Have you ever felt overwhelmed or confused by the endless skincare advice, especially in today’s social media-driven world?
Well, you're not alone. I'm Jessica Falcone, licensed esthetician and owner of Jessica Elizabeth Skincare. As a mom of two teens, I’ve seen my fair share of viral skincare “hacks” and trends, and while some are harmless, others can cause more harm than good.
One important thing to remember is that skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works wonders for one person’s skin might lead to irritation, damage, or breakouts for another. That’s why I’m here to guide you through some popular trends you should think twice about and share what you should be doing instead to keep your skin healthy, glowing, and safe.
1. Beef Tallow
You should avoid using beef tallow on your skin because it is highly comedogenic, meaning it clogs pores and worsens acne — especially for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Additionally, there are concerns about contamination due to the lack of regulation in its sourcing. Moreover, there’s little scientific evidence supporting the claims that beef tallow is beneficial for skin health. Instead, opt for hydrating serums that target the skin barrier, like Hydrinity Restorative Serum or our own JES Renew Mandelic Serum, which is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and brightens the skin. These options are safer, science-backed, and tailored to promote healthy skin without the risks.
2. At-Home Microneedling
Microneedling can improve skin texture, help with the appearance of enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce acne scars — but this is not a DIY procedure. At-home microneedling tools are not sterile and can introduce bacteria, leading to potential infections and skin damage.
At Jessica Elizabeth Skincare, we use a medical-grade device that is FDA-approved. Each treatment kit is 100% disposable to eliminate any risk of bacteria or cross-contamination, ensuring a safe and effective experience. Always trust trained professionals for procedures like this to avoid unnecessary risks.
3. DIY Sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the most important skincare products for protecting against harmful UV rays, which can cause skin cancer. Do not try making your own sunscreen. Commercial sunscreens undergo rigorous testing to ensure they provide the protection listed on their labels, something homemade versions cannot guarantee.
Our favorite products include:
This is a lightweight sunscreen that’s ideal for acne and rosacea-prone skin, with niacinamide (Vitamin B) to reduce blemishes and discoloration. Available in tinted or non-tinted versions.
This is an all-mineral lightweight sunscreen that hydrates, evens out skin tone, brightens, and protects.
Colorescience Face Shield Flex SPF 50:
This is an all-mineral lightweight sunscreen loaded with antioxidants that offers buildable tinted coverage with a matte finish while protecting the skin. It’s available in four different shades.
4. Skincare “Smoothies”
This trend, popular in 2024, involves mixing multiple skincare products with various active ingredients and applying the concoction to your face. While it may seem innovative, this practice is highly risky. Products that are not tested to work together can interfere with each other’s efficacy or worse, they can cause harmful reactions.
Instead, stick to multitasking products, which achieve multiple functions and are scientifically-formulated to contain all the active ingredients your skin needs. These are designed to work harmoniously and deliver the results you’re looking for without risking irritation or damage.
This is sponsored content by Jessica Elizabeth Skincare. JES is located at 264 1/2 West Jefferson Street, Syracuse, NY. Contact them on the web at www.jessicaelizabethskincare.com or 315.477.1537
All new clients of Jessica Elizabeth Skincare will receive $25 off when they mention 315MOM magazine.