I ask this because some people say you can get permabanned for using them, but other people say don't worry and it's fine. I know there's a skin program you can get that actively fucks with the games code, but I'm asking if there is a safe way to use custom skins. like, a rito-approved way of doing it?
No. They are not safe. At any given time they can ban you for using 3rd party programs and the ban would be justified. There is no approved way to do it. Getting banned is unlikely as long as you keep the 3rd party program updates notes and Riot patch notes since it can't give you an advantage. Problem is that new particles usually means advantage and since is a grey area you are risking yourself.
So long as the skins do not provide any benefits to you, whether by custom effects, or by being difficult to see, you are fine. If you are the only one who sees the skin, you should be fine. But it IS risky, so do your research first
