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A skincare specialist has issued a warning about the dangers of popular beauty treatments trending on social media, saying they are simply not worth it – for your skin or your wallet.
Antonia Macdonald, 32, from Edinburgh, is a qualified aesthetic doctor with almost a decade of experience.
In a video that has racked up more than 4.5 million views on her Instagram account, @antonialouiseskin, the expert warns against three hot trends.
Antonia maintains that these treatments are not only ineffective but potentially harmful, and claims that they have more to do with marketing than genuine skincare benefits.
She said: ‘If it seems too good to be true and costs more than your monthly mortgage, chances are it’s not worth it.
A skincare specialist has issued a warning about the dangers of popular beauty treatments trending on social media.
Antonia Macdonald, 32, from Edinburgh, is a qualified aesthetic doctor with almost a decade of experience.
He added: “Unfortunately, we live in a time where the aesthetics industry has become toxic. There are many medical spas looking to make a quick buck instead of caring for what patients really need.
‘Do I get hate from professionals in the field who sell these types of treatments? Yes, of course, but I sleep much better at night knowing that I don’t recommend anything unless you receive the treatment in person and perform it on a family member.’
Here, Antonia reveals the three skincare trends she advises against and why.
Hydrafacials
The first popular trend Macdonald criticizes is hydrafacials, which involve saturating the skin’s surface with antioxidants and peptides to maximize its glow.
But the treatment is described as “over-exfoliation” and “over-exfoliation” of the skin, according to the expert.
She said: “There’s a misconception that you need to do a ‘deep cleanse’ once a month, when this couldn’t be further from the truth. “Your skin actually plumps and exfoliates naturally.
He added: ‘With minimal and correct skin care at home, most patients can achieve healthy skin with ingredients that help target the pore-clearing process. It is another treatment that takes advantage of women’s insecurities.
The first popular trend Macdonald criticizes is Hydrafacials, which involve saturating the skin’s surface with antioxidants and peptides to maximize its glow.
microneedling
The second treatment Macdonald advises against is microneedling, which has taken social media by storm in recent years.
The procedure involves pricking the skin with small sterilized needles, and the resulting small wounds are said to stimulate the body to produce more collagen and elastin, which heals the skin and helps it look younger.
Although there is some scientific evidence to suggest that microneedling can increase collagen and help with acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, the skin care specialist remains skeptical.
Macdonald said: ‘Many patients are left disappointed and penniless.
“The trauma caused by microneedling can lead to broken capillaries, infectious dermatitis, and worsening of inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, and hyperpigmentation.”
The second treatment Macdonald advises against is microneedling, which has taken social media by storm in recent years.
facial yoga
Facial yoga, touted by some as a non-invasive way to achieve a face-lift, is the third beauty treatment on Macdonald’s no-no list.
She maintains that facial yoga exercises facial muscles when the goal should be to relax them to minimize wrinkles.
She explained: ‘Facial yoga has exploded in the aesthetics industry in recent years, again mainly due to ‘gurus’ on social media claiming to do a facelift with their hands and diminish wrinkles.
But scientifically it doesn’t make sense. That’s why we inject neuromodulators (like Botox) into the muscles,’ says the skin specialist, who as an alternative recommends simple facial massages at no additional cost.
Facial yoga, touted by some as a non-invasive way to achieve a face-lift, is the third beauty treatment on Macdonald’s no-no list.
Other treatments to avoid, according to Antonia
Other treatments that Macdonald advises against include PDO thread lifts, non-surgical rhinoplasty, and “fat freezing” with cold sculpting.
Social media users were stunned by Antonia’s advice, although some disagree.
One person wrote: ‘No, microneedling has literally eliminated the lines under my eyes!’ while another insisted: “I must disagree with microneedling.” It works wonders if you commit to it.’
A third said: “Face Yoga has absolutely helped me lift and tone my face.”
However, several people agreed with Macdonald’s advice, with one writing: ‘Amen! Hydrafacial is lazy skincare, also too expensive and not eco-friendly with plastic consumables.’
Another user wrote: ‘Yes, I had the same experience with the hydrafacial. My good skin got worse. I had red welts and irritation for days, and never again.
“I found the hydra-facial absolutely useless,” commented one disappointed user.