In the world of beauty and skincare, there’s no shortage of viral trends and supposed “hacks” that promise incredible results. From de-puffing your face with ice water to applying oils for hair growth, TikTok users are always experimenting with easy ways to enhance their appearance.
As a Eugene medical spa dedicated to offering medically-sound skincare advice, we’re examining four beauty hacks, popularized on social media, and whether, based on scientific evidence, they actually deliver the promised benefits.
- Slapping in skincare to boost collagen
- “Ice facials” with bowls of ice water
- Applying oils to scalp for hair growth
- At-home IPL & red light devices
Slapping in skincare to boost collagen
Slapping the skin as a technique to boost collagen production has become a buzzworthy trend on social media platforms. Proponents suggest that the impact of slapping stimulates blood flow, increases circulation, and promotes collagen synthesis, but there is no scientific evidence supporting this practice. Still, it is a good idea to gently tap your skincare products into the skin, rather than rubbing and pulling.
Collagen production is a complex biological process influenced by various factors such as age, genetics, and lifestyle habits. While facial massage techniques can promote relaxation and facial exercises have been shown to create mild improvements in appearance, the claim that slapping alone significantly enhances collagen production lacks scientific support.
If you’re interested in improving collagen levels and overall skin health, proven options such as a professional skincare regimen, non-invasive skin renewal procedures, or working with a plastic surgeon can offer more reliable results.
“Ice facials” with bowls of ice water
One of the popular beauty hacks making waves on social media is dipping your face in a bowl of ice water, with creators demonstrating this on their bathroom counter with a straw to breathe through. Dubbed either an ice facial, ice water facial, or ice water skincare. Some people even make special silicone tubes that you can freeze water (or cucumbers or aloe vera) in to apply cold to the skin.
TikTok creators promise that this treatment…
- Constricts blood vessels and reduces inflammation and swelling
- De-puffs the face
- Helps with oily skin
- Clears up acne breakouts
- Eases anxiety and stress
- Tightens pores
Unfortunately, none of these claims are proven. While cold temperatures can provide temporary relief and a soothing sensation, the long-term effects are questionable. Cold therapy may offer a temporary tightening effect—and you will certainly feel different afterwards!—but it’s unlikely to produce significant or lasting changes.
Improve skin quality with microneedling, laser, and chemical peels
If you want to improve your pore size or treat acne, our medical spa offers in-office treatments with a proven track record and long-term effects. Microneedling is ideal for enlarged pores and dull skin tone; chemical peels and lasers can help with acne breakouts and skin tone, as well.
Applying oils to scalp for hair growth
Another viral trend revolves around applying essential oils, such as rosemary oil, to the scalp to promote hair growth. Oils can provide moisture to the hair and scalp, and using a fragrant essential oil may be a pleasant addition to your self-care routine.
One 2015 study showed that a full six months of rosemary oil can have comparable effects to minoxidil for patients with hair loss, but it is important to note that the oil has not been proven on patients who simply want their hair to grow back stronger, thicker, and faster or to treat dandruff—and six months is a long time to see effects. Further, hair growth is primarily influenced by genetic factors, hormonal balance, stress, diet, and overall health.
Unfortunately, a 2020 review of studies that look at essential oils’ health benefits found that the positive and potential negative effects are still hard to parse. And complementary and alternative medicine treatments for hair regrowth still lack the strong evidence that we have for surgical hair transplant and hair regrowth medications.
For highly effective hair loss treatment, consider NeoGraft
Our practice offers NeoGraft hair restoration to individuals in search of a minimal-downtime hair loss treatment. By efficiently grafting one follicle at a time from areas where hair grows thicker, Neograft is an effective treatment that requires no general anesthesia and minimal downtime after your procedure.
For at-home hair growth support, try Nutrafol
Our Eugene medical spa is also an official provider of Nutrafol, a nationally-recognized brand of clinically-proven hair growth supplements that have been specially formulated to target the multiple causes of hair thinning and loss.
At-home IPL & red light devices
With the availability of at-home Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and red light devices—which can range in price from $ to $$$$—skincare enthusiasts have started to try them for everything from aging to stretch marks.
Light-based devices claim to provide professional-grade skin rejuvenation and hair removal in the comfort of your own home. Similarly, red light therapy devices promise benefits such as improved skin texture, reduced wrinkles, and enhanced collagen production.
While these devices may offer some mild improvements, it’s crucial to consider the limitations: Most at-home “energy-based” devices are not FDA regulated, as the FDA does not require most widely available cosmetic products to pass any testing or prove their efficacy with regard to the claims made by the manufacturer.
Proven medical spa treatments
While these treatments have not been proven, physician-led medical spas offer several proven treatments to treat common concerns effectively:
- Hydrafacial: A proven treatment for acne and a popular choice for patients looking to maintain bright skin tone
- Laser skin resurfacing: A powerful treatment that addresses a wide range of concerns like skin laxity, wrinkles, aging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, and dark spots
- Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling: RF microneedling combines microneedling for collagen induction therapy with radiofrequency for skin tightening to achieve noteworthy results
Professional treatments performed by trained aestheticians are likely to yield more noticeable and consistent results. Note that with many professional treatments, patients may need a series of about 3 treatments to see full results.
Why choose professional skin care treatments?
In the era of viral beauty hacks and trends, it’s important to approach them with caution and a critical mindset. While some trends may have certain short-term benefits or provide a sense of novelty, ask questions about their long-term efficacy and scientific basis.
If you’re looking for more effective ways to reduce facial puffiness, boost collagen, or increase hair thickness, we invite you to consult with our experienced professionals. At Movassaghi Plastic Surgery and Ziba Medical Spa, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kiya Movassaghi oversees a team of genuinely experienced medical aesthetic professionals, nurse injectors, and aestheticians who tailor treatment to each client’s needs. To schedule your consultation with a member of our team and begin your journey to your best skin ever, call 541.686.8700 or contact us online today!