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Why are influencers applying grease on their faces?
In a video now going viral, an influencer explains how the lube has worked for her acne-prone skin and doesn’t cause irritation, as it’s designed for the most intimate areas of the body.
in short
- In a viral video, an influencer is using the smoothie as a facial primer
- This trend started from the West and is now gaining attention in India too
- However, experts warn against using facial lube
“I’ve been using lube as a primer for three months now. I saw a comment on Instagram about using lube as a primer for acne-prone skin because it’s water-based,” Aranakshi Patgiri (@ arnakshmi_kashyap on Instagram) says. A beauty content creator and influencer.
Over the past few years, the beauty industry has seen a lot of weird hacks and tricks for both skin care and makeup (as a lifestyle writer, I’ve come across a lot). Last year, we saw an influencer use his feces for skin care. Now, just the first month of this year, we’re seeing a strange trend: using lube (yes, that one) as a facial primer.
The concept of using a facial primer – the first step in applying makeup to ensure pores are minimized and makeup goes on smoothly – isn’t new. In fact, people in the West have been using lube as a primer for a long time. However, for many Indians, it became a new idea when Arankshi posted about it on Instagram. In her video, she explains how it works for her acne-prone skin and how it doesn’t cause irritation as it is designed for the most intimate areas of the body.
The video soon went viral. While some were confused, others found the content ‘sexualised’ and made jokes about it. However, there were also those who agreed that the lube could actually double as a primer.
Take a look at the video:
And some reactions:
a trend from the west
As we told you, the concept of applying lubricant to the face as a primer is not new. In fact, makeup artist and TikToker Lucas Kohoutek first used lube as a primer in February 2019. As of 2021, #lubeprimer had received millions of views on TikTok. But it took a while to catch on, even in the West. Now, it seems that this trend has finally arrived in India, with many people becoming curious about this trend.
What are the experts saying?
Even though the idea of using lube may be attractive, because it is cheap (no pink tax)Looks like experts aren’t happy with the idea of using it on our faces.
Dr Trupti Aggarwal, consultant dermatology, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, explains that lubricants, especially those with silicone or water-based formulas, can mimic the texture of some commercial primers, but they are not formulated for this purpose .
“Silicone-based lubes create a smooth, slippery texture, resembling a primer used to smooth makeup or skin. However, their effectiveness depends on the type of lubrication and skin type. They may offer a temporary solution, but they are neither reliable nor designed for long-term use,” she says.
Dr. Sarita Sanke, Senior Consultant, Department of Dermatology, Yashoda Super Specialty Hospital is telling India Today“The makeup primer is designed to be non-comedogenic and safe to apply on the face for long periods of time. Lubricants are for intimate use and may contain ingredients that can irritate or impair the skin barrier.
Dr. Mickey Singh, Medical Director and Founder of Bodycraft Clinics, adds that although lubricants can temporarily create a smooth base for makeup, they lack the benefits of a true primer.
“Ingredients like glycerin and hydroxyethylcellulose can create a smooth surface, but lubricants are not designed for facial skin and can cause adverse reactions,” she says.
Possible side effects according to experts
Using lubricants as makeup primer may seem harmless, but experts point out several risks. According to Dr. Manjot Marwah, dermatologist, director of LHR Clinics and founder of AnagenBio:
Water Based Lubrication: These contain gels and humectants that can cause wrinkles and a sticky feeling on the skin after drying, especially if applied heavily. They can accentuate fine lines or texture, especially around delicate areas like the eyes.
Oil Based Lubrication: Although these may provide a smoother application, they are more likely to clog pores and cause breakouts (comedones), especially if you are prone to acne.
Other side effects include:
- clogged pores and pimples: Dr. Aggarwal explains that greasiness can aggravate skin problems, especially in individuals with oily or acne-prone skin.
- Irritation and allergic reactions: Dr. Sarita Sankey warns that some lubricants contain fragrances or preservatives that can irritate facial skin. She adds, “Prolonged use can also disrupt the skin’s natural barrier.”
- potential sensitivity: Prolonged use may cause irritation or sensitivity, especially in individuals with pre-existing skin problems.
- Remains and challenges of removal: Lubrication can leave behind an oily or greasy residue, which requires more effort to clean thoroughly.
Dr Rupika Singh, dermatologist and founder of Akia Aesthetics, Delhi, says adding fragrances or parabens to lube can cause allergic reactions in individuals with sensitive skin. “Products that aren’t meant for skin upset its natural pH,” she says.
But there may be benefits…
Despite the risks, Dr. Agarwal acknowledges some purported benefits that may appeal to consumers (including influencers):
- Smooth texture for applying makeup: Temporarily blurs fine lines and creates a smooth finish, especially beneficial for individuals with dry skin.
- Cheap option in a pinch:This serves as a quick, affordable solution when you run out of primer and need a smooth base.
- Hydration (water based lube): Works as a moisturizer and enhances makeup adherence due to its hydrating properties.
- Minimum brightness control (silicone-based smoothness): Provides a smooth, oil-free look for a few hours, especially in the T-zone or shine areas.
How to choose a primer (that isn’t greasy):
According to Dr. Aggarwal, if you’re looking for a skin primer for applying makeup, it’s always best to choose a product specifically designed for the purpose. He suggested finding:
- If you have dry skin, apply a hydrating primer.
- If you have large pores, apply a pore-filling primer.
- Mattifying primer for oily or combination skin.
- These products are formulated to provide specific benefits without the side effects associated with lubricants.
slippery slope
While lubricants may provide temporary benefits for makeup application, their potential risks outweigh the benefits. Experts unanimously agree that they are not designed for facial skin and they lack the essential qualities of true primers like oil control, non-comedogenic formulation, and makeup longevity. For safe and effective results, it is best to use products specifically formulated for facial use. But if you still want to have hope on this trend, do a patch test first.
