TikTok has become a hotspot for discovering quirky and sometimes unconventional beauty techniques. Recently, a new trend has taken the platform by storm – sunscreen contouring.
Yes, you read that right – sunscreen, the staple of skincare routines worldwide, is now being repurposed for contouring and highlighting – a trend that encourages sun damage.
Needless to say, there’s been some backlash.
What is sunscreen contouring?
Sunscreen contouring involves applying sunscreen to specific areas of the face strategically, avoiding the natural contours, like the hollows of the cheeks, so that when exposed to the sun, these contours become tanned due to a lack of sunscreen. Essentially, creating a semi-permanent contour.
The technique is hailed on TikTok as one that can eventually replace the contouring step in a makeup routine. There are, however, serious risks when it comes to omitting sunscreen.
Is it a safe idea?
TikTok, for many of us, is a go-to platform to find tips and tricks for just about anything. Some hacks are really useful, but not every popular trend is effective or better yet, safe!
As we know, SPF (Sun Protection Factor) shields the skin from UV radiation, preventing sunburn, premature ageing, and reducing the risk of skin cancer.
For this reason, experts are not too thrilled with the sunscreen contouring trend as it skips the key step of applying sunscreen to all parts of the skin exposed to the sun. When areas exposed to the sun are not protected, you are risking damage to your skin.
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Pexels / Elly Fairytale
Should you try it?
In short, experts would advise against this trend. As tempting as it may be to try this contouring hack, be cautious about where you’re getting your information from. It also never hurts to check with your dermatologist before you try anything new with your skin.
If the dangers of the sun aren’t enough to dissuade you from trying this trend, the likelihood of achieving a contoured effect and ‘snatched’ look is zero to none. You can’t control the way the sun hits your face. The technique may even result in patchy sun spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.
In the end, is the potential damage associated with this trend really worth it?
A contouring alternative to try
If sunscreen contouring is not something you’ll be trying anytime soon (good choice), there are other semi-permanent methods to create chiseled features, no sun-burn needed.
Your answer, is a bottle of self-tanner – another trend made popular by TikTok, so use your discretion. We see this one as a useful trend.
Just as you’d apply self tanner to your body, apply it to the contours of your face to create a controlled depth of the contour. Voila! Tanned contours without the trouble.
@shagzcantshred CONTROVERSIAL TAKE but it works- lmk if u want results? #sunscreencontour #selftancontour #sunscreen #tancontour ♬ xoxo gossip girl – <3
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Featured Image: Pexels
