Hey skin-savvy friends,

TikTok is great for dance trends, recipes, and the occasional Amazon find—but your skincare routine? Not so much.

This week on Skin Deep MDs, we’re breaking down the wild, weird, and downright risky viral beauty hacks that are flooding your For You Page—and what you should be doing instead. From “caveman skincare” (aka: doing nothing) to SPF contouring (yes, people are purposely tanning their cheekbones), we’re giving you the derm-approved truth.

You’ll hear why some trends are all hype, others are straight-up harmful, and a few (hello, hydrocolloid patches) actually get our stamp of approval.

Whether you’ve been tempted to slug your face in Vaseline, mix tretinoin into your moisturizer, or—please no—draw on lip liner with a Sharpie, this episode will help you separate fact from feed-fueled fiction.

[00:00] – Why TikTok Isn’t Your Derm
Why quick, catchy skincare “hacks” often leave out the nuance — and how even good advice can get dangerously oversimplified.

[05:56] – Caveman Skincare: No Products, Big Problems
Going “full caveman” can mean dead skin buildup, oil flare-ups, acne, and worse. Minimalism is fine; neglect isn’t.

[09:40] – SPF Contouring = DNA Damage
Purposely tanning “contour zones” isn’t a hack — it’s sun damage, skin cancer risk, and premature aging in one bad idea.

[13:08] – Glass Skin: Progress, Not Perfection
Hydration + gentle exfoliation can give you a glow, but don’t compare yourself to filters or 19-year-old collagen.

[18:14] – Slugging: Old-School Derm Trick
Petroleum jelly occlusion locks in moisture — but skip it if you’re acne-prone or layering over harsh actives.

[23:13] – Sharpie Lip Liner: Please, No
Permanent marker chemicals + skin = just don’t. Your lips deserve better.

[26:04] – Tretinoin Mixing Mistakes
Don’t cocktail it with moisturizer — you’ll destabilize it and risk uneven application. Dot it on, then layer products.

[31:09] – Poop & Period Facials (Yes, Really)
Bacteria, unsanitary risk, zero benefit. This isn’t “poor man’s PRP” — it’s just gross.

[34:42] – Hydrocolloid Patches: A Win
Speed healing, prevent picking, protect skin. For acne, blisters, and small wounds — derm-approved.

[40:05] – DIY Skincare: Know the Risks
Some kitchen ingredients are harmless, others cause burns, stains, or worse. “If you can eat it” ≠ safe for skin.

[45:09] – The Only Skincare Basics You Need
Cleanse, moisturize, protect with SPF. Build from there based on your skin’s needs — not the algorithm.

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube. Real talk. Real science. Real skincare—no hype, just derm-approved facts (and a few jaw-dropping fails).

🎧 Listen Now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

📝 Love this episode? Forward it to your skincare-obsessed friend before they try SPF contouring.

Stay smart, stay glowing,
—The Skin Deep MDs 💖