Dermatologist’s guide to viral skincare: what helps and what harms

Social platforms are overflowing with skin-care shortcuts, but not every tip is beneficial. From Vaseline rituals to DIY remedies, trends spread fast. Dr Aparajita Lamba, founder of Iksana Wellness, walks through which viral practices have merit and which are best avoided.

Take skin slugging — the trend of smothering the face in Vaseline overnight. For people with dry or weather-beaten skin, especially in colder months, this can be restorative: it seals in moisture and supports overnight repair. However, if your skin leans oily or is acne-prone, slugging can trap sebum and microbes and trigger breakouts.

Lemon-juice masks are another popular shortcut for brightening, but Dr Lamba cautions that lemon’s very low pH can scorch, inflame, or peel delicate skin. Instead, she recommends using clinician-formulated vitamin C serums as a gentler, evidence-backed alternative for evening tone.

Icing the face has its fans — plunging the skin into cold water or applying ice can temporarily reduce morning puffiness and stimulate circulation. When used sparingly it can feel refreshing, but repeated or aggressive chilling may aggravate sensitive conditions such as rosacea.

Putting toothpaste on a spot is an age-old home fix, yet toothpaste is not designed for skin and can leave burns, excessive dryness, or post-inflammatory darkening. Dr Lamba advises using targeted topical options like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to treat blemishes more safely.

Some people try “sunscreen contouring” — applying blocks of sunscreen to create faux contour lines. Dr Lamba stresses that sun protection should never be sacrificed for appearance: sunscreen must be spread evenly to shield all exposed skin from UV damage.

One approach she approves of is the “retinol sandwich,” where moisturizer is layered before and after retinol to buffer irritation. This can ease newcomers into retinoids, but it’s important not to mix retinol with potent acids or heavy exfoliants in the same routine.

Her broader advice is simple: consistent, gentle care wins over chasing every viral hack. A dependable regimen — cleansing, hydrating, daily sun protection and targeted treatments — will outperform extreme or experimental trends.

Following expert guidance helps people avoid harm, improve long-term skin health, and enjoy a safe, natural glow without falling for risky internet fads.