10 potentially dangerous viral anti-aging “hacks”
Anything can be found on social media. Dinner recipes, financial advice and the latest pop culture gossip are constantly surrounding our feeds. Anti-aging hacks aren’t an exception. While there are some beauty hacks like pimple patches and LED light therapy that do work, there are others that are considered risky and even dangerous.
Here are 10 potentially dangerous anti-aging hacks that could ruin your skin.
@matylovee Summer vibes ☀️🍒🌸 #sunscreen #sunscreencontour #makeuphacks #beautyhacks ♬ som original – gabss.musicc
Sunscreen contouring
There isn’t a difference between not using sunscreen at all versus using sunscreen on certain parts of the face, and that is exactly what sunscreen contouring is.
Having a contoured face can make you look younger. Rather than simply using makeup, people are taking on sunscreen contouring instead.
Sunscreen contouring refers to picking and choosing where you want to add sunscreen on your face so as to create sharper, more defined facial features. Not properly using sunscreen can lead to wrinkles, aging and skin cancer.
@thembseries can you do a chemical peel at home? turns out the answer is yes! I brought you guys along a few months ago through my first few chemical peels, and so many of you suggested I try Platinum Skincare peels at home for a fraction of the price (because idk about you but I can’t drop $450 a month on peels) 😅 stay tuned for results! led mask: @wavytalkofficial #chemicalpeel #acne #skincare #diy #platinumskincare ♬ original sound – The MB Series
DIY Chemical peels
On average, professional chemical peels can cost around $1,829, sometimes less, sometimes a lot more (with the highest reaching $4,000). This has made users turn to more convenient and affordable chemical peels.
Whether it’s buying products online or using everyday ingredients, DIY chemical peels have been taking social media by storm. Users have taken it so far as to purchase TCA 30% chemical peels online and use them without professional supervision. TCA 30%, also known as trichloroacetic acid, is used for medium-depth chemical peels that get rid of wrinkles and scars. However, since it uses strong ingredients, using TCA 30% chemical peels without medical supervision can lead to facial burns.
@marissahxo Innotox is great for beginners! Celmade.co Code-MAR15 #koreanbeauty #skincaretiktok #diyskincare #skincareproduct ♬ original sound – Marissa Kay⚡️
Self-injecting filler/Botox
Similarly, for some people, self-injecting filler or Botox is more convenient than seeking medical consultation. Innotox, a South Korean ready-to-use “Botox,” has been at the forefront of this phenomenon. Even though the product is not FDA-approved, anyone can purchase filler anywhere at any time for only $95.
The biggest dangers with Innotox are not understanding where to add them and not understanding its ingredients. This can lead to immediate swelling, redness and infections. Cosmetic procedures like injecting filler need to be done professionally with years of experience. Otherwise, it can lead to severe injuries.
Hyaluron lip plumpers
Hyaluron lip plumpers became a TikTok craze when users found out the product was a way to plump up lips without any needles or medical consultation. The product’s convenience and natural look made it an easy way to achieve fuller lips.
The product’s ingredients contain hyaluronic acid, which is the same product used in injectable dermal fillers. Because the product goes only on the upper layers of skin (rather than going deeper using needles), the product can create lumpiness and swelling, Rachel Yussim, a cosmetic nurse and provider with Persimmon, told USA Today in 2022.
However, these lip plumpers are not FDA-approved and can lead to inflammation, bacterial infection, fungal infection and even necrosis.
@irisxgrace Replying to @ivywinter ok but like.. it worked? #makeup #creativemakeup #custommakeup ♬ original sound – iris
DIY lip plumpers
While there are hyaluron lip plumpers, there are also lip plumpers that are DIY-friendly. However, this doesn’t mean they’re safe to use.
DIY lip plumpers can involve using suction devices like a shot glass (popularized by the “Kylie Jenner lip challenge” in 2015), applying cinnamon oil, and applying peppers directly to the lips. This can lead to tissue damage, allergic reactions and long-term deformity.
@krystaambruson Replying to @LA_FLACA here is my recommendation for how often you can use whitening strips! #teethwhitening #dentalhygienist #oralhealth #oralhygiene #whiteteeth #whitestrips ♬ original sound – Krysta, RDH 🦷🫧
Using teeth whitening strips too often
Getting pearly-white teeth is a popular desire that everyone wants to attain. However, getting your teeth professionally whitened can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000, which is why teeth whitening strips have become an easier solution to getting whiter teeth.
Teeth whitening strips’ main ingredients are hydrogen peroxide — bleach. While it’s safe to use a small amount of bleach on your teeth, using these strips repeatedly can lead to increased sensitivity and enamel damage.
@erinnoelleh I was having bieberchella fomo so I did this ✋🏼🥲 #microneedling #athomemicroneeedling #diy #acnescartreatment #acnescars ♬ original sound – Erin Noelle
DIY Microneedling
Microneedling involves creating tiny injuries on your face to stimulate collagen and elastin production, board-certified physician associate Lisa Chevalier told Vogue in 2025. Microneedling allows for improvement in fine wrinkles, scars, textures and general skin quality.
If you’re getting microneedling done professionally, you’ll be able to see its full effects. DIY microneedling, which can take the form of a derma needle or microneedling tool, can only see little results. Over-excessive use of DIY microneedling can disrupt the skin recovery cycle. In addition, excessive DIY microneedling can lead to infection from improper aftercare and permanent texture changes.
@edwardzo TikTok made me try it: Slugging (w/ @cetaphilusa’s new healing ointment) 🐌 #skincare101 #skintok #slugging #skinbarrier #cetaphil #cetaphilpartner ♬ original sound – EdwardZO
Slugging
Slugging involves applying an absorbent amount of petroleum jelly, like Vaseline, on one’s face to stimulate moisture. While slugging isn’t necessarily dangerous, adding too much petroleum jelly can block pores, trapping sweat, sebum and bacteria, which can lead to breakouts.
@julia.bellary Korean whitening creams🤍⛄️! The US has bronzing drops and tanning lotions, Korea has whitening creams! I kinda always thought these would bleach my skin, but turns out a lot of the popular creams are just very pasty body makeup! #kbeauty #skinwhitening #koreanskincareroutine ♬ original sound – julia.bellary
Skin whitening lotion
Skin whitening lotion is used for individuals with an uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation and acne scars. Since 2019, the FDA has found some over-the-counter skin lightening products containing high levels of mercury. If used repeatedly, the mercury can be absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to health risks like kidney damage and neurological damage like tremors, tingling or numbness.
@evieandceairaa Retinol is a must have for every 7 year old these days!!! #grwm#skincareroutine#retinolskincare ♬ original sound – eviegirlandmom(PARENT ACCOUNT)
Young children using unnecessary skincare products
With social media making it easy to find ways for anti-aging, this allows younger children to be exposed to skin products that are meant for adults. And with many of the products available online and in store, children having a full skincare routine has increased sharply.
Because children’s skin is thinner and more delicate, being exposed to harsh ingredients meant for damaged skin can severely affect their skin. What makes it worse is that many of these children don’t understand the product’s ingredients and its risks. For children, a simple cleanser and moisturizer will do just the trick.
Wrap-Up
With cosmetic procedures costing more and more money, many have turned to social media for a more convenient way. However, it’s easy to fall into these traps by not understanding the proper ingredients or by doing these hacks too many times.
If you’re seeking ways for more accessible anti-aging procedures, make sure to do proper research from certified dermatologists or research studies instead of taking it to social media.
Related:
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- 10 healthcare careers that don’t require a four-year degree
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