5 Beauty Trends That Are Secretly Harming Your Skin and Hair
Beauty trends often promise to revolutionize your look, offering long-lasting polish, perfect skin, or quick fixes for beauty woes. But lurking behind the glossy promises, some of these trends may be causing more harm than good. Here are five popular beauty habits that might be sabotaging your health—and what to do instead.
1. Gel Nails: The Hidden Risk in That Perfect Shine
Sure, gel manicures give you chip-free, glossy nails, but there’s a darker side to that brilliance. The UV lamps used to cure the polish emit radiation similar to tanning beds, which can lead to premature aging, pigmentation issues, and even an increased risk of skin cancer. Frequent exposure can damage the delicate skin on your hands, leading to wrinkles and fine lines. If you can’t resist, wear fingerless gloves or apply sunscreen before your manicure.
2. Eyelid Tape: Quick Fix, Long-Term Damage
Eyelid tape promises bigger, brighter eyes, but the repeated pulling and adhesive can weaken the sensitive skin around your eyes. This leads to redness, irritation, and even sagging over time. The constant stress may also cause irreversible changes to the shape of your eyelid. For a safer approach, try makeup techniques like contouring to achieve a lifted look without the tugging.
3. Toothpaste on Pimples: A Recipe for Disaster
It’s the age-old DIY trick: dabbing toothpaste on a pimple to dry it out. But did you know that toothpaste can actually cause chemical burns, redness, and irritation? It’s designed for teeth, not your skin. The harsh chemicals disrupt your skin’s natural barrier, potentially making breakouts worse. Stick to acne treatments with proven ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide instead.
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4. Deodorant as Primer: A Trend to Skip
Using deodorant as a makeup primer might seem like a clever hack, but it’s a recipe for clogged pores and irritation. Deodorant is designed to block sweat glands, not sit on your face. Applying it on your skin can lead to breakouts, dryness, and even a burning sensation. If you’re battling shine, invest in a good mattifying primer that’s made for facial skin.
5. Mouthwash for Dandruff: The Scalp Stripper
Rinsing your scalp with mouthwash might sound like a genius anti-dandruff hack, but the alcohol content can dry out your skin and leave it prone to irritation. While it might kill some bacteria, it can disrupt your scalp’s natural balance and make the problem worse. Stick to medicated dandruff shampoos—they’re formulated to tackle flakes gently and effectively.
The Bottom Line:
Beauty trends may seem harmless—or even brilliant—at first glance