“Sunscreen Contouring”: The Latest TikTok Beauty Hack to Avoid at All Costs
“Sunscreen contouring” promises effortless contouring without makeup, but this social media trend puts your skin’s health at serious risk. The licensed medical skincare specialists at our Fort Worth medical spa see firsthand the aesthetic and medical effects of not protecting the skin against UV damage.
Here is why this trend is so concerning and safer alternatives for achieving that sculpted look you want.
What Is Sunscreen Contouring?
Sunscreen contouring followers apply SPF only to the high points of their faces: the bridge of the nose, center of the forehead, under-eye area, and chin. The hollows of the cheeks, temples, and jawline are left completely bare, in hopes they will tan darker to create natural-looking shadows and dimension. The concept sounds appealing in theory, but actually doing this puts your skin in real danger.
This hack attempts to mimic traditional contouring by applying sunscreen only to select areas of the face and leaving other zones unprotected to create tan lines.
Why This Trend Is So Risky
Uneven UV Protection Creates Cancer Risk
When you skip sunscreen on any part of your face, you expose that skin to harmful UV radiation. The areas left unprotected during sunscreen contouring (your cheeks, temples, and jawline) become more prone to skin cancer development.
Premature Aging in Targeted Zones
The skin you leave unprotected will age faster than the areas you shield, leaving deeper wrinkles, more pronounced sun spots, and loss of elasticity exactly where you were trying to create subtle shadows.
The areas targeted in sunscreen contouring, particularly the cheeks and temples, have thinner skin that is especially vulnerable to UV damage and tend to show signs of aging first. You end up with permanent damage that ages your face unevenly instead of youthful dimension.
Unpredictable and Patchy Results
Tanning rarely happens evenly, especially on delicate facial skin. You are more likely to end up with blotchy, irregular pigmentation than the smooth, gradient effect you see in filtered social media posts or with makeup. Once that uneven pigmentation sets in, it typically takes professional treatments to correct.
“My experience at Kalos was amazing! Carolyn walked me through a plan of treatment and I am so happy with my results! She is very thorough and made sure I was comfortable from start to finish. I’m excited to find a Med Spa that checks off all the boxes.”
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Better Ways to Achieve That Sculpted Look
Cosmetic Contouring Products
High-quality makeup contouring gives you complete control over your look without compromising your skin’s safety. You can adjust the intensity, blend seamlessly, and wash it off at the end of the day with the confidence of knowing your skin is not disproportionately damaged and aging fast.
Non-Invasive Facial Treatments
For clients who want more permanent facial definition, we offer several safe alternatives:
- Dermal fillers and collagen stimulators like Sculptra® add volume to cheeks and jawlines for natural-looking structure
- CoolSculpting treatments or surgical liposuction can reduce submental fat (“double chin”) for a more defined jawline
- Morpheus8 RF microneedling tightens skin and can help improve facial contours
The Right Sunscreen for Every Day
We recommend Colorescience® mineral-based sun block to our patients for reliable, easy-to-use coverage that works with your lifestyle. Their Sunforgettable® formulas provide broad-spectrum protection without the heavy, greasy feel that makes people want to skip protection.
The Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Brush-On Shield is particularly popular because you can reapply it over makeup throughout the day. Stop by our office or order Colorescience® products online and have them shipped directly to you.
Professional Guidance for Your Best Skin
We understand the appeal of any trick that promises easier beauty routines, but your skin’s health is never worth risking cancer, premature aging, and uneven pigmentation. If you are interested in exploring safe contouring options, our team at Kalos Medical Spa can help you achieve your goals without compromising your skin’s health.
We offer personalized consultations to discuss non-invasive treatments and the best sun protection strategies for your lifestyle. Call or text our Fort Worth office at 817-292-4200 to schedule your consultation today.
