This article has been updated since its initial publish date to include more expert insight.
If you’re looking for a more transient, less invasive approach to regaining a youthful appearance, TikTok is a great place to find ideas. There are several effective anti-aging strategies that don’t involve surgery or facelifts. Some of the most praised beauty products often used for anti-aging purposes on the app include gua sha sculpting tools and hydrating, liquid concealer.
While the former is used to help sculpt one’s face with an ancient technique every morning, the latter is often seen in TikTok videos in place of a highlighter and foundation to draw attention away from wrinkles, fine lines or age spots. We caught up with skincare experts and professional makeup artists to learn more about these two BeautyTok-trendy products, how to use them to take years off your look, and more tips!
Read on for suggestions and insight from Dr. Kim Harris, ND, Naturopathic Medical Doctor and skincare expert at Prescott Medical Aesthetics, Dr. Alexis Parcells, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of SUNNIE Skincare and Natasha Moor, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Natasha Moor Cosmetics.
@michaelascott20 Have a super bad cold rn so here is what I do to drain my lymph #esthetician #guashatutorial ♬ original sound – Michaelascott
2 Popular Beauty Products TikTokers Are Swearing By For Anti-Aging Purposes
1.Gua Sha Jade Stones & Facial Rollers
On TikTok, many beauty aficionados are experimenting with the ancient practice of gua sha. It involves a smooth-edged tool, such as a jade stone, being applied to the skin to lift and contour it, often accentuating cheekbones – as evidenced in the frequent videos seen on the platform.
For thousands of years, the process of gently rubbing smooth stones across the skin has been a mainstay, but it’s only been in recent times, due to TikTok, that gua sha, or jade scraper, has gained popularity amongst all generations. Younger Gen-Z users of the app have demonstrated their fondness of the practice, but older users have also been commending it highly. Parcells adds that gua sha has been in use for centuries.
“This healing technique was first documented in Chinese medicine back in 220 CE,” she says. The idea of ‘sha,’ or ‘redness,’ she adds, has long been attributed to skin healing. She notes that the principle behind gua sha is lymphatic drainage.
"Strategically massaging your skin in a methodical motion can promote circulation and drain fluid trapped under the skin towards the lymph nodes to detoxify your skin," Parcells continues. "Benefits can be seen at any age, and with a variety of health conditions, especially those that contribute to bloating."
Engaging in this habit won't lift your skin for good, yet it has the power to revive it quickly, promoting a youthful glow. Harris reveals that this could bring positive outcomes for self-care and psychological wellness. "From a medical perspective, I can say that gua sha is most certainly effective for anti-aging, regardless of age," she says.
"The reason it's become so popular lately is likely due to the fact that it's a relatively simple and affordable skincare treatment that can be done at home," she adds.
Gua sha can help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Harris goes on, as well as provide "a host of other benefits like improving circulation and lymphatic drainage."
Jade stones and facial rollers are a simple and effective way to boost skin health, and can easily become part of a regular skincare regimen.
These tools are a cost-effective alternative to surgery and can provide a quick refresher for your skin before heading out or going to bed.
2. Hydrating Liquid Concealer (Used As Highlighter)
When you think of concealer, covering up acne or dark circles might come to mind. Did you know, however, that it can also be used for face-lifting purposes with a clever hack?
Contouring with concealer has become popular among TikTokers and BeautyTok gurus, Moor says, who use the tool to accentuate their finest features.
"It’s common to apply too much foundation when you’re looking to hide red spots or blemishes, but that can actually have the opposite effect," Moor warns. If an anti-aging effect is your goal, she advises "highlighting your best features, as opposed to covering your entire face."
She stresses not using too much product as it can settle in wrinkles and create a "mask-like" appearance.
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To avoid this, she recommends using concealer like you would as a highlighter, in place of foundation. "I love using a hydrating liquid concealer as my foundation for a lighter, smoother finish," she explains.
By using a makeup sponge or beauty blender, Moor says that you can "start with a little and build your coverage, using your makeup sponge to press the concealer into your skin."
Ultimately to avoid inadvertently making age spots or wrinkling more obvious, she advises to "keep it natural with a light feeling." According to Moor, the optimal coverage for makeup is achieved by using a beauty blender or makeup sponge as opposed to brushes or fingers.
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Despite there being a long-standing argument amongst online makeup lovers that prefer the more traditional techniques of using brushes and fingers, Moor suggests that beauty blenders can elevate any concealer look, making it a talent Gen-Z has down pat.
"Applying a hydrating liquid concealer with a damp beauty sponge as your foundation is the modern way to create a light, soft, even finish," she notes.
Moor recommends avoiding "stick concealers, which can be too drying on aging skin." She suggests initially apply either liquid concealer or a light foundation on your hand.
Subsequently, take up the product with your sponge and softly press it onto the skin.
As for the last step, Moor concludes: "press the product gently into your face, but don’t wipe the product onto your skin."
(Sounds simple, and worth a try to us!)
