March 15, 2025 Beauty

5 Viral Tiktok Skincare Trends That Don’t Work - And What Actually Does

Social media makes it easier than ever to discover new skincare tips and products. One minute, you're casually scrolling for inspiration—maybe looking for a way to upgrade your routine. The next, you’re deep in a whirlwind of advice,  and every day, there’s a new “life-changing” trend promising to give you glass skin overnight, leaving you wondering if your tried-and-true favorites are due for an upgrade.



Trends come and go, and while some bring real benefits, others might not live up to the hype. Before swapping your moisturizer for a pore vacuum or investing in an LED mask that’s more of a nightlight than a treatment, it’s worth knowing what actually works. The most science-backed ingredients—like retinol for collagen production, vitamin C for brightening, and niacinamide for oil control—stand the test of time for a reason. Let’s take a closer look at a few popular skincare trends—and what truly delivers results.



1. The Morning Shed: Because Sleep Apparently Isn’t Enough

The Morning Shed trend says you should wake up with brand-new skin—if you pile on enough products before bed. Retinol, exfoliants, thick creams, anti-wrinkle stickers, lip masks, mouth tape... you name it. The goal? By morning, your skin has “shed” into something fresh and flawless.

The reality? Overloading your skin every night can lead to irritation, sensitivity, and a damaged skin barrier. More isn’t always better - skincare needs balance. Slathering on too many actives at once increases your risk of redness, peeling, and long-term sensitivity, making your skin more prone to breakouts and damage. Instead of treating your evening routine like a chemistry experiment, stick to targeted, effective ingredients that work with your skin, not against it.

✔ What actually works: A balanced evening routine (in order):

Your skin regenerates overnight—it doesn’t need to be chemically assaulted to do it.




2. Slugging: Great for Some, Not for All

Slugging - coating your face in a thick layer of petroleum jelly before bed - locks in moisture if your skin is dry or sensitive. But if you’re acne-prone? Not so much. Petroleum jelly traps everything - moisture, yes, but also oil, bacteria, and anything else sitting on your skin.

✔ What actually works: If your skin needs hydration, try:




3. LED Masks: Effective or Just an Overpriced Nightlight?

LED therapy is real - red light stimulates collagen, blue light targets acne - but at-home LED masks? Most aren’t strong enough to make a difference.

✔ What actually works:

  • Best at-home LED device: Therabody LED Mask (clinically tested, powerful light therapy for real results)
  • Professional treatments: If you’re serious about results, get an in-office LED facial from a licensed aesthetician.
  • Budget alternative: CurrentBody Skin LED Mask (cheaper than Therabody but still has solid science behind it)

If you've been using a $40 Amazon LED mask and seeing no changes, it’s probably just an expensive glow stick.


4. Pore Vacuums: Weirdly Satisfying, But Risky

Watching a pore vacuum suck gunk out of someone’s face is peak internet satisfaction. But using one yourself? That’s where things get tricky. Yes, they can clear some blackheads, but they don’t shrink pores or prevent clogging - and if you go too hard, you could end up with irritation, broken capillaries, or bruising.

✔ What actually works:


The key to long-term pore minimization lies in regular exfoliation to prevent clogged pores and promote cell turnover, along with stimulating collagen production to strengthen the skin’s structure.

Exfoliating acids like salicylic acid (BHA) penetrate deep into the pores to remove dead skin cells and excess oil, preventing blockages that can make pores appear larger. Meanwhile, collagen-stimulating ingredients like retinol not only improve skin texture but also help to thicken the skin over time. Thicker skin supports tighter pores, reducing their visible appearance. Over time, this combination of exfoliation and collagen production helps maintain smoother, more refined skin, with smaller-looking pores.


5. DIY Microneedling: Leave This One to the Pros

Professional microneedling can help with acne scars and collagen production. But at home? Most DIY rollers aren’t deep enough to be effective – but they are deep enough to push bacteria into your skin. Without proper technique or sterilization, DIY microneedling can actually cause more harm than good – leading to irritation, infection, or worsening skin texture. For safe and lasting results, it's best to leave microneedling to professionals who use medical-grade tools and follow strict hygiene practices.

✔ What actually works:

  • Retinol for collagen production: SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.5 (boosts collagen, smooths texture)
  • Peptides for skin repair: The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides (supports skin recovery and strength)
  • Professional microneedling: Done by a dermatologist or aesthetician, stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture more effectively than at-home tools. For deeper concerns like volume loss or deep wrinkles, combining microneedling with Radiesse - a dermal filler that boosts collagen production—can provide long-lasting, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin.
  • Budget alternative: The Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid Serum (boosts hydration and supports skin repair, a gentler alternative)

In short: At-home rollers are often ineffective, and without proper care, can actually make things worse.

How to Avoid Falling for Bad Skincare Advice:




Next time you see a viral skincare trend, ask yourself:

✔️ Is it dermatologist-approved and backed by scientific research?
✔️ Are the ingredients or techniques proven to work?
✔️ Does it make sense for your skin type?

If a hack promises instant results, involves random kitchen ingredients, or comes from someone who isn’t a skincare expert, it’s probably not worth it. Stick to what’s proven, and your skin will thank you in the long run.

Because at the end of the day, great skin isn’t about chasing every trend—it’s about what actually works.

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