Here's Why Dermatologists Are Debunking the Term "Sushi Face"
We talked to beauty experts about the misleading skincare term that’s sparking controversy on TikTok.
On TikTok, skincare misinformation is just as prevalent as dermatologist-backed education. With how rife buzz words and uninformed advice is on the platform, navigating skin concerns is becoming increasingly tricky. Recently, one creator coined the term “sushi face” to describe the facial bloating that occurs from sodium intake — and as a result, skin experts along with other beauty fans began to express major concern about misleading skincare ideologies that do more harm than good.
In a now deleted video, an influencer advises her viewers to stay away from sushi and similar foods with a high sodium content, citing their ability to cause what she calls “sushi face.” In response, TikToker Eunnuri Lee made a video not only rejecting the term but classifying it as a microagression, claiming that “both dermatologists and dietitians have a name for [sodium bloat or water retention], that doesn’t utilize racialized language.” Furthermore, the creator claims that using Asian descriptors to describe beauty flaws wrongly places a negative connotation on Asian culture.
Although “sushi face” isn’t exactly a scientific term, dermatologists say that the puffy appearance caused by salty foods is far from a new phenomenon. “When you consume a lot of sodium, your body pulls extra water into your tissues to balance out the salt in your bloodstream,” Melanie Abeyta, aesthetic nurse practitioner and owner of Harmony Aesthetics Center says. “It’s not an allergy and it’s not inflammation from the fish — it’s simply fluid retention triggered by excess sodium.”
@eunnuri_lee only AMERICANS drown SUSHI GRADE FISH in soy sauce 🍣 #eunnurilee #asianamericans #grwm #influencer ♬ original sound – Eunnuri (은누리) Lee
Beyond that, Abeyta says that social media’s ability to oversimplify skincare concepts can reinforce the idea that certain foods are bad for your skin or appearance — even though sodium bloat isn’t specific to a single type of cuisine. Similarly, Michelle Ventresca, esthetician and founder of Live by Skin, says that sushi face is a prime example of how inaccurate online skincare advice can be. “[Sushi face] does highlight how quickly misinformation spreads when skin concerns get tied to specific foods or cultural dishes,” she says. “The reality is that many meals, not just sushi, can contribute to water retention because of sodium.”
While the internet can offer helpful skincare advice from reputable dermatologists and skin scientists, it’s also been known to highly favor virality and shock value. As a result, skin experts are pushing back on false terminology and urging skincare enthusiasts to thoroughly examine the information they come across — especially if it’s not from a verified source. “TikTok users can protect themselves from skin misinformation by treating the platform as inspiration, not instruction, and checking claims against credible sources,” Ventresca says. “Be sure to follow licensed estheticians and dermatologists, look for explanations rooted in how the skin actually works and do a quick search beyond the app before trying a new trend can make a big difference.”
Online, it can be easy to fall for unreliable advice. When it comes to our skin, we’ll try just about anything to achieve our desired results. Consequently, dermatologists warn that our interest comes with the added responsibility of properly informing ourselves. Perfect skin doesn’t come easy, but sometimes misinformation can.
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