The Most Talked-About Celeb Skincare Hacks
From Jennifer Aniston and Kate Moss’ icey facial baths to Scarlett Johansson’s apple cider vinegar facial, which hacks are actually worth your time?
Whether it’s a red-carpet-ready glow or a bizarre DIY treatment, A-listers have a never-ending supply of beauty hacks. From Bella Hadid’s viral lymphatic drainage massage to Madonna’s unexpected love for oxygen facials, the tips and routines just keep coming.
But with social media amplifying these trends at lightning speed, it begs the question: do these tricks actually work, or are they just another viral fad? Ryan Porter, a skincare expert at Fat Cow Skincare, a brand dedicated to creating natural, grass-fed, tallow-based skincare products, ranks and gives his opinion on some of the top celebrity skincare hacks below.
1. The Power Of Sleep And Hydration – Expert Approved
Former Glee star Lea Michele keeps it refreshingly simple: “Drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep.” And guess what? It actually works.
“Yes, we know this one is boring, and you’ve heard a hundred times before that sleep and water are the best ways to keep your body healthy,” says Ryan. “Hydration helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier, while sleep allows the body to repair and regenerate.” So, while it might sound like common sense, this is one tip that genuinely benefits your skin.
Ryan’s Verdict: Timeless and effective.
2. Ice Bath For Your Face – A Chillingly Good Idea
Jennifer Aniston and Kate Moss are both fans of dunking their faces in ice water to reduce puffiness. Moss even adds cucumber slices for extra effect.
“Cold therapy constricts blood vessels, reducing swelling and inflammation,” says Ryan. “This can help depuff the face and tighten the skin temporarily. However, don’t overdo it—excessive cold exposure can damage the skin barrier.”
Ryan’s Verdict: A great quick fix, but don’t rely on it for long-term anti-ageing benefits.
3. Dry Brushing For Circulation – Mostly Hype
Gwyneth Paltrow swears by dry brushing her body before applying skincare, claiming it boosts circulation and exfoliates dead skin. In this hack, you use a brush with dry, stiff bristles to massage and exfoliate the skin.
“While dry brushing can provide gentle exfoliation, its effectiveness in boosting circulation is overstated,” says Ryan. “Any increase in blood flow is temporary and doesn’t necessarily lead to long-term skin improvements. Plus, overdoing it can irritate sensitive skin.”
Ryan’s Verdict: Fine in moderation, but not a miracle cure.
4. Egg White Face Mask – A Risky DIY
Camila Cabello revealed that her mom taught her an old-school Cuban beauty trick: using egg whites as a face mask.
“Egg whites contain proteins that can temporarily tighten the skin, making it appear firmer,” says Ryan. “However, raw eggs can carry bacteria like salmonella, which poses a risk of infection, especially if you have any cuts or open pores.”
Ryan’s Verdict: Not worth the risk—stick to dermatologist-tested products instead.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar As Toner – Proceed With Caution
Scarlett Johansson has said she uses apple cider vinegar as a natural toner to keep breakouts at bay.
“Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties and can help balance the skin’s pH,” says Ryan. “However, it is highly acidic and can cause irritation, especially for sensitive skin. If used, it must be heavily diluted and applied sparingly.”
Ryan’s Verdict: Apple cider vinegar has some benefits but is too harsh for most skin types. Tread carefully!
Ryan Porter tells YCB:
“The best skincare routine is one that suits your unique skin type, not just what’s trending on social media. A good routine should focus on hydration, sun protection, and scientifically backed ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid. If you’re ever unsure about a trend, consult a dermatologist before trying it on your skin.
“Skincare is personal, and what works for a celebrity might not work for you! So, before you start slathering on egg whites or dunking your face in ice, remember: trends come and go, but good skincare habits last a lifetime.”