Trifecta Skincare Routine – Trying Out The Viral TikTok Trend

You can learn a lot of things from the Internet. And some things you don't want to know. These days, with the popularity of TikTok, it's not unusual to have more and more "trends" emerging. There are trends for just about everything, and some make you shake your head. Other trends have you loading up your shopping cart to give it a try. And that's what happened for me with the trifecta skincare routine.

I started seeing videos on TikTok about this trifecta skincare routine. People were responding to the original creator and talking about their own experiences. If you've been on TikTok for any amount of time, you know that if you stop and watch certain videos, TikTok will start serving you more and more videos related to that topic. So, since I watched a few videos about skincare, I started seeing more and more trifecta skincare videos.

I finally caved and started digging into what this skincare routine was really about. And I found the "creator".  Her name is Dana Jill Flaherty. I learned that she's 36, almost 37, and her skin looks incredible. So of course, it piqued my interest.

According to Dana, she uses Dial Hand Soap, a retinol product, and Gold Bond Lotion.  That's it.  Simple products that can all be purchased over the counter. Not to mention, it's super affordable. That's an important part for me because I have spent SO much money on the "best" products. As someone who's struggled with acne for years, but also starting to see fine lines and wrinkles, I'm always on the hunt for skincare that will address my needs without breaking the bank.

Dana uses the Dial Hand Soap only at night to wash her makeup off. Then she follows it up with her retinol product (she started using the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair in a jar, but now uses Neutrogena Retinol Pro). And then uses Gold Bond Lotion as her moisturizer.  Originally, her favorite Gold Bond was the Diabetics' Dry Skin Relief. She recently found another Gold Bond that she likes just as much.

Dana does use her retinol and Gold Bond morning and night.  But she does caution that when you first start using retinol, you should start slowly, as in maybe twice a week. Depending on the type of retinol, it can be very strong and cause dryness and peeling.

I was about to run out of the face wash I had been using, so I figured it was a good time to try out this new trifecta skincare routine. From the comments on Dana's videos, there have been a lot of people who have seen success. But of course, everyone's skin is different, so there's no guarantee it'll work.

I bought the Dial Antibacterial & Sensitive Hand Soap + Aloe. It's fragrance-free.  Dana uses the White Tea scented Dial, and others claim the gold Dial is their go-to choice. I figured with this one being labeled "sensitive" there might be less chance of having a terrible reaction.

As for retinol, I have used the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair in the past. But I have since gotten a prescription strength retinol, Tretinoin, so I didn't purchase a different product here.

I decided to go with the Gold Bond Diabetics' Dry Skin Relief lotion. I actually didn't see Dana's newest discovery until after I purchased mine.

Last night was my first time trying it out. I used the Dial hand soap to wash off my makeup, then applied a pea-sized amount of my retinol. I finished up by smoothing the Gold Bond all over my face and neck. The first thing I noticed? It's so easy. And my face didn't feel tight or too dried out like some face washes can do. I was nervous about using body lotion on my face because I thought it might make me too oily. But it seemed to absorb pretty easily.

I got up this morning and rubbed my face. It felt SO soft and smooth. But I'm not sold just yet. I know any new skincare routine takes time. And it could easily take a turn for the worse once my skin realizes what's happening. Like Dana, I didn't wash my face with anything other than water on a washcloth this morning.  And because my skin is still pretty sensitive when it comes to retinol, I am not planning on using it at all in the morning. So after water on a washcloth, I patted my face dry and applied the Gold Bond.

And any dermatologist will remind you of the importance of sunscreen!  My makeup has sunscreen in it, so I made sure I was protected. I also have other sunscreen for days I don't plan on wearing makeup.

I'm going to give this new trifecta skincare routine a good trial run.  I'm committing to at least one full month. If it works, that will be amazing. If not, at least I haven't spent a ton of money, plus the hand soap and lotion are products I can still use even if it's not for my face!

I'll be sure to come back and give you guys an update over the next few weeks.

