In the quest for beauty and youthfulness, many people (including myself) turn to various beauty treatments to enhance their appearance. While some treatments can provide positive results, it is important to be aware of potential risks associated with certain procedures. In this article, I will discuss the top five beauty treatments to avoid due to the potential risks they pose. I know some of these treatments are very popular, especially on social media. We have to remember though, that just because something is trending, it doesn't mean it's going to be good for you in the long term.
1. Under-Eye Tear Trough Fillers:
It's still popular and I'm still not sure why! The risks involved frighten the life out of me and so it's absolutely not something I would recommend. If you do decide to go down this route, you need to research the life out of it and it really has to be the last resort.
WHAT IS IT: Under-eye tear trough fillers have gained popularity in recent years as a solution to dark circles and hollows under the eyes. While these fillers can temporarily improve the appearance of the under-eye area, they carry certain risks that should be carefully considered. The area around the eyes is delicate, and incorrect injection technique or improper product placement can lead to complications such as swelling, bruising, lumps, and even damage to the eye itself.
Treating dark circles under the eyes can be so difficult and so I understand why people take risks such as fillers here. The quickest and safest way to hide dark circles has to be using a good under-eye concealer. I know it's only a temporary fix, but for me it's just not worth the risk.
2. Dermaplaning:
This treatment is absolutely everywhere at the moment. I've been ranting on about it for a long time too about the damage involved to the skin.
WHAT IS IT: Dermaplaning is a procedure that involves using a surgical scalpel to scrape off dead skin cells and fine facial hair. The treatment aims to exfoliate the skin and reveal a smoother complexion. While dermaplaning can provide temporary benefits, it also carries potential risks. The procedure can lead to skin irritation, redness, and sensitivity, particularly for those with sensitive or reactive skin. Moreover, improper technique or excessive scraping can cause cuts or nicks, which may lead to infections or scarring. I've seen so much damage that has been done by this and folliculitis unfortunately is a common one. The whole point of our jobs as facialists is to protect the skin's natural barrier which keeps the skin healthy.
Dermaplaning doesn't just remove fine hairs (which makes them grow back stubbly! Yes, it leaves the skin with a 'grainy' feel when it starts to grow back), it also removes the whole barrier of the skin! Why oh why would we EVER want to do that!?!?! So please, for the love of God, do not have this trending treatment done!
3. Medium-Depth/Strong Acid Peels:
Don't get me wrong, I love a good skin peel, but only the surface level ones. Medium depth peels have had quite the resurgence recently - probably because of the 'shock value' you can get on social media from the aftermath!
WHAT ARE THEY: Chemical peels, particularly medium-depth or strong acid peels, are treatments that involve applying a chemical solution to the skin to exfoliate and improve its appearance. While these peels can yield noticeable results, they can also cause significant damage to the skin's natural barrier. Strong acid peels penetrate deep into the skin, leading to intense peeling, redness, and prolonged downtime. Overuse or inappropriate application can result in scarring, hyperpigmentation, and increased sensitivity.
Don't forget, when we overstimulate the skin, it can be at risk of post inflammatory pigmentation. Having your skin literally peel off your face can cause huge risks for pigmentation, especially if you're not practising good sun protection methods!
4. Microdermabrasion:
I feel like this type of treatment really should have had it's day by now. The concept of sand-blasting the skin seems so old-fashioned and yet it is still done in many places. In fact, it's also become very popular using water instead of the crystals - so basically 'jet-washing' the face.
WHAT IS IT: Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure that uses a device to exfoliate the skin by spraying fine crystals and suctioning them away. While it can be effective in improving the texture and appearance of the skin, it is essential to consider the potential risks. Microdermabrasion can lead to skin irritation, redness, and sensitivity, particularly in individuals with sensitive or thin skin. Moreover, excessive or aggressive treatments can damage the skin's barrier, leading to dryness, inflammation, and even breakouts.
I think where we can, we should try and focus on putting ingredients back into the skin instead of constantly trying to strip them away. Over use of microdermabrasion can really thin the skin, to the point that it can just start breaking - before you argue this, I've seen it first hand unfortunately and it was not pleasant! Gentle peels can provide a similar result without being so damaging. The peels that I do in my clinic contain barrier repairing ingredients too so no need to worry about that either.
5. Strong Retinols:
Can retinols give a good result? Yes. Are there other ways to get this result without all the peeling, flaking and irritation? Also yes!
WHAT ARE THEY: Retinols are derivatives of vitamin A that are often used in skincare products to promote cell turnover, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. While retinols can provide significant benefits, it is crucial to exercise caution, especially when using strong concentrations. Strong retinols can cause skin irritation, redness, peeling, and dryness. Prolonged or excessive use without proper guidance can disrupt the skin's natural barrier and lead to increased sensitivity and vulnerability to environmental factors.
The only retinol type products that I recommend are from either Skinade in the form of Derma Defence or the SkinBetter Science AlphaRet range (contact me to purchase). SkinBetter has actually created a molecule that can give similar results to tretinoin but without all the retinoid reaction. Yes, you read that right! No peeling, flaking or redness.
As much as all these treatments can carry some skin benefits, in my humble opinion they negatives outway the positives sorry!
I hope you've found this post helpful!
Thank you so much for reading,
Emmaline x
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