People Are Using Tears To “Heal Acne” And Haemorrhoid Cream Under Their Eyes – But Do These Wild Skincare Hacks Actually Work?

"Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it," the saying usually goes. But in some cases, some things are better left on the internet – or perhaps nowhere at all. When it comes to any sort of hack, from skincare to health, social media advice should almost always be taken with a pinch of salt, erring on the side of caution.

People have been sharing some of their wildest skincare hacks online, and while some may have a small bit of science behind them, others are straight-up ineffective and, in some cases, bordering on dangerous.

Now, Chartered Chemist and founder of SOS Serum Skincare, Bruce Green, has weighed in on some of the internet’s most unconventional skincare claims, separating the surprisingly sensible from the truly unhinged.

1. "Gurl, idk I broke up with my ex and now my skin is cleared???"

"Life changes can absolutely affect the skin, particularly when they reduce chronic stress. Stress triggers the release of hormones such as cortisol, which can influence inflammation and oil production, potentially aggravating conditions including acne and eczema. 

"Better sleep, a change in routine, or simply feeling happier could all play a part. I wouldn’t prescribe a break-up as an acne treatment, but removing a major source of stress may genuinely help some people’s skin."

2. "Got rid of my back acne, because I intentionally sunburned it"

"This is extremely dangerous and should never be treated as an acne remedy. Sun exposure may temporarily dry the skin or make redness appear less noticeable beneath a tan, but a sunburn is evidence of UV damage. It causes inflammation, damages skin-cell DNA, and increases the risk of premature ageing, pigmentation, and skin cancer. Peeling away burnt skin does not remove the underlying cause of acne, and the resulting irritation may make inflammation and post-acne marks worse."

3. "I stopped washing my face in the morning and it actually worked"

"This isn’t necessarily as unhinged as it sounds. Some people, particularly those with dry, sensitive or compromised skin, may find that cleansing twice a day strips away too much of the skin’s natural oil and disrupts its protective barrier. 

"Rinsing with lukewarm water in the morning or skipping a morning cleanse may suit them better. However, people with oily skin, those who sweat overnight, or anyone using heavy overnight products may still benefit from a gentle morning cleanse. There is no universal rule, it depends on your skin and what you're applying to it."

4. "I use a thin line of deodorant on the hairline to prevent sweat from dripping down onto my face"

“I can see the logic, as antiperspirants work by temporarily reducing perspiration, but a standard underarm product has not necessarily been formulated or tested for use around the face. 

"Fragrance, alcohol, and antiperspirant ingredients could irritate the delicate skin along the hairline, while application too close to the eyes is particularly risky. A clean sweatband or simply blotting sweat with a clean towel would be a safer option."

5. "I wash my face with anti-dandruff shampoo"

"There is a grain of truth behind this one, but it isn’t an all-purpose acne hack. Some anti-dandruff shampoos contain antifungal ingredients that may help conditions linked to an overgrowth of yeast, including seborrheic dermatitis and certain cases of fungal folliculitis. 

"However, what looks like fungal acne may actually be conventional acne or another skin condition entirely. These shampoos are designed for the scalp and could dry or irritate facial skin, so I would recommend seeking advice from a pharmacist, GP, or dermatologist before experimenting."

6. "I use skin products made for babies"

"Baby skincare sounds like it should automatically be gentler, but ‘made for babies’ doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best choice for adult facial skin. Some products are rich and occlusive, which can be helpful for dry areas but may feel heavy or contribute to congestion in acne-prone skin. Others may contain fragrance. Choose products based on their ingredients, formulation, and suitability for your individual skin – not simply the age group pictured on the packaging."

7. "Haemorrhoid cream under the eyes reduces puffiness in seconds"

"Please keep haemorrhoid cream away from your eyes. Some formulations contain ingredients that temporarily constrict blood vessels, which may explain the short-lived tightening or de-puffing effect people report. However, these products are not formulated or safety-tested for the delicate eye area and may cause irritation, dryness or a reaction."

8. "I used ChatGPT to make a skincare routine and have never looked back"

"AI can be a useful starting point for understanding ingredients and simplifying an overly complicated routine. However, its recommendations are only as reliable as the information it has been given, and it cannot properly examine your skin or provide a confirmed diagnosis. 

"A dermatologist, however, can properly diagnose and recommend. Always sense-check advice, introduce one new product at a time and patch-test where appropriate. Persistent, painful, or worsening skin concerns should be taken to a qualified healthcare professional rather than a chatbot."

9. "It's going to sound crazy but I purposely make myself cry and rub my tears all over my acne"

"Tears are mostly water but also contain salt, oils, and proteins. Although they help protect and lubricate the eyes, there is no evidence that rubbing them onto acne will clear a breakout. Salt left on the skin may cause dryness or irritation, while repeatedly touching and rubbing spots can worsen inflammation and transfer bacteria or debris from your hands. Let the tears do their intended job, and use a properly formulated acne treatment on your skin."

10. "Manifesting – I whisper into my water before I drink it"

"There is no scientific evidence that whispering affirmations into water changes its chemistry or gives it skincare powers! However, practices that help someone feel calmer could indirectly support their skin by reducing stress and encouraging healthier routines. Drinking enough water is important for general health, but it will not single-handedly cure acne or replace topical skincare. By all means, speak kindly to your water if it makes you happy; just remember your cleanser and SPF as well."

Now we want to know: what’s the wildest skincare hack you’ve ever tried?

Additional thumbnail photo credits: Kaboom Pics/Anna Tarazevich (Pexels)

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