Chinese woman’s 22-year makeup use causes severe allergies。

A Chinese woman from Jilin province has gone viral after revealing the devastating effects of wearing make-up daily for 22 years without ever removing it. Known online as "Niuyoumian," the 37-year-old influencer shared her story in a candid video that sparked shock and sympathy across Chinese social media platforms.

In the video, she displays her severely inflamed and swollen face, marked by redness, dense rashes, and constant itching. She refers to her condition as "hormone face," a term used in China to describe skin damaged by prolonged use of corticosteroids or cosmetic products containing hormone-like substances.

A Habit with Lasting Consequences

Niuyoumian began using make-up at the age of 15 and, due to personal insecurities and financial limitations, never developed proper skincare habits. Instead, she relied on cheap liquid foundations and over-the-counter acne creams—products that, over time, triggered allergic reactions and worsened her skin.

Her exposure to harsh chemicals increased during her time studying beauty and hairdressing, further exacerbating her skin problems. By 2011, she turned to cosmetic procedures, including facial injections, in a desperate attempt to improve her appearance. These treatments, however, only led to varying degrees of facial disfigurement and skin sensitivity.

"Before I turned 25, I thought I could fix redness or itchiness with a little ointment," she said in the video. "But everything changed after that. My skin broke down completely."

Missteps in Treatment

Niuyoumian admitted that her impatience in dealing with skin issues made matters worse. She frequently switched between skincare products, often trying items based on social media recommendations without proper consultation.

"I never stuck with one treatment long enough to heal. If something didn't work in two days, I'd try another. That only irritated my skin further," she said. "At its worst, it felt like thousands of ants crawling on my face."

Now diagnosed with rosacea and an infestation of demodex mites—a type of skin parasite—she warns others to be cautious with their skincare routines and avoid relying on so-called quick fixes.

A Cautionary Tale

In her message to viewers, Niuyoumian urged others not to repeat her mistakes.

"Be patient. Don't blindly follow beauty trends. Products that show fast results are often just suppressing symptoms, not healing the root cause. Let your skin detox and recover naturally, even if it takes time."

Her story has sparked a nationwide discussion about the risks of cosmetic overuse and the importance of skin health. Many netizens were stunned by the revelation, with one commenter noting: "You can't even call her lazy—she put on make-up every day. But to never remove it? That's beyond extreme."

Others questioned the lack of early intervention: "How did no one in her family guide her when she started using make-up at 15?"

Broader Implications

While China offers a wide array of cosmetic products, their quality and safety vary significantly. Experts now warn that long-term use of unsuitable products—especially those with hormones, alcohol, or other irritants—can cause irreversible damage.

Niuyoumian's experience serves as a stark reminder that skincare should prioritize health over appearance. With a growing culture of online beauty trends and pressure to look flawless, her story underscores the importance of informed, cautious choices in personal care.