Dr. Gurveen Waraich gives an absolute ZERO to this one popular hack and reveals which other trends are a total waste of time.
Social media today is flooded with skincare trends that promise to transform your complexion overnight. From chilling ice baths for your face to thickly layering petroleum jelly before bed, beauty influencers and enthusiasts are constantly experimenting with techniques they claim are “miracle hacks.” But how many of these trends are actually beneficial, and how many are simply fleeting social media fads?
To separate genuine benefit from hype, dermatologist Dr. (Major) Gurveen Waraich, MBBS, MD, recently took to Instagram to provide her expert ratings on some of the most viral skincare and haircare trends. Her honest assessment helps consumers navigate the confusing landscape of online beauty, revealing which hacks genuinely support your skin and which ones might do more harm than good.
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1. Ice Water Face Dipping
A favorite among celebrities like Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon, ice water face dipping involves immersing your face in a bowl of icy water to reduce morning puffiness and refresh tired skin. Dr. Waraich gave this trend a modest 5 out of 10. She explained that while the practice can temporarily reduce puffiness, redness, and make pores appear smaller, it offers no lasting benefits for skin health. It serves as a quick, constricting fix for tired mornings or post-late-night swelling, but it cannot improve your skin’s long-term structure or health. She issued a crucial caution for those with sensitive skin or rosacea, noting that extreme cold can trigger irritation or even cause fragile capillaries near the skin’s surface to rupture.
Verdict: Offers short-term freshness, but no lasting results.
2. Slugging
Slugging is a Korean skincare trend that involves sealing your skin with a thin layer of petrolatum (like Vaseline) as the final step of your nighttime routine. Dr. Waraich rated it 7 out of 10, calling it a game-changer for dry, dehydrated, or irritated skin. The technique is highly effective because it creates an occlusive barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss, effectively locking in moisture, repairing a damaged skin barrier, and soothing irritation. However, the dermatologist stressed that slugging can be highly problematic for oily or acne-prone skin, as its occlusive nature may trap sebum and dead skin cells, leading to clogged pores and a worsening of breakouts. The key, she said, is strict skin-type awareness—what works wonders for barrier repair in one person might spell disaster for another.
Verdict: Excellent for dry or damaged skin; avoid if oily or acne-prone.
3. Rosemary Oil for Hair
Rosemary oil has been trending as a natural solution for hair growth, with many claiming it boosts scalp health and strengthens strands. Dr. Waraich, however, remained cautious, rating it only 4 out of 10. She acknowledged that while there’s generally no harm in using it as part of a scalp massage routine, there is currently limited robust scientific evidence to definitively prove it stimulates hair growth as effectively as prescription treatments. She emphasized that any observed results depend heavily on the quantity, quality, and consistency of use. In summary, rosemary oil might add a pleasant scent and some relaxation to your routine, but it shouldn’t be mistaken for a guaranteed hair growth cure.
Verdict: Safe to use but not a miracle worker.
4. Skin Cycling
Out of all the viral trends, Dr. Waraich was most impressed by skin cycling, giving it a perfect 10 out of 10. This technique involves strategically alternating active skincare ingredients—typically using retinoids one night and a chemical exfoliant (AHAs or BHAs) the next, followed by recovery nights. She explained that skin cycling is brilliant because it helps enhance ingredient results while critically maintaining a strong and healthy skin barrier. It directly prevents common mistakes like over-exfoliation, chronic irritation, and dryness, making it perhaps the most dermatologist-approved method to achieve glowing, balanced, and sustainable skin health.
Verdict: Smart, effective, and science-backed—a must-try trend.
5. Face Taping
Face taping, which involves sticking flexible adhesive strips on wrinkle-prone areas like the forehead and around the mouth, got the lowest possible rating—0 out of 10. Despite being marketed as a “natural facelift” or wrinkle preventive, Dr. Waraich called it entirely ineffective and potentially harmful. The tapes can tug at the delicate skin, causing irritation, contact dermatitis, breakouts, and even long-term loss of elasticity. She stressed that no tape can successfully stop the natural, subconscious facial movements that cause dynamic wrinkles, and that investing in daily sunscreen and high-quality retinoids remains the superior, scientifically-proven anti-aging approach.
Verdict: Useless and risky—best avoided completely.
6. Rice Water for Skin
The use of rice water in skincare has deep roots in traditional Korean and Japanese beauty rituals. Dr. Waraich gave it a 6 out of 10, noting that while there’s no solid scientific proof of its revolutionary effectiveness, it’s generally considered safe and soothing. Rice water may help calm inflammation and slightly improve skin texture due to its high starch content. However, it should never replace proven, targeted ingredients like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid for specific skin concerns.
Verdict: Gentle and calming, but results vary.
Final Takeaway
Dr. Gurveen Waraich’s comprehensive and honest ratings offer a valuable lesson: not all viral skincare hacks are worth your time or, more importantly, your skin barrier’s health. While skin cycling stands out as the definitive dermatologist-approved winner, trends like face taping fall completely flat with no real benefits. Her overarching message is clear: before rushing to try what’s trending online, always understand your specific skin type, prioritize evidence-based practices, and remember—skincare is not one-size-fits-all.
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