Skincare trends worth trying—and when to skip them

Is zinc nappy cream good for your face overnight?

Sometimes, as a small-area barrier rescue—not a universal face mask. Zinc oxide is an established skin-protectant ingredient and nappy creams are designed to form a protective barrier. A thin layer may help shield a small patch of irritated, chafed skin.

Nappy creams can be very occlusive and may include fragrance, lanolin or other ingredients that do not suit every face. They do not treat the underlying cause of acne, rosacea, perioral dermatitis or infection. Patch test, use on a limited area and stop if congestion or irritation worsens.

Slugging with petrolatum

A very thin occlusive layer over moisturiser can reduce water loss in dry, non-inflamed skin. It is most useful on recovery nights or dry patches.

Skip heavy full-face slugging if it traps heat, feels uncomfortable, worsens acne, or is being layered over irritating retinoids/acids. Occlusion can intensify the experience of products underneath.

Skin cycling

Alternating treatment nights with recovery nights can reduce accidental overuse. The catchy four-night cycle is not a biological requirement; frequency should match the exact active and your tolerance.

Hydrocolloid pimple patches

They can absorb fluid from a superficial, open or picked spot and reduce touching. They cannot pull out a deep cyst, prevent every breakout or replace medical acne treatment.

Double cleansing

An oil or balm cleanse followed by a gentle water-based cleanser can help remove heavy make-up, water-resistant sunscreen and residue. It is optional when one gentle cleanse already removes the day comfortably.

Rice, centella, ferments and PDRN cosmetics

These ingredients can sit in hydrating, soothing or brightening formulas, but the finished formula and concentration matter. A topical cosmetic PDRN serum should not be presented as equivalent to an injectable product or a medical treatment.