Being an esthetician student puts you on the cutting edge of skin care. Local esthetician schools provide a wide range of classes for students. This is an exciting opportunity for anyone passionate about the field.
When we see something online, we are often very eager to try out the newest skin care trends themselves. In many cases, this is a good thing. The world of skincare is constantly evolving, and new ingredients can lead to great results when properly applied.
However, a good esthetician knows the difference between a game-changer and a gimmick. Just because something is trendy doesn’t mean it’s worth your time or money. In some cases, a skin care trend may even cause long-lasting damage. Here are a few skin care trends to avoid trying on yourself or anyone else.
Jade Rollers
Jade rollers have been a skin care tool since the Qing Dynasty in 17th century China. They supposedly decrease under-eye puffiness and improve circulation.
But any benefits jade rollers offer have nothing to do with the fact that they’re jade. Anything cool applied to the skin can calm swelling in the short term. This is why sore muscles are often treated with ice packs.
Jade doesn’t inherently improve circulation either. Using one has the same effect as a massage, which improves circulation without the need for a fancy gadget. Jade rollers aren’t harmful, but their only benefit is that they look pretty.
CBD Oil
CBD oil has been touted as a natural combatant against everything from depression and anxiety to cancer symptoms. While it may be an effective acne treatment, it’s too soon to be sure.
It doesn’t seem like CBD oil is dangerous. Still, the wisest thing to do with CBD oil is to avoid using it for skin care until research proves whether it’s beneficial or not.
Coffee Face Masks
There is evidence that drinking limited amounts of coffee may be good for your skin. The antioxidants in coffee, as well as its high Vitamin B content, may make your skin clearer and more youthful.
This doesn’t mean coffee is a skin care product. Homemade face masks made of coffee grounds are abrasive and can cause micro-tears that damage the skin. If you are suffering from acne or other irritations, the micro-tears that coffee causes could make your outbreak even worse. Drink your coffee, don’t put it on your face.
Sugar Scrubs
Since sugar crystals are small and sharp like coffee grounds, you can guess where this is going. Micro-tears caused by scrubbing sugar on your face can lead not just to redness, irritation and dryness, but even to long-lasting wounds.
Exfoliating once or twice a week is a key part of a healthy skin routine. Yet it’s important to be mindful that the skin on our faces is sensitive. Stick to specialized, tested products that have proven benefits. If you are opting for an exfoliant with a gritty texture, apply with a very light touch and look for a formula that uses gentle beads rather than an abrasive ingredient like grounded nuts or coffee grounds.
Witch Hazel Toners
Because everything old is new again, witch hazel toners are being celebrated as a treatment for acne. Witch hazel is known for drying out oily skin. However, witch hazel can easily over-dry or inflame skin that’s already irritated, making it a terrible thing to put on zits.
While witch hazel is a natural ingredient, most over-the-counter brands contain fragrances. These scents contain chemicals that could further irritate your skin. Before applying to your skin, schedule an appointment with your local esthetician who can determine the best product formulations that will improve your skin.
How to Find the Best Skin Care Routine for You
The basics of good skin care are well known. These include regular cleansing and exfoliation. Maintaining a healthy diet and minimizing sun exposure are equally important.
The more you understand the best skin care routine for your unique needs, the less likely you will be to fall prey to gimmicky trends.
If you want to learn more about great skin care, consider searching for an esthetician beauty school near you.