{"id":3119,"date":"2025-08-29T06:00:09","date_gmt":"2025-08-29T06:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/?p=3119"},"modified":"2025-10-23T14:57:22","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T14:57:22","slug":"sorry-but-these-8-body-care-products-are-a-big-scam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/29\/sorry-but-these-8-body-care-products-are-a-big-scam\/","title":{"rendered":"Sorry, But These 8 Body Care Products Are A Big Scam"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you have a keen interest in skincare<\/a>, it makes sense that you might want to extend the same attention to the rest of your body<\/a>. After all, ingredients like glycolic acid<\/a> and retinol<\/a> are just as effective on ingrown hairs<\/a> and cracked feet<\/a> as they are on clogged pores<\/a> and hyperpigmentation<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Body care<\/a> certainly has its merits, but it\u2019s no secret that the industry often sells us countless products that we don\u2019t necessarily need. Further still, a handful of them tap into our insecurities and maintain unrealistic beauty standards<\/a>. Take cellulite lotions<\/a> and \u201ctightening\u201d body creams, for instance (but more on those later).\u00a0<\/p>\n

To weed out the wastes of time from the essentials, we asked a handful of experts for their thoughts on eight popular body care products and gadgets \u2014 and what they have to say might surprise you.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Cellulite Cream<\/h2>\n

You don\u2019t need us to tell you that \u201ccellulite\u201d<\/a> \u2014 a made up word commonly used to describe subcutaneous fat and fibrous tissue underneath the skin \u2014 is both entirely normal and very common, but in recent years an influx of \u201ccellulite smoothing\u201d serums, lotions and creams with ingredients like caffeine and collagen have flooded the skincare industry. As you might\u2019ve guessed, there is a lack of data<\/a> to show that they work. \u201cIn my experience there are no topical creams that have been proven to provide a significant benefit for cellulite,\u201d says Dr Ana Mansouri<\/a>, an expert in aesthetic medicine and cosmetic dermatology.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Aesthetician Alicia Lartey<\/a> believes that cellulite creams are problematic and misleading: \u201cI think the emphasis on this \u2018concern\u2019 is a reminder that, sometimes, the beauty industry can be quite ugly and prey on people\u2019s insecurities,\u201d says Lartey. In particular, cellulite creams containing topical collagen<\/a> \u2014 a protein that gives skin its strength and structure \u2014 simply hydrate and moisturise the surface of the skin, says Lartey. It\u2019s unlikely that a collagen cream will boost collagen levels<\/a> deep inside the skin to minimise the appearance of cellulite. If you want to maximise collagen specifically, products containing vitamin C<\/a> or retinoids (like retinol)<\/a> may stimulate collagen in the top layer of the skin.<\/p>\n

Sonic Body Cleansing Brushes<\/h2>\n

Sonic cleansing gadgets are nothing new and are often touted as effective tools to help remove makeup and sunscreen. When it comes to bodycare, Lartey says that sonic tools are one of the more expensive \u2014 and ridiculous \u2014 things she has seen. \u201cAll you need is an exfoliating wash cloth that you can put in the washing machine once a week and change often,\u201d says Lartey. Dr Mansouri agrees: \u201cCostly cleansing brushes are unnecessary. Your fingers and hands are perfect tools to gently and effectively cleanse your skin.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cTightening\u201d Body Serums<\/h2>\n

Body products that claim to \u201ctighten\u201d skin or \u201ctone\u201d legs and arms are not based on science, says Dr Mansouri. Lartey echoes this: \u201cYou can\u2019t really change muscle tone or skin elasticity with most topical products,\u201d she says. Both experts agree that retinoids \u2014 such as retinol<\/a> or the more potent retinal<\/em><\/a> \u2014 may make the surface of the skin appear smoother over time as they are known to stimulate collagen production in the top layers. R29 rates Naturium Retinol Body Lotion, \u00a327<\/a>, Paula\u2019s Choice Retinol Body Treatment, \u00a333<\/a>, and Versed Press Restart Retinol Body Lotion, \u00a316.50<\/a>, all of which moisturise deeply and kickstart skin cell turnover. In short, though, \u201ctightening\u201d products are most likely a fad.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Neck Cream<\/h2>\n

The trend for neck creams undoubtedly plays on our inherent fear of ageing skin<\/a>. While moisturising regularly is beneficial for boosting hydration and improving skin texture, investing in a dedicated neck cream isn\u2019t necessary. \u201cThe same skincare products that are applied to the face are also suitable for the neck area,\u201d says Dr Mansouri. \u201cYour moisturiser is truly fine,\u201d adds Lartey. \u201cI always advise bringing your face care routine down to your chest; you do not need a separate neck product.\u201d There is one caveat, though: \u201cThe skin on the neck is known to be delicate, so I recommend avoiding [exfoliating] acids and using more gentle versions of retinoids for the neck in comparison to the face,\u201d says Dr Mansouri.<\/p>\n

