Doctor Issues Warning After TikTok Star’s Dangerous Use of Expired Products

A social media influencer's recent trip to the emergency room has one Modern Aesthetics Editorial board member warning about the risks of using at-home chemical peels. 

Stephanie Margarucci, known on TikTok as @beasteater, was treated in the emergency room for a chemical burn on her face that led to a bacterial infection after using an expired at-home acne and dark spots treatment. 

Jeanine Downie, MD, says using expired skincare products is “dangerous and extremely risky.” With at-home chemical peels becoming more popular, Downie warns of the dangers of using them. 

“Not safe,” Dr. Downie said. “Your dermatologist should clear whatever product you are using at-home, or you should probably not use it.” 

With scabs of that significance, Downie said, patients should not keep nose piercings in, and a number of steps can be taken to enhance the healing process. 

“She should probably have a strong facial cleanser, like Hibiclens; oral antibiotics; perhaps IV antibiotics, since she said the bacteria was in her bloodstream; and facial debridement, as well as hyperbaric oxygen for the burns, SPF 30 sunblock reapplied every hour, and multiple other treatments,” Downie said. 

Facial scarring is a concern. 

Once the scabs heal and go away, Downie recommends re-epithelialization of the skin, Fraxel, and radiofrequency/microneedling.

“This is going to be a long, hard process for her,” Downie said. “Hopefully she can share with other people what happened and help them significantly so they don’t do the same thing.”