Social media is a hub for all things skincare and beauty, with users constantly sharing tips and tricks that promise high-end results with products you likely have at home or can find at drugstores or online for cheap. But do they really work? Here, Rancho Cucamonga cosmetic surgeon Dr. Jacob Haiavy weighs in on six viral beauty hacks to see if they truly live up to the hype—or if you’re better off sticking with proven professional treatments.
Green tea as a natural alternative to Ozempic
A new beauty and wellness hack making waves on social media claims that drinking green tea can mimic the effects of GLP-1 drugs, which are used for weight loss. GLP-1 medications mimic a hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar to help you lose weight.
Green tea, on the other hand, contains antioxidants like catechins and a small amount of caffeine, which can boost metabolism and promote fat oxidation. It may be a refreshing beverage that offers mild health benefits, but there is no scientific evidence to suggest that green tea works similarly to GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide. Prescription weight loss medications act on specific receptors in the brain to influence hunger and satiety, a function that green tea simply does not replicate and thus cannot achieve the significant weight reduction that is possible with weight loss injections.
Tying hair ties to your ears to de-puff your face
It sounds crazy, but it’s true: one TikTok trend that has gained significant attention involves looping hair ties around your ears as a way to “de-puff” your face through lymphatic drainage. The idea is that the gentle pressure from the hair ties stimulates lymph nodes and helps move fluid out of your face to reduce swelling.
While it’s true that lymphatic drainage can help reduce puffiness in the face, particularly around the eyes, tying hair ties to your ears lacks the research to prove it’s a safe and reliable method. In fact, if tied too tightly, this hack could cause discomfort or cut off circulation. A professional lymphatic massage or using tools like a jade roller or gua sha can provide better (and safer) results for facial de-puffing and has the added benefit of being a more comfortable experience.
“I am so excited for my results!…Paulina is also amazing and was a huge part of my new chapter in life. I highly recommend lymphatic massages they feel great and they really work and make a huge difference. Don’t forget the Great conversations 🙂 A huge shout out to all the staff members truly the best!”
Dimple markers for temporary dimples
Another viral beauty hack making the rounds is using “dimple markers” to create temporary dimples on your cheeks. These devices use rods with rounded ends to press deep into the skin to leave indentations that resemble dimples when you smile.
While this hack can create a temporary impression on some people, the results are typically inconsistent and short-lived, and sometimes have no dimple effect at all. What can happen, however, is potential nerve damage in worst-case scenarios. There are several procedures that can safely and beautifully enhance your cheeks, such as cheek filler, to consider instead.
Plumping lip gloss for fuller lips
Lip plumping glosses have been a beauty staple for a while, but they’ve regained popularity on social media, with a new generation of influencers touting them as a way to achieve fuller lips without injections. These glosses usually contain ingredients like menthol or capsicum (a compound found in chili peppers) that cause mild irritation to the lips, causing them to slightly swell and redden.
If you desire a minimal and temporary plumping effect and can tolerate the product’s ingredients without discomfort, a lip plumping gloss may be a good option for you. But for more dramatic, longer-lasting results, lip filler injections offer more predictable and personalized results that last for several months.
“Christy is an excellent choice to use if you want lip filler or laser treatment. She has performed both of these treatments on me several times. She will give you the look you want. I have received many compliments on the texture of my skin, and my husband loves the lips.”
Sleeping with Frownies, tape, or silicone patches to prevent wrinkles
The idea behind using tape or silicone patches overnight is that they can gently hold your facial muscles in place and prevent you from making wrinkle-causing expressions in your sleep.
There is some truth to this hack. Silicone patches, in particular, can help keep skin hydrated and reduce the appearance of fine lines while also limiting movement when wearing them. Using Frownies or tape to hold skin taut can prevent facial movements, which may temporarily reduce the deepening of wrinkles overnight. But once these products are removed, there’s nothing to prevent the muscle contractions that form and deepen dynamic wrinkles. Treatments like Botox, Dysport, and professional skin care regimens are more reliable and longer-lasting options to minimize and prevent expression-based lines.
Using face tape for an instant facelift
Face tape is another trending beauty hack that promises an instant facelift. Adhesive strips are placed behind your ears or along your hairline and then pulled to lift sagging skin and smooth wrinkles. The result is a tighter, more youthful appearance—at least for a few hours.
While face tape can create an instant lift for a special event or photoshoot, it’s a purely temporary solution.The tape needs to be hidden under hair or makeup and isn’t a practical long-term fix. It also takes a bit of practice to master applying it effectively. For a more lasting and natural-looking lift, procedures like a thread lift, a combination of neuromodulators and fillers (known as a “liquid facelift”), or non-surgical skin tightening treatments (like Ultherapy, Exilis, or RF microneedling) are better options for getting that coveted “snatched” look. And for people with significant sagging, jowling, skin and muscle laxity Dr. Haiavy offers his most natural looking deep plane face and neck lift. He often combines those with brow lift and eyelid surgery or fat transfer for complete facial rejuvenation.
Choose professional med spa treatments over viral at-home beauty hacks
Most of these beauty hacks are harmless and a few can be beneficial in some cases. But that doesn’t mean the next viral tip won’t be disappointing, or worse, cause unwanted side effects. At Ahava Medspa and Made You Look, we offer only the most advanced treatments and products that are backed by clinical research and can help achieve your health and beauty goals efficiently and without compromising your well-being. Our experienced team of aesthetic professionals specializes in personalized care and would be happy to help you select the right procedure to enhance your natural look.
Please call one of our Rancho Cucamonga medical spas to schedule your appointment today: Ahava Medspa (909-987-0899) or Made You Look (909-204-7374).
You must be logged in to post a comment.
