Medically reviewed by Dr. Mary Alice Mina, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon | Last updated: August 10, 2026
Your feed is full of skincare hacks, and it is hard to know which ones are worth your time. On this episode of The Skin Real, Dr. Mina sits down with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dustin Portela, host of the Skinfluence Podcast, to sort real dermatology from viral noise. Here is what holds up and what to leave alone.
The Bottom Line
Most viral skincare trends promise more than they deliver, and a few can actually harm your skin. DIY sunscreen, high-strength at-home peels, and any form of tanning carry real risk. Sunscreen is safe and worth using every day. Skin cycling can help when it is done gently. When advice comes with a miracle claim or a product to buy, slow down and check the source.
How to spot bad skincare advice online
Before you try any trend, look at who is giving the advice and what they are selling. The episode opens with how to spot fake skincare advice, and a few red flags make it easier to catch, and these include miracle promises, fear tactics, and creators who happen to profit from the exact product they are pushing. Board certification, a willingness to sit with nuance, and advice that does not try to scare you are better signs of someone worth trusting.
DIY sunscreen: skip it
Homemade sunscreen is one trend both dermatologists warn against. You cannot measure SPF or broad-spectrum coverage in your kitchen, and blending oils or zinc powder at home does not give you reliable protection. The American Academy of Dermatology advises against DIY sunscreen for this reason. A tested, regulated product is the safer choice.
Beef tallow moisturizer: mostly hype
Beef tallow has taken off as a natural moisturizer. It is rich in fatty acids and can feel emollient on the skin, and there is little published research showing it does more than a standard moisturizer. For acne-prone skin it may clog pores. If your current moisturizer is working, tallow is not an upgrade worth chasing.
At-home peels and tan maxxing: where trends turn risky
At-home chemical peels, especially strong acids like TCA, can burn the skin and leave scars or dark spots when used without training, and these treatments belong in a professional setting. Tanning is the bigger worry. Whether it comes from the sun, a bed, or injectable products like Melanotan, a tan is UV damage, and Melanotan is not FDA approved and carries real safety concerns. There is no safe way to tan.
Sunscreen myths and the seatbelt analogy
The anti-sunscreen movement online questions whether sunscreen is safe to use, and the evidence does not support the fear. UV radiation is a known cause of skin cancer and premature aging, and sunscreen is one of the simplest ways to protect your skin. In the episode, daily sunscreen gets compared to wearing a seatbelt, a small and routine habit that lowers your risk without much effort.
Skin cycling and kids routines: the trends that make sense
Not every trend is a problem. Skin cycling, which rotates an exfoliant, a retinoid, and rest nights, can ease irritation and help your skin tolerate active ingredients when it is done gently. For kids and teens, both dermatologists favor simple routines built around a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, and sunscreen, and they caution against the strong anti-aging products now being marketed to tweens.
What medical grade skincare really means
Medical grade sounds official, and it is a marketing term rather than an FDA category. Some professional products do use higher concentrations of active ingredients, and the label alone does not guarantee results. Focus on ingredients and evidence, not the name on the box.
Common Myths
- MYTH: Homemade sunscreen is a cleaner, safer option. REALITY: DIY sunscreen cannot be tested for SPF or broad-spectrum coverage, which leaves your skin unprotected.
- MYTH: A base tan protects your skin. REALITY: Any tan is a sign of UV damage and raises your risk of skin cancer.
- MYTH: Medical grade always means better. REALITY: It is a marketing term, not a regulated standard, so ingredients matter more than the label.
The Takeaway
Good skin care is calmer than your feed makes it look. Protect your skin from UV, keep your routine simple, and stay cautious with any trend that involves DIY chemistry, tanning, or a product that promises the world. When you are not sure, ask a board-certified dermatologist.
Want the full conversation, including the take on real skin versus filtered skin and the top three tips for cutting through the noise? Watch the complete episode of The Skin Real with Dr. Dustin Portela on YouTube.