Stretch Mark Lotion<\/h2>\n

Stretch marks<\/a> \u2014 faint or deep lines across the skin \u2014 are naturally occurring scars, often a result of quick growth. They are normal and common but no skincare can get rid of them entirely, explains Dr Mansouri. She says that plenty of lotions she has come across lack evidence behind them. \u201cAside from stretch marks being natural, you can\u2019t moisturise [them] away,\u201d adds Lartey. <\/p>\n

If they bother you personally, both experts say that there is some data to suggest that creams containing retinoids may help improve appearance of stretch marks over time.\u00a0A retinol body lotion such as skinSense Retinol Body Cream, \u00a326<\/a>, or Kopari Ultra Renewal Retinol Body Cream, \u00a337<\/a>, could also help fade hyperpigmentation and prevent ingrown hairs thanks to the ingredient\u2019s ability to speed up cell turnover. It\u2019s important to note that retinol makes skin sensitive to sunlight, so be sure to wear a high-factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen<\/a> if you\u2019re exposing your body to the sun.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Body Brushes<\/h2>\n

\u201cDry [body] brushing is thought to promote lymphatic drainage,\u201d says Dr Mansouri. This is essentially a massage technique that is believed to remove lymph \u2014 a fluid containing white blood cells, fats and proteins \u2014 from the body. The method is also said to relieve puffiness in limbs, while some believe it helps reduce the appearance of cellulite. There is no scientific evidence to suggest the latter is true. \u201cIn my experience, there are minimal significant benefits to [body brushing],\u201d says Dr Mansouri, who would suggest skipping it unless you find it enjoyable. Body brushing is certainly invigorating but the only proven advantage is exfoliation. That said, lotions containing exfoliating ingredients like glycolic acid<\/a> or lactic acid<\/a> are just as effective, and provide additional moisture and hydration.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Metal Foot Files<\/h2>\n

If your feet<\/a> have been tucked away inside chunky winter boots for the past six months, you might consider bringing out the heavyweights. During a professional pedicure, that\u2019ll often be an electronic foot file \u2014 a tool used to chip away at hard skin<\/a> \u2014 but metal foot files are a popular choice at home. London-based podiatrist Dina Gohil<\/a> would advise against the latter thanks to the potential risks a harsh tool like this poses to the skin and overall foot health.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cMetal foot files, especially those with coarse surfaces, can be overly abrasive and harsh on the skin, leading to irritation, cuts or abrasions, particularly on sensitive areas of the feet,\u201d says Gohil. She adds that they are particularly difficult to sanitise thoroughly, increasing the risk of bacterial or fungal infections. Instead of a metal foot file, Gohil recommends opting for gentler alternatives such as pumice stones<\/a> or ceramic foot files<\/a>, which are designed to exfoliate the skin effectively without causing damage or irritation. \u201cThese alternatives offer a safer and more hygienic approach to foot care, promoting smoother, healthier feet with reduced risk of injury or infection,\u201d says Gohil.<\/p>\n

Corn Plasters<\/h2>\n

Corns and calluses are thick layers of skin caused by sustained rubbing or friction against socks and shoes. They\u2019re entirely normal but ahead of sandal weather, you might be looking to lessen their appearance using corn plasters, pads or caps. Gohil suggests thinking twice: \u201cCorn plasters contain acids or other chemicals that work by gradually breaking down the thickened skin,\u201d explains Gohil, \u201cbut these substances can also damage healthy surrounding skin if not applied correctly, leading to irritation, pain and potential complications.\u201d If the hard skin on your feet is very thick and bothers you, consider visiting a podiatrist. If you\u2019d rather treat your feet at home, choose a gentle exfoliating lotion which you can use daily, like CeraVe SA Renewing Foot Cream, \u00a39.50<\/a>, O\u2019Keeffe\u2019s Healthy Feet Exfoliating Moisturising Foot Cream, \u00a310.50<\/a>, or CCS Foot Care Cream for Dry and Callused Feet, \u00a38.99<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?<\/strong><\/p>\n

How To Build A Body Care Regime, By Dermatologists<\/a><\/p>\n

Where Did It All Go Wrong For The Body Shop?<\/a><\/p>\n

The Best Body Washes For Body Acne & Bacne<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you have a keen interest in skincare, it makes sense that you might want to extend the same attention to the rest of your body. After all, ingredients like glycolic acid and retinol are just as effective on ingrown hairs and cracked feet as they are on clogged pores and hyperpigmentation.\u00a0 Body care certainly…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3121,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[15],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3119"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3119"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3119\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3122,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3119\/revisions\/3122"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3121"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3119"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3119"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3119"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}