In today’s digital age, the ways in which we access information have undergone a transformation. Previously, whenever a skin-related issue arose, people would visit a doctor or seek counsel from an experienced elder. However, a single swipe on a smartphone now yields millions of suggestions, and TikTok has propelled this shift to unprecedented heights. Every day, thousands of videos flood TikTok, offering a plethora of novel skincare remedies. One person might recommend applying a specific cream, another might suggest rubbing a particular oil onto the face, while yet another might claim that a certain homemade concoction will magically revitalize the skin. Most alarmingly, millions of viewers watch these videos and proceed to try these remedies on their own skin without seeking any professional medical advice. Dermatologists in Australia are now expressing deep concern over this situation. They are seeing patients in their clinics daily who have adopted a trend spotted on TikTok, only to suffer severe damage to their skin. These experts are now speaking out—sometimes pleadingly—urging people to stop following these trends and to refrain from subjecting their skin to such experiments.
The Magic and Dangerous Power of TikTok
TikTok’s greatest strength and its greatest weakness are one and the same: its algorithm. This algorithm operates with such sophistication that the more a video is watched, the more widely it is disseminated. Consequently, the videos that are the most shocking, the most dramatic, or those promising the most “magical” results are the ones that go the most viral. In the context of skincare, this presents a significant problem, as the trends that go viral are not necessarily the safest or the most effective ones. A mere 15-second video—in which someone claims that a specific remedy transformed their skin overnight—can garner millions of views. However, that video typically fails to disclose the potential side effects of the remedy, which skin types it works for (and which it does not), or whether it was recommended by a trained expert versus someone with absolutely no background in dermatology. In Australia—where the intensity of sunlight is among the highest in the world and where skin cancer constitutes a serious public health issue—misguided skincare trends can be particularly dangerous.
The First Dangerous Trend: Rejecting Sunscreen or “Skin Fasting”
The trend that causes the greatest concern among Australian dermatologists involves the misconceptions being spread regarding sunscreen. Several videos have gone viral on TikTok, claiming that the chemicals found in sunscreen are harmful to the skin and that it is better to forgo using it altogether. Some videos, under the guise of “Skin Fasting,” suggest that the skin should be given a break from all products—sunscreen included. In Australia, such a suggestion amounts to extremely dangerous advice. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world; the UV radiation here is far more intense than in most countries across Europe or Asia. Dermatologists emphasize that failing to use sunscreen poses a risk not merely of sunburn but of life-threatening skin cancers such as melanoma. One dermatologist notes that they are seeing young patients in their clinic who, influenced by TikTok, stopped using sunscreen and now bear the marks of severe UV damage on their skin—damage that, once inflicted, can never be fully reversed.
The Second Dangerous Trend: DIY Skincare Using Household Chemicals
Another trend on TikTok that has become immensely popular—and is deeply concerning to experts—involves creating one’s own skincare products using common household chemicals. Among the most prevalent practices are dissolving aspirin tablets in water to create face masks, cleansing the face with baking soda, applying lemon juice directly to the skin, and even using toothpaste to treat acne. While these methods may sound simple and natural, dermatologists describe them as a “recipe for disaster.” The skin maintains a natural pH balance, which is slightly acidic, typically ranging between 4.5 and 5.5. Baking soda, being highly alkaline, disrupts this delicate balance and destroys the skin’s natural protective barrier. Lemon juice is highly acidic and photosensitizing—meaning it renders the skin extremely sensitive to sunlight. Stepping outdoors in Australia’s intense sunlight after applying lemon juice can lead to severe burns and permanent skin discoloration. Dermatologists’ clinics are now seeing patients with chemical burns on their skin solely because they attempted a DIY remedy they had seen on TikTok.
