Doctors debunk TikTok trends: Mouth tape, red light masks, and more

TikTok has emerged as a popular platform for health advice, but much of it lacks scientific evidence and can even be detrimental.

A 2018 Weber Shandwick study found that 67% of American adults who frequently look for health-related information get it from social media. However, many were concerned about the accuracy of the information, with only 35% reporting that it was mostly true.

We've consulted with experts to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of TikTok health trends.

Experts weigh in on 4 popular TikTok health trends

1. Using mouth tape for sleep could be dangerous

Claims were made that mouth taping aided in reducing snoring, breathing through the nose, and improving morning breath.

According to Dr. David Schulman, professor of medicine at Emory School of Medicine, taping your mouth shut may not improve your sleep.

• Difficulty breathing if you're congested
• Worsening your breathing while you sleep
• Lip irritation from the tape
• Allergies
• Dry lips

""

If you're looking for a drink to help you fall asleep, the sleepy girl mocktail might be the solution, but it's important to note that its effectiveness may vary.

An alternative to mouth taping for a safer and better sleep option is the sleepy girl mocktail, which contains magnesium, prebiotic soda, and tart cherry juice and has been linked to sleep health benefits.

Gracie Norton, a wellness influencer, stated that the drink she promoted gave her the best sleep she had ever experienced.

According to Azizi Seixas, a sleep and circadian sciences expert at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, consuming tart cherry juice may aid in falling asleep due to its tryptophan content, which can stimulate the production of melatonin.

According to Seixas, tart cherry juice can aid in falling asleep only if an individual is deficient in melatonin, which is unlikely for most people.

3. Red light therapy masks may improve skin health

In February, our report on red light therapy masks garnered over 70 million views on TikTok. The most commonly cited advantage of using LED light masks, as shared online, is their ability to enhance skin health and possess anti-aging properties.

Baum stated that most devices are designed for daily use, and it is crucial to follow the recommended time limit of between five and 10 minutes.

It is crucial to use LED light therapy devices that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, she emphasized. Individuals with inflammatory conditions such as systemic lupus and systemic sclerosis should consult with their physicians before utilizing LED light therapy devices, she advised.

4. The carnivore diet is 'basically a terrible idea'

Some doctors, such as Professor of Epidemiology and Nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Dr. Walter Willet, were not in favor of the diet.

""

Willet stated that the carnivore diet "seems like a terrible idea."

Sign up for CNBC's online course to learn how to manage your money effectively and boost your savings, investments, and confidence. Use code EARLYBIRD for a 30% discount through September 2, 2024.