The trend of DIY skincare has become increasingly popular, with many people turning to natural ingredients found in their kitchens to create their beauty products. While some natural ingredients can benefit your skin, others can cause irritation, damage, and long-term harm. It’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks before applying anything to your skin.
Here are five DIY skincare ingredients you should avoid:
1. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is often touted for its brightening and astringent properties, but it’s one of the most damaging DIY skincare ingredients. The high acidity of lemon juice can disrupt your skin’s natural pH balance, leading to irritation, dryness, and even chemical burns. Additionally, lemon juice increases your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, which can cause severe sunburns and hyperpigmentation. If you’re looking to brighten your complexion, it’s safer to use products specifically formulated with stable Vitamin C or niacinamide.
2. Baking soda
Baking soda is commonly recommended as an exfoliant due to its gritty texture. However, it is highly alkaline with a pH of around 9, while the skin’s natural pH is slightly acidic at around 4.5 to 5. Using baking soda on your skin can disrupt this balance, leading to dryness, irritation, and an increased risk of breakouts. Instead, opt for a gentle exfoliant containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which are both effective and safe for most skin types.
3. Toothpaste
Toothpaste is often used as a quick fix for pimples, but it’s not designed for your skin. Most toothpastes contain ingredients like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol, which can be incredibly drying and irritating to the skin. Applying toothpaste to a pimple can cause redness, peeling, and even chemical burns. For acne treatment, it’s better to use spot treatments containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which are formulated to target and treat pimples effectively.
4. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is often praised for its supposed ability to balance skin’s pH and treat acne, but it’s another highly acidic ingredient that can do more harm than good. Undiluted apple cider vinegar can cause chemical burns, irritation, and long-lasting damage to the skin’s protective barrier. Even when diluted, it’s risky to apply apple cider vinegar to your face. If you’re seeking a toner, choose one with ingredients like witch hazel or hyaluronic acid that are safe and gentle.
5. Sugar scrubs
Sugar scrubs are popular in DIY skincare for their exfoliating properties, but they can be too harsh for facial skin. The large, jagged edges of sugar granules can create micro-tears in the skin, leading to irritation, inflammation, and increased sensitivity over time. While sugar scrubs might be suitable for tougher areas like elbows or knees, they are not recommended for the face. For facial exfoliation, a chemical exfoliant like lactic acid or a finely milled physical exfoliant is a much safer option.
DIY skincare can be a fun and cost-effective way to pamper yourself, but it’s essential to approach it with caution. Your skin is delicate and deserves products that are specifically formulated to care for it.