INTRODUCTION

The pursuit of anti-aging techniques has interested many civilizations for a very long time. Today, scientists are relentlessly working on reversing the aging process. More recently, this topic has gained popularity on social media, particularly TikTok, making people more conscious of the methods available to remain younger and more attractive.

The anti-aging world encompasses all methods that people use to reverse facial aging. By experimenting with various techniques, individuals aim to conceal wrinkles, define their jawline, achieve glass skin, minimize pores, and treat perceived imperfections—each method targeting a specific aspect of the aging process. Many of these innovative methods have been heavily advertised on social media, influencing millions of users who incorporated them into their daily skincare routine. The most popular techniques trending on the TikTok platform include face taping, slugging, LED treatment, Gua Sha, microcurrent, Korean glass skin, collagen supplements, and Volufiline. In this study, we review these different popular anti-aging “claims” and assess both their effectiveness and safety as supported by the available scientific evidence.

Antiaging trends

1. Slugging

Slugging is defined as applying a thick layer of petroleum jelly or an occlusive gel such as Vaseline as the last step in the night skincare routine. This skincare technique has gained popularity due to its potential advantages in moisturizing and repairing the skin barrier [1]. This trend helps to lock in moisture and stop transepidermal water loss, which might be helpful for those with dry skin. On TikTok, slugging has become very common, where many content creators have shared instructional and personal experiences, demonstrating its ease of application, accessibility, and before-and-after transformations.

There are no studies that scientifically prove the effectiveness of slugging as part of routine skin care. However, Pagani et al. [2] conducted a study to analyze the top 50 TikTok videos about slugging. Only 8 videos were conducted by healthcare providers, fewer than half of the videos were educational, and only 20.4% mentioned the risks of slugging. Due to the occlusive nature of the products used, slugging has the potential to worsen acne, and it might not be appropriate for oily and acne-prone skin. It might also increase the potency of other topical medications unintentionally, leading to undesired side effects [2].

2. Face Taping

Face taping is a method of applying adhesive strips to the skin to minimize wrinkles, especially on the forehead and around the eyes. It has recently gained popularity on TikTok as a quick method to immobilize the muscles of the face in an attempt to decrease wrinkle formation. Some content creators market this technique as “natural Botox” or “a substitute for a face-lift”, and it appeals to many people as an easy and affordable “do-it-yourself” method.

Despite its widespread use, no scientific evidence is available to support its effectiveness. Dr. Martin Newman expressed that face taping is only a temporary measure, reducing wrinkles solely by creating an impression on the skin [3]. He also explained that face taping has its potential side effects, mostly limited to dermatitis and allergic reactions to the tape.

3. Home Devices

Home-based devices such as LED light masks, microcurrent tools, and Gua Sha have gained popularity in recent years. Through before-and-after videos, user experiences, and product reviews, influencers have contributed significantly to the popularization of these devices on social media platforms, especially TikTok. These devices are appealing substitutes for pricey spa treatments and dermatological procedures because of the presumed professional-level results at home.

Firstly, LED light masks are promoted on TikTok as creative remedies for a range of skin problems. Light has been proven to have a promising therapeutic potential in dermatology. Its effect on the skin can be partially explained by promoting the synthesis of collagen, the proliferation of fibroblasts, and the generation of extracellular matrix. [4]. It also increases the expression of antioxidant enzymes. In a clinical study in 2020, Guermonprez et al. showed reduced facial wrinkles and enhanced facial skin density and radiance in subjects treated with LED, a topical serum, and massage after 28 days [5]. Another eight-week trial used an LED device on the left side of the face of 24 subjects, and it showed significantly improved left-sided skin elasticity and moisture [6]. Regarding wrinkles and fine lines, two studies, conducted by Sadick et al. and Baez et al., reported clinical enhancement and increased smoothness in areas of wrinkles, as well as improved skin tone [7,8]. LED light has also been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of acne. A meta-analysis of 31 studies showed substantial efficacy of both blue and red LED lights in reducing acne lesions [9].

