Hack or wack?
JUDGING TIKTOK’S SKINCARE "HACKS"
The internet is a crazy place; it’s what we all say. Yet many of us, despite throwing that phrase around, believe almost everything we see online. You’d think that people would be a little more careful when it comes to what they apply to their skin, but this is far from the case. If you’ve been on TikTok, you most definitely know what I’m talking about. A lot of questionable (trying to be kind here) skincare hacks manage to make their way to the internet. I thought it’d be fun to judge these ‘skincare hacks’ from worst to best in a game I’d like to call “HACK or WACK.”
Period Face Mask
You read that right—no need for you to re-read it. Yes, people have turned to collecting their menstrual blood and using it for its “skincare benefits”; at least that’s what they claim to be doing. I’d bet $1,000 that some of these TikTokers have really been applying the Ordinary’s BHA/AHA peeling solution to their skin, claiming that it’s their “period blood.” But that’s not the point of this section. The point is to see if period blood can do your skin any good. So let’s do that, shall we?
Menstrual blood is different from systemic blood. Menstrual blood is a mixture of blood, vaginal fluids, endometrial cells of the uterine wall and more. It’s so much more than just blood! It’s a lot different from the blood that flows through your veins. Menstrual blood also contains stem cells like those found in the bone marrow. This piece of information was probably the cause of this whole fiasco. Stem cells are a popular skincare ingredient, famous for their alleged plumping benefits. But, Stem cells are too big to be absorbed far enough into the skin to cause any effect. You can’t therefore get the benefits of stem cells by just smearing period blood on your face. If you want to plump your skin, just get yourself a peptide cream. Here are a few suggestions:
The Inkey List Peptide Moisturiser
Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturizer
VERDICT: WACK
2. Applying the ordinary’s 7% glycolic acid toner to literally anything
The ordinary’s 7% glycolic acid toning solution is an exfoliating toner. Its intended use(as stated by the Ordinary) is to exfoliate, targetting, dullness, texture and uneven skin tone. However, people on the net have been applying it all over the place and using for different puroposes.
I. On the scalp, as an exfoliating scalp treatment
Glycolic acid is an exfoliating acid. It works by breaking down the bonds between skin cells causing the skin to peel off, leaving a fresher layer of skin exposed. This process also clears out any junk stuck in the pores. The glycolic acid toner can help reduce buildup, breakouts, and clear clogged hair follicles. However, the problem with this trend is the frequency of application promoted by TikTokers, with some recommending daily application of the product. Daily application of such a potent exfoliant can lead to irritation, excessive peeling, stinging, and dryness. If you are to use this product on the scalp, it’s best to limit the frequency of application to about 1–3 times a week maximum.
II. As a deodorant
First of all, what’s a deodorant? A deodorant is a product that prevents or masks body odour. Malodour arises from compounds such as aldehydes, sulphur compounds, and carboxylic acids which are produced when sweat( which is in itself odourless) is digested by bacteria on the skin. Commercial deodorants usually tackle 2 issues:
Malodour: Commercial deodorants combat malodour by killing odour-producing bacteria on the skin and by masking malodour with fragrance.
Sweat production: Commercial deodorants usually contain aluminum salts which reduce/stop sweat production by blocking the sweat glands’ ducts(see image below)
Glycolic acid may help reduce body odour due to its antimicrobial properties. The exfoliating properties of glycolic acid can help clear pores in the underarm area and therefore help prevent ingrown hairs. However, the consumer would still need to use a perfuming antiperpirant deodorant to mask body odour and reduce sweat production. Furthermore, it is important to remember that daily application of such a potent exfoliant can cause excessive peeling, stinging and increased sensitivity of the skin.
Verdict: NEITHER
Verdict: NEITHER