The Third Dangerous Trend: Excessive Exfoliation and Scrubbing
The trend of achieving “Glass Skin”—skin that is as smooth and luminous as glass—is incredibly popular on TikTok. To achieve this look, numerous videos suggest exfoliating (scrubbing) the skin vigorously and frequently. Some trends advocate using physical scrubs daily, while others recommend using potent chemical exfoliants—such as high-concentration AHA and BHA acids—at home. Dermatologists explain that the skin’s outermost layer—known as the skin barrier—is extremely delicate; subjecting it to excessive scrubbing or repeatedly stripping it away with harsh chemicals causes severe damage. This leads to “Over-Exfoliation Syndrome,” a condition in which the skin becomes red, inflamed, hypersensitive, and prematurely wrinkled. Those striving to achieve “glass skin” often end up visiting a doctor with skin that has become far worse than it was before. Once the skin barrier is compromised, it can take months to repair; during this time, the individual faces significant discomfort and embarrassment.
The Fourth Dangerous Trend: Using Prescription Medications Without Medical Advice
This is perhaps the most serious and alarming trend currently spreading across TikTok. Tretinoin is a prescription-based retinoid that is highly effective in slowing down the skin’s aging process and treating acne. However, it is a potent medication that should be used only under a doctor’s supervision and with proper medical guidance. On TikTok, Tretinoin is being touted as a “miracle product,” with users being encouraged to order it online and use it on their own. Similarly, hydroquinone—a skin-lightening agent—is also being recommended for use on TikTok without any medical supervision. Australian dermatologists warn that the improper use of tretinoin can lead to severe skin irritation, peeling, and extreme sensitivity. Using it before sun exposure—a mistake many people make unknowingly—leaves the skin vulnerable to severe UV damage. This is particularly dangerous given Australia’s intense sunlight. Furthermore, Tretinoin is not suitable for everyone; only a doctor can determine whether or not it is appropriate for an individual’s specific skin type.
Fifth Dangerous Trend: Treating Acne with Oils
On TikTok, there is a major trend promoting the “Oil Cleansing Method” and presenting various oils as treatments for acne. Coconut oil, castor oil, and numerous other oils are being touted as “acne cures.” While certain oils may be suitable for some people’s skin, what TikTok often fails to mention is that many oils are comedogenic—meaning they clog pores. Coconut oil, which is the most heavily promoted on TikTok, ranks very high on the Comedogenicity Scale; this means it can clog pores and exacerbate acne. In Australia’s hot and humid climate—where the skin naturally produces excess oil—using such oils can dramatically worsen acne. Dermatologists are seeing patients who, in an attempt to find relief from acne, applied coconut oil only to end up with acne far more severe than before.
Sixth Dangerous Trend: Excessive Use of “Slugging”
“Slugging” is a trend that involves applying a thick layer of petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) to the face before going to sleep at night. The rationale behind this practice is that it locks moisture into the skin. While petroleum jelly is a safe product and may indeed be suitable for certain specific skin types, TikTok has presented it as a “universal solution” that will work miracles for everyone. The problem is that for individuals with oily skin or those prone to acne, slugging can clog pores and worsen their skin condition. Furthermore, in the hot Australian climate—where even the nights remain relatively warm—a thick layer of petroleum jelly can prevent the skin from “breathing.” Dermatologists emphasize that slugging is completely unsuitable for those with oily skin or those suffering from acne—a crucial distinction that TikTok completely fails to make.
The Gap Between TikTok Information and Actual Medical Science
The primary concern among Australian dermatologists is that most individuals providing skincare advice on TikTok lack any formal medical training. They may be influencers, beauty bloggers, or simply individuals who have tried a product and felt that it worked for them. However, dermatology is a complex medical specialty that requires years of study and training to master. Every individual’s skin is unique; it differs in type, sensitivity, and specific concerns. What works for one person may prove harmful to another. A 15-second TikTok video can never adequately convey this level of complexity. Furthermore, many TikTok influencers promote products for which they receive financial compensation; this “conflict of interest” renders their advice even less credible.
The Specific Needs of Australian Skin—Unaddressed by TikTok
Another critical point that Australian dermatologists repeatedly emphasize is that the majority of skincare trends on TikTok originate from the American or Korean markets—regions where the climate and levels of UV radiation differ drastically from those in Australia. Australia boasts one of the highest UV indices in the world. The sunlight here contains extremely intense levels of both UV-A and UV-B radiation. Consequently, a skincare routine that proves effective in a country with a colder climate or lower sun exposure could actually cause damage to the skin in Australia. For instance, certain retinol- or acid-based products applied at night can render the skin highly sensitive to UV radiation the following day. In regions like the U.S. or Europe, where the UV index is lower, this may pose a relatively minor issue. However, in Australia, if adequate SPF protection is not applied following the use of such products, the skin can sustain severe and lasting damage.
