In the world of beauty, trends come and go faster than ever, with influencers, makeup artists, and beauty gurus pushing the latest “must-have” looks and products. While some beauty trends have stood the test of time, others can do more harm than good.
From questionable skincare rituals to unhelpful makeup techniques, here’s a list of 12 popular beauty trends that are actually disastrous for your skin and hair.
1. Over-Exfoliating Skin
Exfoliating is essential for removing dead skin cells and maintaining a glowing complexion, but over-exfoliating can cause more harm than good.
Many beauty enthusiasts swear by harsh scrubs or chemical exfoliants to reveal smooth, radiant skin. However, scrubbing too hard or using products too frequently can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity.
- Why it’s a disaster: Over-exfoliation can damage the skin’s protective barrier, leading to redness, inflammation, and increased susceptibility to breakouts.
- Solution: Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, and use gentle exfoliants or chemical exfoliants with mild acids like lactic acid or glycolic acid.
2. Layering Too Many Skincare Products
In an effort to get flawless skin, many people layer multiple skincare products without considering how they interact with one another. The trend of using serums, oils, and toners all in one routine can lead to clogged pores and irritation.
- Why it’s a disaster: Too many active ingredients, especially in layers, can overwhelm your skin and cause adverse reactions.
- Solution: Stick to a minimalist skincare routine with products tailored to your skin’s needs, such as a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
3. Over-Plucking Eyebrows
The over-plucked eyebrow trend was all the rage in the late ’90s and early 2000s. While fuller, natural brows are now in, some still struggle to undo years of over-plucking. Over-plucked brows can result in sparse or uneven eyebrows that take years to grow back.
- Why it’s a disaster: Over-plucking can damage hair follicles, leading to permanent thinning.
- Solution: Embrace your natural brow shape and use eyebrow pencils or gels to enhance fullness without excessive plucking.
4. Caking on Heavy Foundation
Full coverage foundation can be great for special occasions, but many people are opting for a heavy foundation every day, which can make the skin look cakey and unnatural. Piling on thick layers of foundation can settle into fine lines and accentuate imperfections.
- Why it’s a disaster: Heavy foundation can clog pores, create an artificial look, and lead to breakouts.
- Solution: Go for a lightweight foundation or BB cream that allows your skin to breathe while providing natural coverage.
5. Using Highlighter as Blush
The trend of using highlighter as blush to achieve a radiant, dewy look can backfire, especially for those with oily skin. Applying too much shimmer to your cheeks can make your face look greasy and highlight texture in an unflattering way.
- Why it’s a disaster: Too much shimmer can draw attention to large pores or texture, making your face appear shiny rather than glowing.
- Solution: Use a matte blush for more control and reserve the highlighter for the high points of your face like the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow.
6. Baking Your Face
The trend of “baking” involves applying layers of loose powder under the eyes, around the nose, and on the chin, allowing it to sit and set for an extended period. While it can give a flawless finish for photoshoots or special events, it’s not suitable for everyday use.
- Why it’s a disaster: Baking can make your skin look overly dry, and it can emphasize fine lines, particularly for those with mature skin.
- Solution: Skip baking for everyday makeup, and instead, use a lightweight setting powder for a natural finish.
7. Extreme Contouring
Contouring is a great technique when done in moderation, but extreme contouring with multiple shades of bronzer, highlighter, and foundation can distort your face and create a heavy, unnatural look.
- Why it’s a disaster: Extreme contouring can make the skin look unnatural and cake up over time.
- Solution: For natural contouring, use cream products that blend seamlessly into the skin and focus on subtle shading to enhance your features.
8. Unnecessary Skin Care Layering
While skincare routines are essential, layering too many products, such as multiple serums, toners, and oils, can lead to clogged pores and a heavy, greasy feeling. The beauty trend of using every product possible doesn’t always result in better skin.
- Why it’s a disaster: Overloading the skin can overwhelm it, causing breakouts, irritation, and clogged pores.
- Solution: Stick to the basics: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Choose products suited for your skin type to avoid irritation.
9. Using Strong Hair Products for Every Hair Type
Haircare trends often involve using intense shampoos and conditioners designed for specific hair needs. However, using strong products like clarifying shampoos on all hair types can lead to damage, especially for those with dry or color-treated hair.
- Why it’s a disaster: Overuse of clarifying products can strip the hair of essential oils and lead to dryness and breakage.
- Solution: Choose hair products suitable for your hair type, such as moisturizing shampoos for dry hair or volume-boosting formulas for thin hair.
10. Sunless Tanning Overuse
While sunless tanners can be a safer alternative to tanning beds, overuse can lead to streaky, orange skin, and an unnatural appearance. Additionally, frequent use of sunless tanners can damage your skin, leading to clogged pores or rashes.
- Why it’s a disaster: Overuse of sunless tanners can lead to uneven skin tone, and the chemicals used in some formulas may irritate the skin.
- Solution: Use sunless tanners sparingly, exfoliate before application, and choose natural, streak-free products that match your skin tone.
11. DIY Skincare Recipes
Many beauty influencers promote homemade skincare recipes, but many DIY treatments, especially those using harsh ingredients like lemon juice or baking soda, can damage the skin’s natural balance.
- Why it’s a disaster: DIY ingredients can irritate or burn the skin, particularly if they’re too acidic or abrasive.
- Solution: Stick to professionally formulated skincare products designed for your specific skin needs.
12. Neglecting Sun Protection
One of the most dangerous beauty trends is neglecting to apply sunscreen. While many skip it due to the misconception that they only need it in the summer, sun exposure is damaging year-round.
- Why it’s a disaster: UV exposure can cause premature aging, sunburns, and increase the risk of skin cancer.
- Solution: Always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days or during the winter months.
Conclusion
While trends in the beauty world can be exciting and innovative, it’s important to remember that not all of them are beneficial for your skin and hair. Over-exfoliating, extreme contouring, and using harsh DIY skincare can cause long-term damage. Instead, focus on products and techniques that promote healthy, glowing skin.
The key to looking your best is choosing the trends that work for you while ensuring they support your skin’s natural health. Stay informed, make mindful choices, and embrace beauty that enhances, not harms, your natural beauty.
