Tourists are flocking to picturesque destinations like Bali, Iceland, and the Dead Sea, lured by viral social media trends promoting beachside sand and mud scrubs. These treatments, often showcased on platforms like TikTok, promise glowing skin through natural exfoliation using mineral-rich materials. However, dermatologists are sounding the alarm, warning that such aggressive DIY skincare can cause microscopic tears, irritation, and long-lasting hyperpigmentation, posing significant risks to skin health.
Popular destinations for natural skin treatments
- Dead Sea, Israel and Jordan. Renowned for mineral-rich salt and mud baths, attracting visitors seeking therapeutic skincare.
- Bali, Indonesia. Resorts offer beachside salt scrubs, heavily promoted on social media.
- Santorini, Greece. Sea salt treatments are a staple at luxury spa resorts.
- Morocco (Essaouira, Marrakech). Rhassoul clay and mud treatments are popular in traditional hammams.
- Iceland (Blue Lagoon, Mývatn Nature Baths). Geothermal mud and silica masks draw skincare enthusiasts.
- Hungary (Hévíz Lake). Thermal lake mud baths are marketed for their healing properties.
A recent TikTok video by creator @beccers_gordonn, which garnered 3.9 million views, sparked controversy. In the video, Rebecca shared her holiday skincare routine: “POV. You haven’t washed your face once this week and just have given yourself daily sea scrub facials. Not a pimple in sight.” Her method involves skipping cleanser and using sand for manual exfoliation. While her flawless skin may appear convincing on camera, experts warn that such practices can harm rather than help.
Dr Ellie Jolly, a skincare expert at The Ilkley Skin Clinic, outlined several reasons to avoid these viral treatments:
- Microscopic damage to skin. Scrubbing your skin with sand, salt or mud might feel like a free, natural exfoliation, but it’s not doing your skin any favours. These materials are incredibly rough and can create microscopic tears in the skin’s surface. These tiny abrasions might not be visible to the eye, but they leave your skin vulnerable to irritation, bacteria, and potential infections.
- Removal of SPF protection. If you’re wearing sunscreen (which you absolutely should be), rubbing these materials all over your skin will likely strip that protective layer right off. That means your freshly scrubbed, now more sensitive skin is directly exposed to UV rays, making it more prone to sunburn and long-term sun damage.
- Inflammation of acne-prone skin. If you struggle with cystic or chronic acne, exfoliation can be particularly harsh. Acne-prone skin is already inflamed, and abrasive scrubbing can cause even more trauma. Instead of helping, you’re likely to trigger flare-ups, spread bacteria, and make breakouts more painful and persistent.
- Harsh effects on sensitive skin. For sensitive skin types, or anyone managing conditions like eczema or rosacea, you should steer especially clear. This can aggravate these conditions, leading to redness, itching, and even broken skin. What might feel like a quick exfoliation can turn into days (or weeks) of discomfort.
- Risk of long-lasting dark marks. Manual exfoliation can leave behind dark marks called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. These marks are common in people with tan to deeper skin tones and can take a long time to fade, especially when exposed to the sun. In short, scrubbing with sand might cause damage that lasts far longer than your holiday.
For safer exfoliation, Dr Jolly recommends a gentle approach. “Stick to exfoliating once or twice a week, and listen to your skin. If it’s feeling tight, dry or irritated, scale back. For some, a mild chemical exfoliant like lactic acid or polyhydroxy acid (PHA) might be more suitable than a gritty scrub. Or if you do prefer a physical exfoliant, go for something designed for the face, definitely not sand. The goal is to support your skin, not strip it. Less is often more when it comes to exfoliation.”
The allure of natural skincare treatments is undeniable, but experts urge caution. Social media may amplify their appeal, but the risks of irritation, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation outweigh short-term glow. Always consult a dermatologist before adopting viral skincare trends to ensure your skin stays healthy.