Dermatologists’ Advice: Dos and Don’ts
Australian dermatologists are not throwing up their hands in despair. Instead, they are taking to TikTok and other social media platforms themselves to provide people with accurate information. Their advice is simple, yet profoundly important. The first and most crucial point is that, in Australia, applying broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen every single day is mandatory—regardless of the weather. The second point is that you should never try any new skincare product—especially one containing active ingredients—without first consulting a qualified dermatologist. The third point is to strictly avoid applying home remedies—such as lemon juice, baking soda, or harsh physical scrubs—directly to your skin. The fourth point is to never use prescription medications, such as tretinoin, without a doctor’s advice. And the fifth point is do not blindly adopt any trend you see on TikTok; verify it first and consult an expert.
Awareness Is True Beauty
TikTok is an entertainment platform, not a medical consultation service. Understanding this distinction is absolutely vital. The desire for beautiful skin is natural, and there is nothing wrong with it. However, this desire should not lead to such haste that we blindly adopt any trend without thinking, thereby causing harm to our skin. The plea that Australian dermatologists are making is not merely about protecting their jobs. They are, in fact, weary of constantly having to repair the skin of people who come to them after falling victim to TikTok-inspired experiments. True beauty lies in healthy skin, and the most essential ingredients for healthy skin are knowledge, patience, and the advice of a qualified expert. The next time you watch a skincare video on TikTok and feel tempted to try it out, pause for a moment and ask yourself: Is this information coming from a trained expert? Is it suitable for my specific skin type? And does it also address potential side effects? If the answer to these questions is “no,” then the wisest course of action is likely to simply skip that trend.
FAQs
Q. Why are Australian dermatologists specifically concerned about TikTok skincare trends?
A. Australian dermatologists are particularly alarmed because most TikTok skincare trends originate from America or South Korea where UV levels are significantly lower than Australia. Australia has one of the highest UV indexes in the world, making certain trending practices like skipping sunscreen, using photosensitizing ingredients without SPF protection, or applying DIY acid treatments especially dangerous for Australian skin conditions.
Q. What is the most dangerous TikTok skincare trend according to Australian dermatologists?
A. Avoiding or replacing sunscreen is considered the most dangerous trend. Australia has one of the world’s highest rates of skin cancer including deadly melanoma. TikTok videos falsely claiming that sunscreen chemicals are harmful have convinced many young Australians to stop using SPF protection entirely, resulting in serious and sometimes irreversible UV skin damage appearing in dermatology clinics across the country.
Q. Why is using lemon juice or baking soda on skin so harmful despite seeming natural?
A. Although these ingredients appear harmless and natural, they severely disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance which sits between 4.5 and 5.5. Baking soda is highly alkaline and destroys the skin’s protective barrier, while lemon juice is photosensitizing meaning it makes skin dangerously sensitive to sunlight. In Australia’s intense sunshine, applying lemon juice before going outdoors can cause serious chemical burns and permanent pigmentation changes.
Q. Is it safe to use prescription skincare products like Tretinoin bought online without a doctor’s guidance?
A. Absolutely not. Tretinoin is a powerful prescription medication that requires medical supervision and proper guidance for safe use. When used incorrectly it causes severe irritation, peeling, and extreme UV sensitivity. Australian dermatologists are seeing patients who ordered Tretinoin online after watching TikTok videos and developed serious skin damage because they applied it incorrectly, used it before sun exposure, or had skin types unsuitable for this medication.
Q. How can people safely navigate skincare advice on TikTok without harming their skin?
A. Dermatologists recommend always checking whether the person giving skincare advice holds proper medical qualifications before following any TikTok trend. Never apply DIY mixtures containing household chemicals to your face, avoid skipping sunscreen especially in Australia, consult a qualified dermatologist before trying any new active ingredient product, and remember that what works for someone in a different country with a different climate and skin type may be actively harmful for Australian skin.