In the world of social media, skincare influencers are leading the charge with viral beauty hacks, claiming to unveil the ultimate secrets to glowing skin and luscious hair—all straight from your kitchen. From turmeric to garlic, honey to horsetail, DIY face masks and health tonics seem to be the cure-all for every beauty woe. But while these “miracle” ingredients often promise life-changing results, experts warn that blindly following these viral trends can be more harmful than helpful.
Take the case of okra water, touted by influencer Zafeera (@byzareefa) as a solution for bloating and digestive issues. Or the bizarre bird spit skincare trend, popularized by influencers like Wendy Cung Ly, claiming that bird’s nest extract can deliver glass-like skin. Then there’s Israa Abdullah, promoting horsetail-based products for hair growth despite studies showing limited evidence of its efficacy. These examples are only the beginning.
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The allure of DIY beauty is undeniable—affordable, natural, and easily accessible—but the truth is, what works for one person may not work for another, and some ingredients may cause irritation or long-term damage. Even more concerning, many of these influencers have affiliations with brands, raising questions about the motives behind these glowing testimonials.
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Experts, including Delhi-based dermatologist Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj, caution against the dangers of following trends without understanding the science behind them. With pollution, poor diet, and stress influencing our skin and hair more than ever, it’s crucial to approach skincare with the right knowledge and professional advice.
So, before you raid your kitchen for that latest trending ingredient, it might be a good idea to pause, do your research, and consult with experts. Because when it comes to skincare, the truth is in the science, not the latest viral video.
