What do Dermatologists think of Tik Tok Skincare Trends: Slugging, Skin Shaving, Gua Sha

October 5, 2022

3 min read

If you are a major Tik Tok fan, you must have come across quite a few skincare trends that you can't stop raving about. While some trends can be quite over the top and cause skin disasters, here are some worth looking into.

What is slugging?

Slugging is a trend on Tik Tok that requires you to coat your face with petroleum jelly, like Vaseline or Aquaphor as a final step to your nighttime skincare routine. The practice can leave your face as slimy as a slug — hence the name. Skincare experts on social media have claimed that slugging can give your skin a healthy glow.

What do dermatologists think of slugging?

According to dermatologists, slugging does hydrate your skin and can give you that healthy glow. Petroleum jelly, like Vaseline, is an occlusive ointment that, when applied, acts as a barrier on the skin, sealing in the moisture and preventing dryness.

Slugging can moisturize and protect your skin by providing the necessary hydration. It acts as a protective coating, sealing in a layer of moisture on your skin. The increased hydration can help your skin to glow up.

However, because of its thick consistency, slathering petroleum jelly is not recommended for oily skin or those that are prone to acne problems.

What is skin shaving?

Skin shaving or Kao sori is a Tik Tok trend that has been derived from a popular skincare regimen in Japan. Here, women use tiny straight razors to shave the peach fuzz off their faces, revealing a clear complexion underneath it.

Shaving the fuzzy layer of soft, thin hair on your face can also allow the skincare products to penetrate deeply. Shaving off tiny hairs from faces, also called dermaplaning, has become quite a rage on social media.

What do dermatologists think of skin shaving?

Typically, dermatologists use a surgical scalpel to shave off the tiny facial hairs and exfoliate dead cells from the faces. Still, you can do this at home by following the skin shaving trends from Tik Tok.

You can shave your face at home using a single-blade razor to get closer to the skin for better exfoliation results. You need to be very careful so as not to cut yourself.

Dermaplaning or skin shaving has always been done in the dermatologist's office. It is a great way to remove peach buzz from your face, giving you that healthy glow. It can boost collagen formation, prevent acne, and smooths your makeup, giving you that flawless look.

However, women with skin problems, like eczema or psoriasis, should skip the process as skin shaving can flare up those symptoms.

What is Gua Sha?

Gua Sha is a tool-assisted massage technique that has been derived from traditional Chinese medicine. In gua sha, a practitioner uses a smooth-edged tool to gently scrape areas of your skin that has inflammation to improve circulation and heal them.

The term 'gua sha' means 'scraping, pushing, or rubbing' and is used by acupuncturists as a massaging technique to heal inflammation and improve the circulatory system of their patients.

What do dermatologists think of gua sha?

Dermatologists agree that gua sha can effectively promote lymphatic drainage and stimulate circulation in the affected area. Gua Sha uses feather-like long and short strokes to stimulate circulation with impressive results like :

Decreasing inflammation
Diminishing dark circles
Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
Boosting collagen production
Brightening complexion
Releasing tightness

To get the same results at home, you need to get a good quality gua sha tool and start practicing the strokes. Firstly, you need to apply some oil or serum to your face. Then, gently massage your neck and upwards using the tool to work towards your hairline, focusing on your jawline and cheek.

You should not use gua sha if you are experiencing rash, sunburn, or issues surrounding blood coagulation.

Takeaway

You can take advantage of the skincare trends on Tik Tok to have excellent quality skin. Only make sure the dermatologists approve the skincare techniques as safe before trying them at home.