I tried a ‘harmless’ TikTok beauty trend but it destroyed my face and left me in agony
A WOMAN claims she ruined her face trying a seemingly harmless TikTok beauty trend.
Regina Quaye was fed up with her “peach fuzz” baby hairs, and then took to social media for a supposed quick fix.
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After doing some research, she decided to try DIY “dermaplaning” — or dry shaving.
When used professionally, hair and the top layers of skin are removed with a peeling blade.
It’s designed to make you look more radiant and soft – however, it can have the opposite effect if not done properly.
While 24-year-old Regina was happy with her initial results, a nightmare struck three days later.
Her face was sore, swollen and bruised.
Regina, who has 37,000 followers on TikTok, said: “I had a breakout but I thought it was because of the new skincare products I was using at the time.”
“Three days after shaving, my skin started itching.
“I had a terrible breakout that was so big my face swelled up.”
She went to the hospital where she was prescribed hydrocortisone cream to soothe her skin.
Eventually, the problem returned to normal – although she still suffers from very oily, acne-prone skin that requires special products.
She now wants to warn others not to make the same mistake and blindly follow viral beauty hacks.
Regina from Ghana shared her experience online with dramatic before and after photos.
It prompted hundreds of other people to share similar horror stories.
One person said shaving her face “ruined” her skin, while another claimed she’s still suffering from it a year after trying the trend.
Experts say dermaplaning doesn’t cause acne by itself, but it can trigger flare-ups in people who are more prone to it.
There is also a risk of infection from using non-sterile razors, as well as increased sensitivity to the sun and physical injury from the blade.
And it can mean your hair will feel thicker and coarser as it regrows. Therefore, you should think carefully before attempting it.
dr Mary Sommerlad, consultant dermatologist and spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation, said MailOnline: “Dermaplaning at home has become increasingly popular in recent years.
“Although social media often shows positive results, as a dermatologist I would be very cautious about such at-home procedures.”
“Dermaplaning is also not suitable for people with inflammatory skin diseases such as acne or eczema.”
“Also remember that many of the perceived benefits of dermaplaning can be achieved in less risky ways, such as following a consistent skincare routine that’s tailored to your skin’s needs.”
dr Osman Bashir Tahir, a plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon at Halcyon Aesthetics added, “Because dermaplaning dulls the edge of the hair, it can feel like the hair is ‘thicker’ than it was before.”
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