Regarding microcurrent, TikTok users widely utilize this technique to create toned and elevated facial characteristics. The application procedure is frequently seen in videos, as users move the devices over their foreheads, cheekbones, and jawlines. Microcurrent generates an electric field, stimulating all layers of the skin, even reaching the muscles, to achieve anti-aging effects [10]. Although the use of microcurrent is widespread, the clinical evidence behind it remains sparse. A randomized-controlled trial by Kavanagh et al. showed enhanced facial radiance, decreased wrinkles, and better tone in 56 participants treated with microcurrent five times a week for twelve weeks [10]. Another study, by Cho et al. in 2023, showed enhancement in elasticity and lifting of facial skin after 7 and 14 days of treatment [11].

Finally, Gua Sha has become popular again, with people demonstrating the age-old method of massaging the face with smooth-edged tools. Videos often show the instant advantages of improved face contours and decreased puffiness. However, the scientific evidence proving Gua Sha’s efficacy is lacking. A German pilot study by Nielsen et al. showed that Gua Sha resulted in a four-fold increase in the microcirculation 7.5 minutes post-treatment, with results lasting for up to 25 minutes, indicating that this technique may stimulate blood flow and consequently have a short, immediate therapeutic effect [12]. In general, Gua Sha is considered safe; however, an improper technique may lead to adverse events. A case report from Korea highlighted a cutaneous Mycobacterium massiliense infection in a previously healthy Korean woman following Gua Sha application [13].

4. Korean Glass Skin

“Korean glass skin” in the world of beauty refers to a highly smooth and luminous complexion. The Korean practice seen in most videos is as follows: double cleansing, then layering hydration, then applying gentle exfoliation, followed by applying skin protection. The appealing result seen with this technique is achieved due to several key ingredients in Korean skincare, including hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, and Centella Asiatica (Cica), [14] and Galactomyces ferment filtrate [15]. A study conducted by Miyamoto et al. in 2023 showed a significant improvement in facial wrinkles, skin roughness, hyperpigmented lesions, and a reduced transepidermal water loss after twelve months of treatment with daily application of Galactomyces ferment filtrate-containing products [15]. A study by Yan et al. showed that Galactomyces ferment filtrate plays a crucial role in boosting skin hydration as well as promoting skin barrier function by its antioxidant effects [16].

However, the glass skin routine has its disadvantages, being time-consuming and relatively expensive. In addition, excessive use of products, particularly exfoliants, might cause breakouts, irritation, or heightened sensitivity.

5. Collagen Supplements

Collagen supplements have been hugely advertised and increasingly used in recent years. Their usage arose from the observation that both natural and photo-aging decrease the amount of collagen in the body [17], and that collagen supplements contain amino acids essential for skin strength, structure, and overall health, mainly proline, hydroxyproline, and glycine. [18] Both oral and topical collagen supplements are currently available in the market, and numerous studies have been done to investigate the efficacy of each route, some of which are described below.

A. Oral Collagen

Oral collagen supplements have garnered considerable attention for their anti-aging benefit. A comprehensive meta-analysis of 26 randomized controlled trials, conducted by Pu et al., revealed enhanced skin elasticity and hydration upon using oral collagen supplements [19]. De Miranda et al. conducted another meta-analysis of 19 studies that showed that oral collagen, in addition to improving skin elasticity and hydration, reduces wrinkles with noticeable effects after 90 days of daily intake [20]. A study done in Japan showed significant enhancement in skin moisture in women who received 10 grams of oral collagen for 56 days in comparison to women who did not receive the supplement [21]. Genovese et al. conducted a randomized controlled trial, which showed that people who underwent cosmetic surgeries and previously received collagen-containing oral solutions had better skin elasticity when compared to their counterparts who did not receive oral collagen [22]. Improvement in skin elasticity occurred earlier (at 1-month follow-up) in women of older age, according to a randomized controlled study conducted by Proksch et al. [23]. Moreover, a Korean double-blinded study showed enhancement of all skin wrinkling parameters in 64 women above the age of 40 years who received daily 1000 grams of oral collagen for three months [24]. Lastly, a regional study involving twenty patients from the Middle East showed improved dermal density and skin roughness, and elasticity after daily intake of 5 grams of oral collagen for three months [25]. In most studies in the literature, the time taken from medication initiation to the manifestation of anti-aging signs is up to 90 days, and the results last for four weeks after the cessation of drug administration [20].

