Skin tips from social media debunked

With the endless number of influencers, doctors and everyday people offering skin care advice, it can be difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. Baylor dermatologists are busting some of the most popular skin care claims on social media that may be simply ineffective or even dangerous.

“Social media often promotes short, catchy tips rather than comprehensive, personalized advice,” said Dr. Zeena Nawas, assistant professor of dermatology at Baylor. “Even when an account is run by a board-certified dermatologist, sometimes the advice on social media can be overly simplified or generalized. Individual skin needs and conditions vary widely, and what works for one person may not be appropriate for another.”

Claim: All young people need product-intensive skin care

Because social media is accessible to all ages, it’s easy to find content aimed at children and teenagers, giving the impression that intensive skin care is necessary for children. However, Nawas says that using anti-aging products at a young age may be unnecessary and could potentially irritate children’s skin. Younger skin doesn’t usually need advanced treatments, and overuse of certain products can disrupt its natural balance.

Children may benefit from products formulated for sensitive skin that do not contain harsh chemicals and fragrances. Some children may need products specifically formulated to treat acne.

The recommended skin care routine is the same as for most adults: a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil, followed by a non-comedogenic moisturizer to hydrate the skin, and finally the daily use of sunscreen to protect against UV damage.

Claim: You can do without sun protection

Baylor dermatologists stress that it is not advisable to skip sunscreen. Sunscreens are defined by whether they contain physical or chemical agents to protect against UV rays that can lead to skin cancer. Physical sunscreens, either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, act as a physical barrier that reflects UV rays and scatters them away from the skin, while chemical sunscreens contain carbon-based compounds such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, octinoxate and others to absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, which is then released by the skin.

Some patients may have sensitive skin that could be irritated by certain sunscreens, or they may have concerns about the effects of chemical sunscreens on the skin. However, Nawas says that visiting a board-certified dermatologist can help patients find the right sunscreen and answer any questions patients may have about sunscreen.

Claim: Darker skin does not mean sunburn

Melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, does provide some natural protection from harmful rays, but it is not a complete shield against UV damage. According to Nawas, people with darker skin can get sunburned despite having to spend longer in the sun compared to people with lighter skin. Although sunburn on darker skin is not always as visibly red, you will still feel pain and flaking skin. Without protection, people with darker skin still suffer from premature aging, sunburn and an increased risk of skin cancer.

Claim: Toothpaste eliminates acne

Toothpaste is claimed to dry out and make pimples and other acne marks disappear; however, it is not a recommended or effective treatment. Different toothpastes contain different types of ingredients that can irritate the skin, cause dryness, and potentially worsen acne. Nawas recommends sticking with over-the-counter treatments that contain acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which are safer and more effective.

Claim: Hair loss can be stopped or reversed with various naturally occurring oils

Hair loss can be caused by numerous medical conditions, which is why it’s important to see a dermatologist to find out what might be causing it. Nawas says there are testimonials that show some oils can promote hair health, but there is limited scientific evidence to support their effectiveness in significant hair growth.

“Rosemary oil was shown in one study to promote hair growth after six months of use, and there are studies showing that coconut oil can improve brittle hair, but there is limited evidence for its effects on hair growth,” says Nawas. “There is weaker evidence that castor oil improves hair quality by increasing hair shine, and no strong evidence for its use for hair growth. Nor is there significant evidence for argan oil or Moroccan oil to improve hair growth or quality.”

While these oils can contribute to overall scalp health, they are not a substitute for proven treatments prescribed by dermatologists.

Treatment for hair loss depends on the type of hair loss. For the most common form of hair loss, alopecia sempervirone or androgenetic alopecia, minoxidil is an over-the-counter, FDA-approved topical treatment for hair growth in men and women. Platelet-rich plasma can also be performed by dermatologists, which can help with certain hair loss conditions. Hair transplants are a surgical option for more permanent results.

“A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for healthy hair,” says Dr. Oyetewa Oyerinde, assistant professor of dermatology and director of the Skin of Color Clinic at Baylor. “Stress-reducing activities such as meditation and regular exercise, as well as getting enough sleep, are important for a healthy scalp. Other key points include avoiding tight hairstyles and harsh chemicals and treatments that can damage hair, and minimizing the use of heat styling tools such as blow dryers, curling irons and flat irons.”

Claim: Botox now makes skin look younger

Botox is a type of neuromodulator that can prevent the formation of wrinkles caused by facial movements by temporarily paralyzing the muscles responsible for those movements. Botox treatment in your twenties can be a preventative measure to reduce the appearance of fine lines later in life, but it’s important to consider the cost, potential side effects, and the fact that it’s not a permanent solution. Regular injections are required, and the long-term effects of early use are still being studied. Other non-cosmetic uses of Botox can include treating conditions such as chronic migraines or excessive sweating.

“The trends on social media are endless. The key to healthy skin is consistency, simplicity and working with a dermatologist who can give you expert advice tailored specifically to your skin needs,” said Nawas.

“Social media provides instant access to information and often offers visually appealing content. People are drawn to it because it is convenient and accessible,” said Oyerinde. “Using the advice on social media with a critical eye and a focus on evidence-based practices will help you make more informed decisions about your skin, nail and hair care. Visiting a dermatologist will allow for appropriate advice on skin concerns.”