03.23.24
When it comes to zit zapping, consumers can’t seem to shake the toothpaste tube as an age-old remedy to kill the bacteria in problem pimples.
A new study from skincare experts SpaSeekers.com surveying more than 2,000 beauty lovers in the UK revealed that almost a quarter (21%) of people are still trying to heal isolated pimples with toothpaste, among other skincare “fails,” which experts say could be doing more harm than good.
While many people have sworn by the hack in quickly drying up problem pimples, the ingredients found in toothpaste can cause irritation, redness and itching, experts say.
The research also revealed that using only SPF while sunbathing (18%) and charcoal peel-off skin masks (13%) are also among the most-followed skincare myths. However, Brits’ skincare confidence is high, with one in five (20%) people saying that they feel “very confident” about their skincare routines. In lieu of a moisturizer, 11% used coconut oil as a substitute and 9% avoid it all together due to their reservations about disrupting their oily skin.
Charcoal peel-off skin masks are also a popular skincare myth that 13% of respondents have tried at least once in their lifetime. Charcoal skin masks have been popular online and on social media for almost a decade, with thousands of people incorporating charcoal face masks into their weekly routines. However, experts at SpaSeekers say these masks contain adhesive agents, which can irritation skin and strip it of its natural oils, yielding the adverse effect: dryness and inflammation.
Coming in as the fourth most tried skin care myth is using coconut oil as a moisturizer, with 11% of consumers guilty of the practice despite its comedogenic properties.
Rounding off the top five was 9% of survey respondents with oily skin foregoing moisturizer all together. Despite their excess oiliness, skin care experts say skin still needs a moisturizer to keep a healthy barrier. SpaSeekers.com’s skincare expert and therapist Maddie Cridge advises using a moisturizer with a water-based gel formula to help nourish the skin without increasing the amount of oil being produced.
“With so much information out there, it’s important to stay vigilant and approach any skincare hacks – particularly those which use products not designed to be used on the skin – with caution,” said Cridge. “If you’re unsure on where to start when it comes to getting great skin, you could book a facial or a dermatologist appointment, so that a professional can advise on the types of ingredients and products you should be using to treat your skin as safely and successfully as possible.”
Hack the Hack?
The study also revealed that consumers are playing doctor at home by attempting to use DIY hacks to remove irksome skin and resorting to hemorrhoid cream to reduce the appearance of under eye bags.
The experts at SpaSeekers.com are urging consumers to take time to research the products they’re using and arm themselves with the science behind the “hacks” before they try them at home.
Safe In Their Own Skin?
With skincare confidence playing a massive part in whether beauty lovers experiment with potentially dangerous skincare hacks, the study also revealed that skincare confidence is relatively high among beauty lovers, with 20% of people saying that they feel “very confident” about all things skincare, and 45% sharing that they feel “somewhat confident.” One in six (15%) of respondents reported feeling not very confident, while 3% said they didn’t feel confident at all when navigating the world of skincare and beauty routines.
“Due to the rise of social media platforms such as TikTok, there are more people than ever sharing their ‘handy hacks’ and quick fixes to perfect skin,” said Jason Goldberg, director at SpaSeekers.com. “However, it’s important to separate the skincare facts from the fiction and approach any skincare hacks with caution -- if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Unless you’re feeling completely confident, it’s also wise to avoid DIY treatments and leave treatments to the professionals, in order to avoid damaging your skin irreversibly.”