Welcome to the internet.  A vast space filled with knowledge on nearly every subject.  You have undoubtedly found some excellent skin care advice online.  

However, there is also no shortage of bad (and possibly dangerous) advice floating around the web.  

We have compiled the Top 5 Skincare Trends To Avoid.  Some of these are widely promoted as safe and effective, while others are lesser known. 

Let’s get started.  

Soap Bars:This is so common that it’s hardly just a “trend” but we thought it was worth mentioning.  Using soap bars in the shower is actually not good for your skin, they often cause excessive removal of natural oils and dry out your skin. This can even lead to rashes, especially in the colder months. Soap bars can be especially rough on your face. 

Not All Charcoal Face Masks Are Equal: Charcoal face masks seem to be everywhere, but we suggest checking the ingredients before you apply one to your face.

Charcoal itself isn't the problem but more so the glue used to apply the mask, as it can peel off normal skin cells and cause damage. Overuse of these masks can cause the skin to get very dry and irritated.  Read the label and go for the best quality mask you can find. 

Natural Oils Instead Of Moisturizer:  This is really common nowadays.  In some cases, it makes sense to use natural oils to help moisturize the skin.  However, using them every day can cause issues. Some, like coconut oil, are just too greasy and do not allow the skin to breathe.  This may lead to more breakouts on acne prone skin. Find a good moisturizer, and stick with that for regular use. 

Nut Based Exfoliating Scrubs: Sure, these seem like they’d be a great, all-natural alternative to harsh chemical exfoliants. But the truth is that the rough particles of the nuts (walnut shells, for instance) are actually doing more harm than good for your face. The jagged edges can leave small scratches along your skin, which in turn can cause irritation and breakouts. Stick with soft, circular exfoliating agents such as glycolic acid, sugar, or microfiber cloths.

Toothpaste For Spot Treatment: The rumor that toothpaste is a fast and effective remedy to shrink spots overnight is owed to the common drying ingredients such as baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and alcohol that can be found in many tubes. Whilst these ingredients may be your golden ticket to achieving pearly whites, these formulas are often too strong and can aggravate dry skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. Spot treatments containing benzyl peroxide or salicylic acid will offer better results, without damaging skin.  Our recommendation is theEstala Acne-Stop Cream which utilizes salicylic acid for fantastic results. 

At the end of the day, do what works for your skin.  Just beware that not all trends are workable, and some may cause more harm than good.