Welcome to the trend zone, friends.
If you’re reading this, you’ve successfully scrolled away from social media to read about social media. Very meta, very demure.
It’s true that social media is now a big part of everyday life for most of us. The amount of people on social platforms has doubled since 2017 with an estimated 5 billion users — about 64% of the population — scrolling through cat videos and sourdough bread recipes.
But of course it’s not all kittens and carbs. Social media can spread misinformation and downright lies. And it’s not always easy to know what’s real or fake or even harmful for your health.
So, we asked experts to weigh in on some of the latest health trends on TikTok. Here’s what you need to know and when to get your scroll on.
1. Salmon sperm facials
iStock.com/OrtodoxFotoThat’s the real name — not a typo.
Salmon sperm facials have been making waves since celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston praised the treatment for smoother, younger looking skin. And while we can certainly get behind wanting that celebrity glow, we need to address the semen in the room.
To our delight — disappointment? — the serum injected or slathered on your face during salmon sperm facials is not actual salmon sperm.
It’s sterilized DNA fragments extracted from sperm cells called polynucleotides (PDRN). “They support skin repair and collagen production, but this statement is true for any skincare containing peptides,” said Lauren Fine, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist.
There is some science behind the benefits of polynucleotides. One 2024 review found polynucleotides helped smooth fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin elasticity and hydration. However, the results were varied, and there’s limited research on the benefits of PDRN.
Fine also noted that skincare is not regulated for safety and efficacy by the FDA, and adding salmon sperm into the mix brings up a whole different layer of considerations about how the ingredients are sourced and manufactured. “And ethical concerns regarding using animal-based products as well.”
Heart or hype? Hype for now. “It's very new and I'm not saying never do it, but I can't tell you why I would recommend salmon sperm over many other things that are currently widely used,” Fine said.2. Japanese Walking Method
iStock.com/EderPaisanSocial media loves a good walking trend (we see you, hot girl!). The latest scroll-worthy stride: the Japanese Walking Method, also known as interval walking. Basically, you alternate between walking fast and walking at a slower pace. If you’re wondering how the name fits in, the method was named after the original 2007 study on interval walking that was done in Japan.
“The Japanese Walking Method is wonderful for increasing cardiovascular endurance in a shorter amount of time,” said Mindy Caplan, an exercise physiologist certified with the American College of Sports Medicine. “It’s easy to do with little strain on the body and helps to keep one feeling young.”
Interval walking is a low-impact version of high intensity interval training, which research shows burns fat and builds muscle — especially your hip muscles. “Interval walking helps women with weak hip muscles — it will strengthen the hips and thighs and allow for a more efficient gait so the hips don’t sway.”
Walk the JWM way: Start by walking at a moderate pace — brisk but still able to hold a conversation — for three minutes. Then, kick up the pace to where it’s harder to talk for three minutes. Go back to the moderate pace and repeat.
Heart or hype? Hips don’t lie. Heart. “Getting the heart rate up for longer periods enhances cardiovascular fitness and can reduce blood pressure along with many other benefits like improving age-related diseases, depression, general mobility, sleep and even reduce belly fat,” Caplan said.
3. Fibermaxxing
iStock.com/RossHelen
We’re in our fiber era, people. Fibermaxxing, the viral trend dedicated to increasing fiber intake, has millions of videos on TikTok and has people chomping on foods like broccoli and beans. “This trend is one that I actually like,” said dietitian Susan Greeley, MS, RDN. “Most Americans fall short daily on fiber intake.”
The most recent statistics show about 9 out of 10 women don’t get the recommended daily amount of fiber (25-28 grams) a day. Not eating enough fiber can lead to digestive issues like constipation, unstable blood sugars and a higher risk for serious health conditions like heart disease.
The best way to get your fill is from whole foods like fruits and vegetables, beans, seeds and nuts. Greenley said to add more fiber gradually in order to prevent side effects. “If you add too much fiber without hydrating properly, you can end up with hard stools and bloating and have trouble pooping. In other words, when adding high-fiber foods, it is very important to increase water/hydration to help ensure things keep moving.”
Heart or hype? Heart. “This trend brings much-needed attention to the fact that women really do benefit from eating more natural fiber sources from whole foods daily,” Greeley said.4. Wellness stacking
iStock.com/Keeproll
Stacking anything outside of delicious pancakes feels like you’re probably doing too much. But wellness stacking involves pairing small, good-for-you practices and incorporating them into everyday life.
For example, brushing your teeth and then taking your vitamins. Stretching while your coffee or tea is brewing. Hydrating in the morning in natural sunlight.
The idea is that doing one healthy thing will prompt the other, and before you know it, you’re a consistent wellness machine.
“The real value is in creating efficiency and ritual around self-care, which can reduce decision fatigue and increase adherence,” said therapist Erin Pash. “When done mindfully, it acknowledges that our physical, mental and emotional health are interconnected systems.”
That said, wellness stacking can go awry if you’re trying to add too many habits or turn stacking into a pressure-filled to-do list. “The biggest risk is that wellness stacking can become performative productivity — just another way to optimize ourselves into exhaustion. When we treat self-care like a competitive sport or a productivity hack, we've missed the point entirely,” Pash said.
Heart of hype? Heart — if your heart is in the right place. “If your wellness stack feels like self-compassion in action, carry on. If it feels like another way you're not measuring up, it's time to strip it back to what actually matters,” Pash said.5. Under eye red light therapy
iStock.com/Ryan McKeever
Red light therapy is so hot right now. You’d think a glowing Friday the 13th-esque mask would detour some people from trying it, but the beauty trend is going strong, and the devices are getting weirder.
The latest device: under eye wearables. You put the device on like you would a pair of glasses with the red light portion hovering over the under eye area. The treatment is designed to help reduce under eye problems such as dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles and puffiness.
“Red light can have amazing benefits for overall collagen stimulation. With regular use, most people do notice their skin quality looks better, it feels better, and it’s helpful with inflammation,” Fine said. “That’s true for the skin under the eyes.”
Heart or hype? Heart. Bonus heart if you wear them as part of your wellness stacking routine.
