Posted on 05/07/2025 1:30:32 AM PDT by Libloather
People are swapping Botox for hemorrhoid cream — and experts are begging them to stop.
TikTok’s latest wave of unhinged beauty hacks comes with concern: dabbing hemorrhoid cream on under-eye bags to supposedly smooth and de-puff without ever stepping into a derm’s office.
On the social media platform, women are claiming that Preparation H is a miracle fix for puffy eyes, saying that it supposedly tightens skin and mimics the effect of under-eye filler — an expensive non-surgical treatment used to reduce dark circles and hollowness by adding volume.
But dermatologists are popping the puff-reducing bubble.
New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss — a board-certified expert in facial rejuvenation — has long warned against the hemorrhoid hack, especially since some creams contain phenylephrine, a vasoconstrictor and steroids.
Using a cream with phenylephrine “plus the steroid around the eyes” can “increase your risk of glaucoma,” Idriss warned in a TikTok video.
Steroid creams, she added, “worsen the look of your wrinkles and the redness around your eyes” and give you a “shrivelly” appearance.
Fellow New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Mark Strom agreed, advising those who are adamant about trying this bizarre trend to be “especially careful not to choose a hemorrhoid cream with hydrocortisone in it, as that’s a topical steroid that will thin out your skin with everyday, long-term, continuous use,” he said in a TikTok video
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
Hollywood has been using this trick for at least 50 years. It’s not new.
CC
so the original prep H cream isnt even sold in the US any longer( it has an extra ingredient they’ve replaced)... used to be when I worked in fashion models used it post a nighht out to hide the eye bags, and later they had it imported from Canada.
I’m so out of the loop; I never heard of this.
Bingo!
In the ‘90s, my friend was a professional photographer who did headshots for actors and models. They put Preparation H on their faces.
Because they were a PITA or other reasons?
Doctors do not like competition so what do they do? They lash out with discouragement for we must listen to only the doctor because, after all, they are the doctor.
I wonder how Fauci is doing?
WE’re trying to enjoy some hyperbole propaganda here and someone has to bring reasoning and logic into the conversation.
Exactly.
I doubt it.
“Preparation H”
How do you say “Preparation H” in Italian? “Innuendo”
Years ago a pharmacist told be that the most abused OTC was Preparation H because so many people used it so often for reducing redness and puffiness in the face.
Supposedly, it enhanced their faces — closed pores or something.
I’ve never used Prep H ever but since I’m in the great white north I can get a hold of some for those interested. Not responsible for any tariffs though. Time to make Prep H great again? :)
No; try this biglier product I made for TDS sufferers:
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