Trends come and go.  Throughout the years, things gain extreme popularity and before you know it, it's replaced by the next big thing.  And trends can vary by generation, culture, location, and more.  What's popular today might be vague memory in a few years.  But I was surprised that nostalgia is a big thing.  Just looking at the hottest toys back during the holidays, I was surprised how many were toys that were popular back when I was younger. But let's be honest, there are some current trends that we just can't get behind or don't understand.

A quick look at social media on any given day, you'll start to see the hottest trends.  Maybe all your friends start posting about a certain item. Or you start seeing ads everywhere for specific things.  It's easy to be influenced by all that we're inundated with every single day.

One area where I've learned a lot about the current trends is TikTok.  And I can't lie, I have been influenced by some of those things I've seen (black castor oil is just one item). If you've spent any amount of time of TikTok, and stopped on any of those trends... chances are you start seeing even more of that trend.  That's unfortunately the way the algorithm works on social media.

When it comes to current trends, I think social media plays a big role in the popularity, or hysteria in some cases, when it comes to certain items becoming popular.  Years ago, it took things longer to catch on as a trend.  But now, information is so readily available, it doesn't take much at all.  Especially when your favorite artist or celebrity starts talking about something.

But let's be honest, there are some trends that come around that you have to scratch your head over. And I know, we all have different preferences and tastes. Life would be boring if we were all the same.  I know you won't all agree with me on these 7 current trends that I don't understand and can't fully get behind.  Let's take a look!

I know, I know. These are hugely popular right now. But, I just don't get it. It's just a large metal cup with a straw right? I've heard it can keep your drink cold for a long time. But other than that, what makes them so special? Don't get me wrong, I carry a metal water bottle with me everywhere I go. Do I care what it looks like? Not really. I did recently replace it, but only because the top broke on my old one when I dropped it.

Apparently, the popularity of these cups is so strong that there were even people camped out at Target in Augusta for them.

My stepdaughter wears Crocs. And even wanted more for Christmas. I just don't like the looks of them.  I'm no "fashionista" but they just don't seem to go with most outfits.  I'm not saying they aren't comfortable, but I can't see myself ever buying a pair.  Would I wear them around the house? Slim chance. Out in public? Definitely NOT!

And even though they came out with the cowboy boots... it's still a big NO from me.

While this may not be all the rage right now, I know there are still many people who love this stuff. I actually had to look up what really goes into bubble tea, or Boba.  Maybe it's because of my texture issues, but I don't want things floating in my drink.  I don't even drop the lemon down in my water at a restaurant.

Not saying this isn't good... because I've never tried it.  But it's just not something I'm seeking out to try.  If there's one you like, let me know. And maybe one day I'll give it a go.

Have you seen the prices of athletic wear these days?  It's insane.  And as someone who works out each day, those prices really add up. Don't get me wrong, I like nice, supportive, durable athletic clothing... but I'm just not in a position to pay $60+ for a pair of leggings.  I know everyone raves about Lululemon, but I'm going to have to pass. I'll continue my search for off-brand leggings that won't break the bank.

I have seen Halara a lot on TikTok.  Not sure if it's as great as it seems... but the prices are a bit more wallet-friendly.

This was something that kept popping up on TikTok last year.  I don't fully understand the craze around it.  Because honestly, I feel like I've done "girl dinner" numerous times in my life without making it a big thing.  But I also don't present mine the way most of these are shown in videos.  It's more like I'm grazing in the kitchen-- a little of this.  Still hungry? A little of something else.

But this is a girl dinner that I wouldn't mind at all!  Look at how fancy!

Now, I have used dry shampoo throughout the years.  But I still don't get the obsession.  Maybe I'm not using it correctly or using the right brand.  Most of my life I've been a "wash my hair everyday" kind of person.  Throughout the years, I've heard it's not great to wash everyday, so I have tried to cut back.  And I usually go back to my wash everyday.  Dry shampoo just hasn't really helped me push through, and I feel like I wind up looking like I need an oil change.

We've talked about this quite a bit.  Artificial intelligence has been growing a lot recently.  And personally, it's scary to me!  Now, don't get me wrong, some of the fun AI filters that went around on social media were fun.  But overall, AI is something that I am really hesitant to embrace.