The 10 skincare mistakes that made TikTok popular

Okay, oops. I really thought it was good for something, but it turns out it sometimes works differently. In the past six years as a beauty editor, I have discovered quite a few myths about makeup — especially everything related to skincare. TikTok only amplifies this. People come up with all sorts of things just to go viral, post one video, and who knows if this is really something they do daily, or if it’s all about views and fame. And that makes it sometimes so dangerous.

Skincare combinations are being invented, products are being smeared on the skin, and massages are hyped that supposedly stimulate collagen production, but in reality often cause more harm than good. That’s why we’re critically examining the TikTok hypes and skincare trends of recent times. This way, you’ll be completely up-to-date: what can you safely continue with and what should go straight into the trash tonight? Are you ready? Ready, set, go.

1. Jade rollers and gua shas
The myth: They lift your face and stimulate collagen.
The reality: They can temporarily reduce swelling and stimulate circulation, but they don’t provide any lasting lift and don’t create new collagen. Think of it as relaxation, not skin rejuvenation.

2. LED masks
The myth: The more often, the better.
The reality: LED light can work (for acne or skin aging), but only with consistent and correct use. Using it too often or incorrectly yields little extra benefit and can actually irritate the skin.

3. Dermarollers
The myth: Microneedling at home is safe.
The reality: Professionally: yes. At home: risky. Incorrect needle lengths and poor hygiene can lead to infections, pigmentation spots, and scars.

4. Pimple patches
The myth: They heal acne.
The reality: They help protect and calm, but do not solve the cause of acne. Think of it as a band-aid, not a solution.

5. Silk pillowcases
The myth: You automatically get better skin from it.
The reality: It can reduce friction and is nicer for hair and skin, but it doesn’t replace good skincare. A nice extra, not a miracle cure.

6. Spa at home
The myth: A DIY facial is equivalent to a professional treatment.
The reality: Masks and steaming are relaxing, but too much steaming or scrubbing can damage your skin barrier. At home = keep it mild.

7. The ten-step routine
The myth: More products = better skin.
The reality: Too many products at once can actually cause irritation, breakouts, and a disrupted skin barrier. Simple often works better.

8. Pore strips
The myth: They shrink pores.
The reality: They pull sebum out of your pores, but don’t make them smaller. In fact: they can damage the skin and cause redness.

9. Hair scrubs (on the scalp)
The myth: Scrubbing is always good for your scalp.
The reality: Occasionally it can help with buildup, but scrubbing too often irritates the scalp and can worsen hair loss.

10. Washing and exfoliating your face too often
The myth: A ‘squeaky clean’ skin is a healthy skin.
The reality: Over-cleansing and exfoliating damages your skin barrier. Result: dryness, pimples, and sensitivity. Less is really more here.