Social media has become a breeding ground for beauty hacks, with new skincare trends popping up almost daily. But just because something goes viral doesn’t mean it’s actually good for your skin. According to dermatologist Dr. Nina Desai, several popular skincare trends may do more harm than good—and some could even lead to irritation, clogged pores, or damage to your skin barrier.
In a recent video, Dr. Desai shared five skincare trends she personally avoids and wouldn’t recommend to her patients.
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1. Using Toothpaste As Skincare
If you've ever dabbed toothpaste on a pimple hoping it would disappear overnight, you're not alone. The hack has circulated online for years, but Dr. Desai says it's a definite no. While toothpaste may temporarily dry out a blemish, it wasn't designed for facial skin. Many formulas contain ingredients that can cause irritation, redness, burning, and even post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Instead of shrinking a breakout, toothpaste can leave skin more inflamed than before.
2. Gua Sha For Long-Term Facial Sculpting
Gua sha tools have become a staple in many skincare routines thanks to claims that they can sculpt the jawline, slim the face, and reduce signs of aging. Dr. Desai isn't completely against gua sha, but she cautions against unrealistic expectations. While the massage technique may temporarily reduce puffiness and improve circulation, it won't permanently lift sagging skin or reshape facial features. If you enjoy the relaxing ritual, there's no harm in incorporating it into your routine—but don't expect facelift-like results.
3. Beef Tallow As A Moisturizer
One of the more surprising skincare trends to emerge recently is beef tallow, which some influencers claim is a natural alternative to traditional moisturizers. Dr. Desai says she wouldn't recommend it. While beef tallow does contain fatty acids that can help soften skin, it's also highly occlusive and may clog pores, particularly for those with acne-prone or oily skin. In addition, many dermatologists note that there is limited scientific research supporting its effectiveness compared to established skincare ingredients.
4. DIY Skincare Recipes
Homemade face masks and kitchen-ingredient skincare may seem appealing, especially for those looking for natural alternatives, but Dr. Desai advises proceeding with caution. Mixing ingredients at home can lead to unexpected reactions, irritation, and even chemical burns if acids or active ingredients are used incorrectly. DIY formulations also lack the testing, stability, and preservative systems found in professionally developed skincare products. Just because an ingredient is natural doesn't automatically mean it's safe for your skin.
5. Coconut Oil As A Facial Moisturizer
Coconut oil has long been praised as a multitasking beauty product, but Dr. Desai says it's not her moisturizer of choice. Although coconut oil can help lock in moisture, it ranks high on the comedogenic scale, meaning it's more likely to clog pores and trigger breakouts in some people. Those with acne-prone skin may notice increased congestion, blackheads, or blemishes after using it regularly on the face. For most skin types, a non-comedogenic moisturizer formulated specifically for facial skin is a safer bet.
The Bottom Line
Not every viral beauty trend deserves a place in your skincare routine. According to Dr. Nina Desai, trends like toothpaste spot treatments, beef tallow moisturizers, DIY skincare recipes, coconut oil, and even overhyped gua sha claims may not deliver the results social media promises. When it comes to protecting your skin barrier and maintaining healthy skin, dermatologists generally recommend sticking with evidence-based products and treatments that have been tested for both safety and effectiveness.
