TikTok Sandpaper Hack Risks Skin Infections

The Sun sought expert advice from GP and skin expert Dr Ross Perry on the latest TikTok hack – using sandpaper as an alternative to shaving the legs. 

The article sought advice from Ross and other medical experts in its feature:

“CLOSE SHAVE TikTok sandpaper leg shaving trend slammed as experts say DON’T try it”

Using sandpaper to shave your legs isn’t a new idea. Back in World War 2, women tried it as they couldn’t get hold of razors.

TikTok user Jules advocated using 600 grit sandpaper, circling it 10 times each way. She said that it removed hair and also left her skin feeling soft and exfoliated.

But nowadays, doctors advise firmly against the method, saying it is too aggressive and could damage the skin.

Dr Ross Perry – GP and Medical Director of Cosmedics skin clinics, told The Sun that people were at risk of developing a potentially ‘nasty infection’ by exfoliating their skin with sandpaper. He explained that this could

“…completely dry out the skin on the legs making it extremely sensitive, red and sore looking”

He also pointed out that it could lead to folliculitis, or inflammation of the hair follicles:

“It’s usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection and looks like small red bumps that causes pus spots to develop on each hair follicle.”

The Sun spoke to 3 experts including Dr Perry. None of them had any positive views on using sandpaper to exfoliate and remove hair – all warned against the idea.

Experts concluded that the safest options were traditional shaving with a new, sharp and clean razor; or else laser hair removal for long term results.

Read in full

Find the full article at https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/14931197/tiktok-sandpaper-leg-shaving-trend-slammed-experts-infection/. This article also appeared in https://www.entertainmentdaily.co.uk/lifestyle/health-experts-issue-warnings-over-shaving-legs-with-sandpaper/.

You may also be interested in GP Advises Daily Mail on TikTok Health Hacks.

Dr Ross Perry

Dr Ross Perry is Founder and Medical Director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics.

He qualified at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospital Medical School in 1994. His career includes NHS skin cancer reconstruction, work as a GP, as well as private cosmetic skin treatments.

He established Cosmedics Skin Clinics in 2003 and remains in charge as Medical Director. He is best known for dealing with unwanted skin lesions and blemishes (e.g. moles, cysts, warts skin tags) and natural-looking use of non-surgical cosmetic injections. Ross provides regular comment to the UK media on a broad variety of health and skin-related matters.

DR ROSS PERRY

Cosmedics Skin Clinics

Cosmedics Skin Clinics was established in 2003 and has built up an excellent reputation for cosmetic and medical skin treatments, carried out by GMC Registered Doctors.  The company offer a full range of cosmetic treatments, including popular lip enhancement and wrinkle relaxing injections, dermal fillers and laser treatments; plus medical treatments including mole removal, thread vein treatment and excessive sweating injections.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics has a team of skin treatment doctors and surgeons in their 5 skin clinics across London and Bristol led by Dr Ross Perry.

Call 020 7386 0464 or email enquiries@cosmedics.co.uk to book an appointment.