Online Skincare Challenges – What’s Safe, What’s Dangerous”

These days, skincare has become a trending topic not just in dermatology clinics… but on Instagram, YouTube, and Reels too.

Every week there’s a new skincare challenge:

• “7-day glass skin challenge”

• “Try rice water for glowing skin”

• “Use only ice for 5 days”

• “Peel-off mask every day for a week”

Sounds fun, right?

But here’s a reality check:

Not all viral skincare trends are skin-safe.

In fact, many are downright risky — especially when copied without understanding your skin type.

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⚠️ Common Online Skincare Challenges & Why They’re Risky

1. Using Toothpaste on Pimples

Many videos say – “Toothpaste dries out your pimples overnight!”

🛑 The truth:

Toothpaste has fluoride, menthol, and harsh ingredients that can burn or irritate the skin, especially sensitive areas like cheeks or chin.

Result?

Pimple may dry a bit — but you’re left with red, flaky, or even dark spots later.

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2. Applying Lemon or Baking Soda on Face

“Lemon = Vitamin C = glow” – that’s what the internet says.

Baking soda? Claimed to “remove blackheads.”

🛑 The truth:

Lemon is too acidic, and baking soda is too alkaline.

They disturb the natural pH of your skin and can cause:

• Redness

• Irritation

• Photosensitivity

• Pigmentation marks that take months to fade

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3. Ice Facial Challenge

“Rub ice on your face for 7 days” – this is popular in summer.

✅ Yes, it helps to reduce puffiness and oiliness

But ❗if overdone, or if ice is directly applied to dry or sensitive skin, it may cause:

• Cold burns

• Broken capillaries (red lines)

• Temporary numbness

Tip: Always wrap the ice in a clean cotton cloth before applying.

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4. Peel-Off Mask Every Day Challenge

The challenge says: “Use charcoal peel-off mask daily for 1 week for clear skin.”

🛑 The truth:

Peel-off masks strip off not just dirt, but also your skin’s natural oils and protective barrier.

Daily use = dryness, irritation, and micro-tears in the skin.

Especially harmful for acne-prone or sensitive skin.

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5. Mixing Serums “DIY Cocktail” Challenge

Many influencers mix vitamin C, niacinamide, glycolic acid, retinol, salicylic acid — all in one go.

🛑 Very risky.

These are active ingredients that work best when used properly — and sometimes should not be used together at all.

Mixing = chance of:

• Burning

• Redness

• Acne flare-up

• Long-term sensitivity

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✔️ Some Online Challenges That Can Be Helpful (When Done Right)

Not all online skincare is harmful. Some ideas are good – if done with care.

✅ “Drink More Water” Challenge

Boosts hydration, reduces dullness.

✅ “No Sugar for Skin” Challenge

Helps acne and inflammation.

✅ “Sunscreen Every Day” Challenge

Protects from UV and pigmentation.

✅ “Double Cleansing for a Week”

If you wear makeup or sunscreen, this helps remove buildup.

But only use mild cleansers.

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👨‍⚕️ What Dermatologists Want You to Know

We often meet patients at Dr. Rizwan’s Clinic who say things like:

“Maine YouTube par dekha tha…”

“Ek reel mein yeh DIY dekha tha…”

“Meri friend ne kiya, uske liye kaam kiya…”

But your skin is not their skin.

• You may have allergies they don’t.

• Your oil levels, moisture balance, skin thickness – all vary.

• What suits them may hurt you.

Skin is not a social media experiment.

Once damaged, it may take months or years to recover – especially if you’ve developed pigmentation, sensitivity, or acne flare-ups.

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📌 Final Tips Before Trying Any Skincare Challenge:

1. Patch Test First – Try it on a small area for 24 hours.

2. Know Your Skin Type – Dry, oily, combination, sensitive – everything reacts differently.

3. Avoid Harsh Ingredients – Lemon, baking soda, vinegar, raw turmeric, toothpaste.

4. Consult Before Mixing Actives – Don’t DIY strong serums without guidance.

5. When in Doubt, Ask a Dermatologist – One visit is safer than one regret.

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🧴 At Dr. Rizwan’s Clinic – We Say:

• Social media can inspire you to care for your skin.

• But always follow facts, not fads.

• Good skin takes patience, not pressure.

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📍Visit us at

Dr. Rizwan’s Skin, Cosmetic & Laser Clinic, Shahjahanpur

Get a personalised skincare plan — not a risky online guess.

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#OnlineSkincareRisks

#ViralSkincareTruth

#DrRizwanKnowsSkin

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🧴 Share this with someone who’s always trying a new skincare challenge – their skin will thank you later!