Viral Trends And How to Make Them Work For Your Skin- Not Against it

If there’s two things we can guarantee, it’s taxes, and a new TikTok trend that’ll save your skin.

It’s hard to keep up- and your skin needs time to adjust and consistency to see results.

Let’s call out some popular examples on our feeds recently and how we’re navigating them.

Some (like skin cycling) can be genuinely helpful for structuring your routine- others, like cloud skin or face icing- might be more about aesthetics than long-term benefits.

Slugging

@aamnaadel How to slug like a derm 🧴 🤍 #dermatologist #dermatologydoctor #skincareroutine #skintok #skincare #skincaretips #learnontiktok #slugging #sluggingmethod #foryou #fyp #fypシ ♬ the one that got away - ✨

What is it: Slugging involves applying a thick layer of an occlusive (usually a petroleum-based product like Vaseline) as the last step in your skincare routine to lock in moisture and repair the skin barrier overnight.

When it’s good: This trend can be tweaked to suit your skin type and skin needs pretty easily, especially for those with dry or damaged skin barriers.

Potential issues: It has caused congestion in many when they tried the one-size-fits-all approach (a thick layer of Vaseline) without adjusting for their skin type.

Skin Flooding

@dermguru Skib flooding may be your new BFF #skinFlooding #GlazedDonut #SkinFloodingRoutine #Dermguru #HyaluronicAcid #ThermalSpringWater #HydratedSkin ♬ original sound - Dermguru

What is it: Skin flooding involves layering multiple lightweight hydrating products, like essences and serums, to deeply saturate and plump the skin with moisture.

When it’s good: It’s pretty harmless for most, especially if you have dry or dehydrated skin.

Potential issues: Sometimes, someone might be better off using one serum or toner that has a bit more body and hydration, rather than lots of thin layers (which can feel sticky or heavy for some).

Skin Cycling

@raziamoe Replying to @Charlotte in summary this is nothing new and I don’t like blanket/ one size fits all statements in skincare. HOWEVER I do see how this could be helpful for someone struggling to fit actives into their skincare safely. #skincare #aussieskincare #skincareroutine #skincycling #skincaretips ♬ original sound - Razia Moe

What is it: Skin cycling is a method that involves rotating different active ingredients (like retinol, exfoliants, and soothing products) on specific nights of the week to balance results and minimise irritation.

When it’s good: This can be genuinely helpful for structuring your routine and avoiding overdoing actives.

Potential issues: Some people might end up using too many actives or not tailor the cycle to their skin’s actual needs, leading to dryness or irritation.

Face Icing or Face Dunking

@skincaredavey You think Bella Hadid is making a BIG MISTAKE? And what causes these icing face results? Also known as face dunking, it can enhance circulation and bring more oxygen and nutrients to the skin, giving it a temporary healthy glow. It can also make the skin tighter and can reduce the look of pores. But if you have sensitive skin, be careful. #icefacial #bellahadid #skincareroutine #beautytok #kbeauty #faceicing ♬ original sound - Davey Rooney

What is it: Face icing encourages people to rub ice or chilled tools directly on the skin to reduce puffiness, soothe inflammation, and tighten pores.

More recently, people are dunking their faces in ice water too, thanks to a mega viral video.

When it’s good: It can give a temporary depuffing and feels refreshing- great for a quick pick-me-up.

Potential issues: The instant results aren’t long lasting, and extreme cold on the face can actually worsen the appearance of blood vessels over time.

Glass Skin

@sophie.richardd My morning skincare routine for poreless glass skin✨ #skincare #skincareroutine #skincaretips #morningskincareroutine @dermalogica @Tower 28 Beauty @Dr. Spiller Australia ♬ original sound - David D

What is it: Glass skin is all about aiming for an ultra-smooth, clear, and intensely dewy complexion that looks almost reflective, like glass- often easier to get on camera thanks to lights and glowy skincare products.

When it’s good: It’s a gorgeous and fun way to do your skincare, especially if you love a luminous finish.

Potential issues: The introduction of heavy oils or too many layers has made some skin types clogged up or congested.

Moisture Sandwiches (or Sandwiching)

@dermguru How to do a retinol sandwich.. and why. In the setting of classical music. #dermguru #retinolsandwich #retinolsandwichmethod #retinoidsandwich #retinoluglies #retinoidtips ♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono - moshimo sound design

What is it: Moisture sandwiches (or the sandwiching method) involve applying layers of hydrating products in a specific order to trap and maximise moisture in the skin- or sometimes to help buffer more active ingredients like retinol. 

When it’s good: It’s a great way to slowly introduce actives, or maximise hydration for dry skin.

Potential issues: It has the potential to dilute actives when your skin is actually ready for full-strength, and sometimes just makes routines unnecessarily complicated.

Scalp Double Cleansing

@dr.zionko Double cleanse your scalp with #briogeo new Dandruff Relief Shampoo @sephora #dandruff #flakyscalp #shampoohacks #partner ♬ original sound - DR. ZION

What is it: Washing your hair twice with shampoo before conditioning- or sometimes using a stronger exfoliant before shampooing.

When it’s good: This method has worked wonders for people with scalp build up, helping remove excess oil, product, and flakes for a cleaner feel.

Potential issues: It has often caused more dandruff and irritation in people who didn’t have excess build up to wash away, stripping the scalp and making it more sensitive.

Final Thoughts

If a trend genuinely helps your skin and brings structure to your routine, keep it up!

If it’s fun and not hurting your skin, enjoy it.

But if it’s causing congestion, sensitivity, or making you feel less confident, it’s time to reassess.

Put your skin’s health first, and empower yourself with knowledge to learn how your skin works, and what works for it.

WRS Team x