7 Skin Care Trends Derms Say You Should Never Try

Social media has a way of delivering some seriously good beauty hacks—like shining light on this sunscreen dupe or teaching us about “wellness stacking.” Other times, though, a viral skincare trend takes off when it has no business doing so.

Skin care pros often shake their head in disbelief at these skippable skincare trends, with some going the extra mile by explaining just why it’s so bad for your dermis. We asked a handful of dermatologists to give us the real tea on some of the popular beauty trends that deserve to go right back where they came from.
1. Applying Beef Tallow on Your Face
While moisturizing is always a do, there’s a right way to go about it and beef tallow isn’t it. “Dermatologists overwhelmingly vote no, as it can clog pores, and the consistency and quality of how the fat is rendered can lead to infection, as well,” says Maya Thosani, MD, FAAD, a double board-certified dermatologist. She says there are many other moisturizing alternatives that work way better, won’t clog your pores, and have a much better smell and feel.

2. Taking a Shortcut With Hyaluron Pens
All dermatologists agree that hyaluron pens are a no-go. These over-the-counter gadgets promise needle-free plumping by blasting hyaluronic acid into your skin with high-pressure air. Sounds cool, but they’re super risky.

“Hyaluron pens are unregulated and can lead to uneven results, swelling, bruising, and even severe infections,” warns Kristina Collins, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist. “This method bypasses professional techniques that ensure proper placement and safety.” Skip the shortcuts and go to a pro for better, safer results.

3. Cleaning With Makeup Wipes
While makeup wipes are great in a pinch—or as a follow up/precursor to your regular washing routine—they’re not a replacement for a facial cleanser. “Frequent use can irritate the skin or disrupt its natural barrier due to harsh ingredients and friction,” explains Christine Han, MD, FRCPC, a Canadian and US board-certified dermatologist. Skip the intense scrubbing and wiping and reach for a gentle cleanser, instead.

4. Coating Lashes With Castor Oil
While this viral beauty trend isn’t a full red light, it does require some education and caution. “Castor oil is super hydrating and may be beneficial and small amounts to help improve the skin barrier, however, rubbing it on the eyes and eyelashes can cause issues if it gets into the eyes,” Dr. Thosani says. “Overusing castor oil can cause infection and styes to form.” Also, she notes that the castor oil itself does not cause hair to grow longer, but it can protect the hair shaft and strengthen for less breakage.

5. Scrubbing Off Micellar Water
Micellar water is easily one of the best beauty product inventions of our lifetime, and it’s worthy of every single shelf across the globe. Still, you want to make sure you’re using it the right way.

“Micellar water is generally designed to be left on the skin, but if you'd prefer to remove it, a gentle rinse with lukewarm water or following up with a mild cleanser can ensure there’s no leftover residue,” Dr. Han says. “This step can really benefit anyone with sensitive or oily skin so they maintain their skin’s health.” Whatever you do, don’t scrub it off with a dry cloth.

6. Antibacterial Cleanser
Antibacterial cleansers claim to nix germs for a squeaky clean complexion. The catch? You don’t actually want or need a squeaky clean face! These products, especially when overused, can strip your skin and disrupt your microbiome. Unless your doctor says otherwise, a gentle cleanser is usually all you need, so save the antibacterial power for your hands.

7. Using Canola Oil on Your Skin
There’s an entire buffet of sophisticated, beautiful, skin-friendly oils you can apply to your skin. Canola oil is not one of them. “While it is inexpensive and often marketed as natural, it can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts, especially in acne-prone or oily skin types,” Dr. Collins says. “Additionally, it lacks the scientifically backed benefits of skincare-specific oils, such as jojoba or squalane.”