Medical Professionals Issue Cautions on Rising "Freeze" Brands, Claiming They Pose Dangers to Users
In the world of beauty, trends often emerge that promise a perfect complexion or a youthful glow. However, not all trends are created equal, and two recent trends – freeze branding and the "Morning Shed" – have raised serious concerns among medical professionals.
Freeze branding, a practice originally developed for livestock branding, is a trend that uses liquid nitrogen or other cryogenic substances to freeze human skin. This technique, while appealing for its unique aesthetic, poses significant dangers to humans due to their thinner and more delicate skin. Key risks include severe burns, infections, destruction of melanocytes (pigment-producing skin cells), and long healing times that may result in scarring.
Severe burns can occur even with short exposure to the freeze branding iron, causing third- or fourth-degree burns that severely damage skin layers and require intensive wound care. The skin damage caused by freezing also increases vulnerability to bacterial infections during the healing process. Moreover, the destruction of melanocytes can lead to permanent hair depigmentation and potentially increase the risk of dehydration and other complications.
The "Morning Shed" is another trend gaining popularity on social media platforms like TikTok. This extreme overnight beauty regime, which involves using sellotape and silicone face peels loaded with products, promises to snatch the jawline, plump the skin, and prevent signs of aging. However, experts have warned about the potential risks, including discomfort during sleep and the risk of suffocation.
The use of certain products in the "Morning Shed" routine also raises concerns. For instance, using hemorrhoid cream under the eyes can increase the risk of glaucoma due to the presence of phenylephrine and steroids, as warned by New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss.
It's worth noting that only diaper rash cream/butt paste like Triple Paste can be safely used all over the skin, including under the eye. Steroid creams, on the other hand, can worsen wrinkles and the redness around the eyes, giving a "shrivelly" appearance.
With the allure of social media and the desire to stand out, it's easy to see why these dangerous trends might appeal to some. But as medical professionals warn, these trends carry significant risks. We ask: What motivates people to try dangerous trends like the "Morning Shed"? Is it a desire to stand out or be unique, peer pressure and social media influence, or lack of awareness about risks?
[Poll: What motivates people to try dangerous trends like the "Morning Shed"?]
[Image 1: An example of the "Morning Shed" trend, credited to @boredpanda] [Image 2: Another example of the "Morning Shed" trend, credited to @boredpanda] [Image 3: A visual representation of the risks associated with the "Morning Shed" trend]
As these trends continue to gain traction, it's important to remember the potential risks and to prioritise skin health over aesthetics. Always consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new beauty regimen.
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- The world of beauty has seen the emergence of the 'Morning Shed' trend on social media, promising a perfect complexion and youthful glow, but concerns have been raised by medical professionals due to the potential risks.
- The "Morning Shed" regime involves using sellotape and silicone face peels, which can cause discomfort during sleep and even the risk of suffocation.
- The use of certain products in the "Morning Shed" routine, such as hemorrhoid cream under the eyes, can increase the risk of glaucoma due to the presence of phenylephrine and steroids.
- With trends like the 'Morning Shed' gaining popularity, it's crucial to prioritize skin health over aesthetics and to seek advice from healthcare professionals before trying any new beauty regimen.