B. Topical Collagen

Fewer studies have been conducted on the anti-aging efficacy of topical collagen in comparison to oral collagen. A study conducted by Matthias et al. in South Africa and Germany showed 60–80% improvement in skin laxity, scarring, and wrinkles in 480 patients who received percutaneous collagen [26]. Further histologic examination on a subset of these patients showed a thicker stratum spinosum after a year of treatment [26]. In another study, Campos et al. observed an improvement in skin elasticity and hydration in women who received topical collagen, in comparison to reduced pore size and enhanced echogenicity in women who received oral collagen [27]. However, many physicians recommend the use of oral collagen because the available literature shows that topical collagen has a high molecular weight, making its skin penetration suboptimal, especially to the dermis, which is the most important layer of collagen synthesis [28].

To note, both routes were tolerated by participants, and no side effects were observed in either topical or oral collagen supplements in all studies done on human subjects so far.

To conclude, more studies with bigger sample sizes and more extensive follow-ups are needed to compare the efficacy of topical and oral collagen, especially since their usage has become widespread and widely advertised on all social media platforms, including TikTok, and many claimed dermatologic benefits (such as skin brightening) are still not heavily supported by the available evidence.

6. Volufiline

TikTok advertises Volufiline as a natural, topical filler, making it a highly viral product. Many content creators promote Volufiline as a fast solution to look “plumper” and reduce wrinkles. Other users claimed that it helps with fat loss around the eyes [29].

Volufiline is a plant extract that stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of adipocytes, increasing fat volume in a “filler-like” fashion, says Dr. Dendy Engelman [29]. It consists of root extracts from A. asphodeloides, which contain nyasol. The latter was found to have significant anti-inflammatory and anti-atopic effects, as well as an enhanced skin whitening effect, by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase and the synthesis of melanin [30]. These effects were achieved by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially MMP-1, which degrade the extracellular matrix, facilitating the appearance of wrinkles, according to a study done by Lee et al. in 2023 [31].

A study conducted by Boen et al. in 2018 showed that a Volufiline-containing formulation successfully increased lip fullness 15 minutes after application, with continued improvement in lip fullness for over one hour after application [32]. A study by Farris et al. in 2014 showed improvement in the appearance of glabellar lines, nasolabial folds, and crow’s feet over 16 weeks of applying a formulation containing Volufiline [33].

Although it might cause mild irritation or an allergic reaction when it is applied, Volufiline is considered safe so far [29]. However, many experts in the field believe that it is still too early to recommend this under-researched product to patients.

CONCLUSION

Unquestionably, the emergence of social media has influenced consumer behaviors and perceptions of beauty, contributing to the widespread adoption of novel anti-aging practices. While many of these methods attract significant attention and user engagement—often boosted by influencer marketing and brand endorsements—their scientific validity is frequently overlooked. Despite their popularity, several of these techniques still raise important questions about efficacy and safety.

This study highlighted the urgent need for better consumer education in an environment where misinformation spreads rapidly. Social media continues to shape beauty standards and drive trends often unsupported by clinical evidence. For dermatologists, it is crucial to recognize that many of these techniques remain under-researched, and more robust, long-term studies are necessary before we can endorse them confidently.

Furthermore, dermatologists must take a more active role on social media platforms to combat misinformation and promote evidence-based skincare. By bridging the gap between credible dermatologic science and viral beauty content, we can guide the public toward safer and more effective anti-aging practices rooted in research rather than hype.

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