Caveman skin & kitchen sink routines: 8 skin care trends to avoid according to an expert

Call us naive, but we foolishly believed that the worst beauty trends were limited to baby bangs and unblended lip liner. As it turns out, we were wrong. 

According to Advanced Dermal therapist and founder of Sydney's Glow Medispa, Elisa Osmo, there's far more to fear in the world of skin care with viral TikTok trends overriding even the best judgement. 

Which is why we've taken the liberty of forewarning you about the worst skin care trends that are currently circulating the cultural zeitgeist drain — with the help of an expert of course — to stop you from making any truly regrettable decisions. Even the most sensible of people can get scammed by skin-fluencers *cough* snake oil charlatans *cough* after all.

Ahead, read up on the top eight worst skin care trends to categorically avoid as if your life depends on it. 

1/ Caveman skin

Caveman skin is a trend that employs the belief that by doing nothing to your skin that it will somehow magically regulate itself. However, when we say nothing, we (unfortunately) mean it. According to the principles of the caveman skin theory you shouldn't even wash your face with tap water. 

"Often promoted as a way to reset the skin — this trend can cause long-term damage due to poor hygiene, buildup of bacteria, and skin conditions like dermatitis neglecta," warns Osmo.​

2/ DIY chemical peels at home

When administered correctly a chemical peel can be an excellent way to reset your skin in winter. But taking things into your own hands doesn't always promise in-clinic results, warns Osmo.

"Unregulated acids and incorrect usage can seriously compromise the skin barrier, causing burns, sensitivity, and even permanent damage," says the Advanced Dermal Therapist.

In other words, leave the chemical peels to the professionals people.  

3/ Slugging for all skin types

By now we're all well-acquainted with the slugging skin trend, but just because it's a viral sensation doesn't mean you should start slathering Vaseline on your face anytime soon. 

"While occlusives like petroleum jelly can help lock in moisture, they can also trap bacteria and oil especially in breakout-prone skin," Osmo tells us. 

4/ Kitchen sink routines

Unfortunately, we probably all have stories about overdoing it when it comes to skin care, but just because you're no longer a slave to a 10-step skin care routine that doesn't mean you're out of the woods. Using too many actives at once — overdoing it with ingredients like retinol, AHAs and vitamin C — can still lead to irritation, inflammation, and a weakened skin barrier, Osmo informs us.

5/ Micro-needling at home with unclean tools

We'd never considered micro-needling at home, because honestly, the prospect sounds, well, terrifying. But according to Osmo, many people are risking their moneymakers in the hopes of saving a bit of cash, instead of splashing out on expensive in-clinic treatments. 

"This trend is rising on TikTok, but without proper technique and sterilisation, it dramatically increases the risk of infection and scarring," Osmo divulges. 

6/ Skin cycling without professional advice

Dr. Whitney Bowe was the brains behind the four night 'Skin cycling' TikTok skin care trend, and it was the dermatologist's seal of approval that legitimised the trend for many. But unless you have access to a derm IRL who can customise a routine for you, Osmo says this trend can ultimately do more damage in the long run. 

"Rotating actives can be beneficial, but blindly following TikTok routines without personalisation may do more harm than good, especially for sensitive or compromised skin," she explains. 

7/ Using food items as skincare 

Rubbing a banana peel on your face is unlikely to do anything to your skin (except make you look a bit silly), but some food items aren't just gimmicky they can be damaging. 

"[Food items] can disrupt pH balance, cause micro tears and lead to irritation, especially for those with reactive skin," Osmo elaborates.

8/ Skipping SPF in winter or indoors

Thought you were safe from the sun's harmful rays when you're holed up inside or during the cooler months? Think again. 

Regardless of the time of year, if the sun is out, you're at risk of sun exposure. And the confines of your home won't save you either — at least if you live in a house that comes with windows like most people — sorry buddy.

"The belief that SPF isn’t necessary outside of summer is a myth," Osmo tells us. "UV damage is cumulative and contributes to premature ageing year-round."

Main image credit: @ashtonhallofficial / @edwardzo / @tiazakher

We thought we'd heard it all, until we saw people on TikTok trying to 'cure' their acne with baking soda and vinegar.