From mouth taping and seven-step skincare routines to DIY micro needling and sunscreen contouring, TikTok has transformed the way millions of people discover beauty advice. While the platform has introduced consumers to innovative ingredients and sparked greater interest in skincare, experts say it has also become a breeding ground for misleading beauty advice that often oversimplifies science in favour of viral content.
So, which trends do aesthetic professionals think it’s time to leave behind?
DIY Microneedling
Professional microneedling has become one of the most popular in-clinic treatments for improving skin texture, stimulating collagen and softening acne scarring. But experts say trying to recreate the procedure at home is one trend that carries genuine risks.
Anastasia Koles, Aesthetic Nurse and Founder of ALTA Medi Clinic London, says social media often removes the clinical expertise from the conversation.
“Professional treatments involve far more than simply using a device. Before we even begin, we’re assessing the patient’s skin, medical history, suitability for treatment and any potential risks. Social media rarely shows that side of aesthetics, which can make advanced treatments look much easier than they really are.”
While at-home skincare certainly has its place, she says consumers shouldn’t assume every professional treatment can safely be replicated at home.
Seven-Step Skincare Routines
Double cleansing. Layering essences. Applying every product to damp skin. Multi-step skincare routines have become one of TikTok’s biggest beauty trends, with many creators suggesting that more products automatically lead to better skin.
According to Dr Nabil Jetha, Aesthetic Doctor and Founder of Dr Nabil Jetha Clinic, that’s one of the biggest misconceptions currently circulating online.
“One of the biggest skincare myths currently circulating on social media is that more products automatically mean better skin. We’re seeing routines with seven, eight or even ten layers of products being presented as the gold standard, when in reality effective skincare should be tailored to the individual rather than copied from a trending video.”
Another trend gathering momentum is the advice to apply every skincare product to damp skin.
“While applying certain hydrating products containing humectants to slightly damp skin may help improve hydration, that doesn’t mean every ingredient should be used in the same way. What works well for one person may be completely unsuitable for someone else, depending on their skin type, concerns and the products they’re using.”
Ultimately, he believes a simpler approach is often the most effective.
“In most cases, a simpler, evidence-based routine tailored to the individual’s needs will deliver better results than following the latest viral trend.”
Sunscreen Contouring
Another trend experts would happily see disappear is sunscreen contouring – the idea that deliberately applying SPF to only certain parts of the face can create natural contour through sun exposure.
While it may generate millions of views, Caroline Hall, Trichologist and Founder of R&R Aesthetics, says it’s a trend that could have lasting consequences.
“The effects of sun damage aren’t always immediate, which is why trends like sunscreen contouring are so worrying. Deliberately exposing parts of the skin to UV damage can contribute to pigmentation, uneven skin tone and premature ageing. There are far safer ways to achieve definition than risking long-term skin damage.”
Mouth Taping
Few wellness trends have gone as viral as mouth taping, with claims it can improve sleep, reduce snoring and even create a more defined jawline.
Dr Richard Devine, Aesthetic Doctor and Founder of Devine Clinic says the trend has been taken far beyond what the evidence currently supports.
“Mouth taping is one of those trends that’s gained huge momentum because it sounds like such a simple solution. For some people, encouraging nasal breathing during sleep may have benefits, but it shouldn’t be seen as a fix for every problem, particularly if there’s an underlying medical reason for mouth breathing.”
He also urges consumers to be realistic about the aesthetic claims surrounding the trend.
“There’s very little evidence to suggest mouth taping alone can sculpt the jawline or transform facial structure. Facial definition is influenced by factors such as bone structure, muscle, body composition and skin quality – not a single overnight beauty hack.”
Beauty Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Perhaps the biggest issue with TikTok beauty trends isn’t any one product or treatment – it’s the idea that one routine should work for everyone.
The reality is that skin is individual. Age, lifestyle, skin type, medical history and existing skincare routines all play a role in determining what will and won’t work.
While social media has undoubtedly made skincare more accessible, experts agree that the best results rarely come from copying a 30-second video. Instead, they’re achieved through consistency, evidence-based advice and treatments that are tailored to the individual rather than whatever happens to be trending that week.
While social media has made skincare more accessible, it’s also created an environment where the most engaging content often outperforms the most accurate.
Dr Aleksander Josipovic, Aesthetics Industry Consultant says:
“The beauty economy now runs on attention, and social media rewards content that is surprising, controversial or promises dramatic results. A video claiming you can transform your face overnight is naturally going to outperform one explaining the importance of consistency and evidence-based skincare.”
He believes this has fundamentally changed how consumers discover aesthetic treatments.
“Patients often arrive at consultations having already decided what treatment they think they need because they’ve seen it online. The role of the practitioner is increasingly becoming one of education – helping patients separate marketing from medicine and trends from treatments that are genuinely appropriate for them.”