Dermatology Blog

Beauty treatment trends are all over social media, from Instagram to TikTok and back. But with so many “skinfluencers” working the algorithms to gain viewership, it’s no wonder that it’s nearly impossible to tell the good trends from the bad. How can you tell if a treatment is worth your time? The answer is simple: listen to the professionals!

We’ve investigated three of the biggest skin treatment trends we’ve seen on social media recently—and we’re giving you the inside scoop on our dermatologists’ responses.

Why fascia massage? Skilled massages like fascia, when administered by trained professionals, encourage lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness in the face. They also increase blood circulation, relieve tension, and honestly feel really good.

Does it work? That depends on your personal skin goals. Many dermatologists and beauty professionals swear by fascia massage. Lymphatic drainage and increased circulation are certainly proven aids in the elimination of old cell material and natural toxins. However, if you’re hoping it will give you an instant facelift in an hour, you might be disappointed.

Why skin cycling? Dr. Bowe realized that many of her patients were layering on multiple products every night, each with a different purpose—and in doing so, the products were actually counteracting each other or causing excessive irritation. By cycling products over four days, it maximizes the effectiveness of products like retinol while also minimizing irritation. Thus, you’ll see healthier skin overall.

Does it work? Yes—and dermatologists are loving it!* Skin cycling takes into account each of your skincare product’s purposes, as well as your body’s natural healing process. It also helps avoid accidentally negating their effects and reduces the risk of irritation.

Why sandwich the retinol? In theory, this sandwiching method helps make retinol more tolerable. If you’ve ever had dryness, redness, itching, and flaking while using retinol, applying moisturizer before and after could soften the blow.

Does it work? Maybe. If you're applying moisturizer before and after retinol, it won't be as powerful, but it will be more tolerable. This is a good tradeoff for sensitive skin, but many people can skip these extra steps.

If any of these trendy treatments intrigue you—or if there are any new ones out there on social media you’re dying to try—talk to the dermatologists before you try them. Even if they look like they’re effective for someone else, your skin might react differently. Get a professional opinion to save yourself from that TikTok trash.

TELL ME THE TRUTH

*Disclaimer: Consult your dermatologist before starting a new skin treatment plan.