layering retinol, vitamin C and multiple exfoliants at once in the name of “maximizing” results. In reality, over-exfoliating breaks down your skin barrier and leads to redness, sensitivity and more breakouts. A medical grade skincare regimen built for your specific skin type is a better way to “maximize” your skincare routine without the skin damage.
Myth 4: Face Tape Gives You an Instant, Wrinkle-Free Lift
Strips of tape pulled tight across the forehead or jawline might smooth things temporarily on camera, but they can also cause irritation, allergic reactions and even blistering with repeated use – not to mention the fact that the lifted look disappears the moment you peel the tape off. If you want a lift that lasts, injectables like BOTOX® and dermal fillers are a safer, longer lasting (and less sticky) option.
Myth 5: At-Home Dermaplaning With a Razor Is Just as Good as In Office
Shaving peach fuzz and dead skin cells at home sounds simple, but a razor is not the same tool as a blade angled specifically for dermaplaning, and doing it yourself raises the risk of nicks, irritation and uneven results, especially around active breakouts. In-office dermaplaning, including our DermaPlane Plus and Dynamic Duo treatments, removes buildup safely while leaving your skin smooth and glowing, not scared to face the mirror.
Treat Your Skin Right This Season
Not every viral trend deserves a spot in your routine, and your skin does not need to gamble to look its best this fall. If you have seen a trend on your feed and are not sure whether it is safe, our team is happy to walk you through what actually works for your skin’s specific needs. Call our Sarasota office at 941-955-8384 or contact us online to schedule your consultation today.