TikTok Loves These Skin Care Trends — Should You

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• Sara Bock- [email protected]

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Trend Check: Can you really "eat" your way to better skin?

According to some social media influencers, your next skin care routine might start in the kitchen. Trends promoting "eating your skin care" suggest that certain foods can deliver clearer, more radiant skin, sometimes through extreme approaches like the "sardine fast," where people eat little more than tinned fish for days.

According to Kannan, diet does play a role in skin health - just not in the quick-fix way these trends often suggest.

"Diet does influence skin, but usually through overall patterns, not quick fixes," she says. "What tends to matter most is a consistent, balanced diet with enough protein, healthy fats and antioxidant-rich whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes."

That's a very different approach from viral trends that focus on a single superfood.

"No single food is going to transform your skin," Kannan explains. "Certain nutrients can support skin health, especially omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant-rich foods, but the benefit comes from the broader dietary pattern, not obsessing over one 'skin food.'"

For those looking to support their skin through diet, her advice is straightforward: focus on consistency over extremes. A varied, balanced diet can support the skin barrier and help manage inflammation - but it's not a substitute for sunscreen or a solid skin care routine.

Trend Check: Do red light masks actually work?

Red light masks have become a go-to in at-home skin care routines, promising smoother, younger-looking skin with the push of a button. The results, however, tend to be more subtle than the hype suggests.

So what can these devices realistically do?

"There is some evidence that red light therapy can help with mild signs of aging by supporting collagen production and reducing inflammation," Kannan says. "The key is that the effects are usually modest. I view it as an addition, not a replacement, for good skin care and proven in-office procedures."

Much of that gap comes down to the devices themselves. At-home masks are designed for convenience, but they don't deliver the same level of treatment as what's available in a clinical setting.

"At-home devices are significantly less powerful and less precise than in-office treatments," Kannan says. "They can still have a role, but results tend to be more subtle and slower. In-office devices are stronger, more targeted, and generally more effective."

For those who choose to use them, consistency matters - and so do expectations. With regular use, some people may notice small changes, such as slightly smoother skin, reduced redness or a more even tone, she explains.

Trend Check: Are more active ingredients better for your skin?

More products, more ingredients, faster results. That's the logic behind many skin care routines circulating online, where ingredients like retinol, vitamin C and exfoliating acids are often layered together in pursuit of glowing skin.

But when it comes to skin care, more isn't always better - and in some cases, Kannan says, it can backfire.

Many of these so-called "active" ingredients are designed to do something specific, like speed up cell turnover or target discoloration. On their own, they can be effective. But as Kannan explains, combining too many, especially without a clear plan, can quickly overwhelm the skin.

"Using too many actives at once can overwhelm the skin, leading to irritation, redness, dryness and even damage to the skin barrier," Kannan says. "I often see patients who are trying to do too much at once and end up with more problems than they started with."

That doesn't mean actives should be avoided altogether. Instead, it's about being intentional. If the skin is looking smoother, more even and feels comfortable, she considers that to be a good sign. If there is burning, stinging, peeling, tightness or persistent redness, the routine may be doing more harm than good.

"It's better to introduce one active at a time and give your skin a chance to adjust rather than layering multiple strong ingredients all at once," Kannan explains.

Trend Check: Does "slugging" actually repair your skin barrier?

Coating your face in petroleum jelly before bed has become a viral skin care ritual, with fans claiming it can lock in moisture and help repair the skin barrier. The idea - referred to as "slugging"- isn't as far-fetched as it sounds, but it's often misunderstood.

"The skin barrier is the outermost layer of skin that helps keep water in and irritants out," Kannan explains. "Petroleum jelly does not rebuild the barrier directly, but it supports barrier repair by sealing in moisture and reducing water loss."

In other words, slugging can be helpful for skin that's very dry, irritated or prone to conditions like eczema, especially in colder or drier environments. But it's not a one-size-fits-all solution.

"It may not be the best option for people who are acne-prone or who find thick, heavy products worsen breakouts," she explains. "It really depends on the person's skin type and concerns."

And despite the hype, it's not something most people need to do regularly. "For most people, it is probably being overused," says Kannan. "If your skin is already balanced and well- moisturized, you may not need such a heavy occlusive step."

Trend Check: Can gua sha, jade rollers or dry brushing detox your body?

Gua sha tools, jade rollers and dry brushing techniques are often promoted as ways to sculpt the face, boost circulation and even "detox" the body. The appeal is simple: quick results and the promise of benefits beyond the surface.

In reality, those claims don't tell the full story.

"What people are usually seeing is temporary improvement in puffiness and fluid movement, particularly in the face," Kannan says. "These tools may help encourage lymphatic circulation and improve superficial blood flow, which can make the skin look fresher for a short time.

That short-term effect can be noticeable, especially around the eyes or jawline. But, according to Kannan, they do not stimulate collagen or create meaningful cellular changes associated with anti-aging.

"They do not detox the body in the way that term is often used online," Kannan says. "Your liver, kidneys and lymphatic system already do that."

That doesn't mean there's no benefit. Used gently, these tools can still play a role in a routine.

"They may temporarily reduce puffiness, support lymphatic drainage and feel relaxing, which is why many people enjoy them," Kannan says. "I just would not present them as treatments that truly reverse aging or create long-term structural change in the skin."

Trend Check: Are "Sephora kids" using the wrong skin care?

Scroll through TikTok or step into a beauty store and you'll likely spot the trend: preteens stocking up on serums, retinol creams and multi-step routines designed to smooth fine lines and boost collagen. Often referred to as "Sephora kids," the trend is driven largely by social media - and it's raising questions about whether younger skin actually needs these products.

Dermatologists say no, and in many cases it can do more harm than good.

"Preteen skin is biologically very different from adult skin. It already has strong collagen production and faster cell turnover, so it does not need anti-aging products," says Kannan.

In fact, many of the ingredients popular in these routines are designed to accelerate processes that are already happening naturally in younger skin. Layering them on too early can tip that balance.

"My biggest concern is that they are using products their skin does not need, leading to irritation, dryness, peeling and sometimes even eczema-like reactions. Many are disrupting their skin barrier in the process," she says.

For most preteens, a simple routine goes much further: a gentle cleanser, basic moisturizer and daily sunscreen. Anything more, especially retinoids, strong exfoliating acids or complex, multi-step regimens, is usually unnecessary unless there's a specific medical reason like acne.

Kannan's advice is straightforward: keep it simple. For developing skin, less really is more.

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