Credits: Social Media
‘Face-basting’ skincare trend sees creators smother their faces in diaper cream for smooth skin
A new skincare term called face basting is steadily taking over the internet and cementing itself above the previous golden child, face slugging.�
Skincare and beauty trends tend to wax and wane with each season, with new fads popping up that claim to be the holy grail for your skin issues. But some trends actually have science backing them, as is the case with TikToks latest beauty obsession.�
Face basting is not unlike the Thanksgiving turkey
The newest trend, face basting, is not unlike previous fads like baking your under-eye. But seriously, why are all beauty hacks references to food?
Dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss covered the viral trend in December when she posted a lengthy video detailing the process and the various health benefits people could reap.�
I do this at night when Im in a very dry climate or my skin is super dry and parched, and I do it after washing my face, she said at the time. I use a zinc-oxide-based cream you guessed it a diaper rash cream all over my face, and much to the dismay of my husband, because zinc oxide is gold, little nerds, it is gold, it will help prepare your face and heal your skin while locking in hydration.
Simply cover your entire face with the cream Mrs. Doubtfire style and then wake up the following morning with a face as soft as my babys butt.
The trend is seemingly backed by science as well, as a 2023 study described the benefits of diaper cream on acne scars. Thanks to zinc oxides anti-inflammatory properties, it worked especially well in healing scar tissue and promoting correct collagen growth.�
Speaking to Yahoo,�Dr. Elizabeth Houshmand further explained why face basting could be a worthy avenue to explore on your beauty journey. She did, however, warn against using it repetitively.�
“The trend of face basting using ultrathick barrier-protective ingredients is best for skin exposed to extreme cold outside and drying heat inside. … I don’t recommend it every night, only on an as-needed basis, she said.
Has Slugging been unseated as the ruler of TikTok skincare
Until the arrival of skin basting, another term had dominated the sector on social media apps like Instagram and TikTok. The term, grossly nicknamed slugging, entailed covering your face with petroleum jelly before going to sleep.�
Speaking to ELLE, Dr. Sheilagh Maguiness, MD, said: Slugging is a very safe way to help restore the skin barrier and prevent surface water loss. Slugging can also help your serum or moisturizer penetrate the skin more effectively.�
It is inexpensive and effective, helps restore moisture, and leaves your skin feeling soft, well hydrated, and smooth.
If youre worried about Vaseline clogging your pores, after all, it is very thick, then you need not worry. Doctor Maguiness said that such solutions are non-comedogenic , meaning they wont sink into your pores and create issues further down the line.
The trend is most used during the winter months when your skin might need an extra kick in terms of moisture. In contrast, skin basting seems to restore a dehydrated skin barrier, making it perfect for the warmer months to come.�
