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5 TikTok-Approved Skincare Rules You Need to Start Following

I don’t know about you guys, but since downloading TikTok, I have become obsessed with the skincare side of the video app. I’ve learned so much about different products, tips, and things to never put on my skin. 

My routine has changed for the better, so I wanted to share the top tricks with you, so that you can switch up your routine too!

Say no to makeup wipes

@benneiley

Why you should stop using makeup wipes…. and use an oil cleanser instead! ##skincare ##makeup ##fyp ##foryou

♬ original sound – benneiley

If you haven’t heard it already, makeup wipes are a thing of the past. Not only are they terrible for the environment, but they can wreak havoc on your skin. Makeup wipes push around your makeup, and can cause issues like early aging and inflammation from the aggressive act of scrubbing at your face. Yes, it should sound scary.

But don’t worry, there are way better options. Instead of makeup wipes, try switching to a micellar water or cleansing balm. Micellar water pulls dirt off the skin, while balms and oils work to melt away any grime from the day. Some great options are the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water ($9), the Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm ($10), and the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil ($28).

Stop stripping your skin

@skincarebyhyram

The BEST Drugstore Cleansers ? LINK IN BIO ? ##skincarebyhyram ##skincare

♬ Skin Care Tutorial 2020 – tobi lou

Another thing we are definitely leaving in the past is face scrubs or harsh cleansers. Harsh cleansers can completely strip your skin of its natural oils and cause breakouts and dehydration. And don’t even get me started on face scrubs —  the little beads in scrubs are actually micro-plastics which are harmful to our oceans and can cause small tears in your skin if you scrub too harshly.

Instead of harsh cleansers, try a cleanser from CeraVe (all under $15), La Roche Posay (all under $20), or Kiehl’s all of which have great ingredients that won’t dry you out. If you still want to exfoliate, ditch the face scrub and try a chemical exfoliant like The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution ($9) or Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment ($6).

Related: The Best Lightweight Lipsticks, According to Someone Who’s Tried Them All

Incorporate good ingredients into your routine

@dr.zionko

You asked, I delivered. ##skincareroutine ##vitaminc ##skinceuticals ##koreanskincare ##everydayscience ##korean ##skincaretips ##glowingskin ##beautyhaul

♬ Like That X Sunday Best – rapidsongs

Now that we’ve ditched the bad stuff, it’s time to add some amazing ingredients into your routine. If you want to brighten and reverse any sun damage on your skin, try a vitamin C treatment. 

Some great options are the Inkey List Vitamin C Brightening Cream ($10) or L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Facial Treatment ($24). If you want to brighten your skin and prevent acne, you have to try out Niacinamide. Two good Niacinamide products are the Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner ($14) and Glossier Super Pure ($28). If you have acne you’re trying to get rid of, give salicylic acid or retinol a try. A good salicylic acid cleanser is the La Roche Posay Effaclar Cleanser ($15) and a good retinol treatment is the Differin Acne Treatment Gel ($14). 

Just remember to not try too many new products at once so you don’t overwhelm your skin!

Wear sunscreen every. single. day. 

@dr.zionko

excuse my nails ##koreanskincare ##SPF ##skincaremusthaves ##skintips ##antiaging ##palmbeach ##beautymusthaves ##amazonfinds ##style ##moreyouknow ##derm

♬ Watermelon Sugar – Harry Styles

If there’s one thing you take away from TikTok skincare, it’s this: you must wear sunscreen every single day. Sunscreen is the best way to prevent aging, and using it every day is basically like giving your skin a break to continue to heal as it does at night. I personally always put sunscreen on my face, neck, and hands every single day (yes, even in the winter or when I’m inside) and make sure to reapply every few hours.

Some fantastic sunscreens with little to no white cast are: Purito Comfy Water Sun Block ($16), Krave Beauty The Beet Shield ($20), or Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen ($22). If you do prefer a chemical sunscreen, make sure you use one with no oxybenzone and octinoxate, as they can be damaging to coral reefs.

Be kind to your skin!

@benneiley

in this house we respect people’s preferences and give supportive, friendly feedback ???? ##skincare ##fyp ##foryou

♬ Toxic – Britney Spears

Lastly, this is just a reminder to always be kind to your skin and yourself. Whatever you’re dealing with— acne, dark spots, dryness, oiliness— it will get better. The best advice I can give you is to stick to a very simple, gentle skincare routine and give it a few weeks. If your problems really won’t go away, seek out a dermatologist if you can.
Sarah is a former student-journalist with a love for all things beauty.