Let’s face it: skincare, no matter how essential it is, can be complicated at times. There are too many things to consider; such as budget, skin type, time and convenience. And because of this, it is easy to fall back on household tricks our grandmothers held onto for decades. After all, they taught us that often, the solutions to our skin issues are just lying in the cupboard.
Of course, there is always an exception to that rule. Sometimes, what we think of as skincare panaceas do more harm than good. While one can argue that natural methods hurt nobody, they actually could – especially in the long run. Read on as we sum up all the DIY skincare techniques you need to drop, stat.
#1: Lemons as a skin brightener.
Okay, lemons are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that can clear acne, reduce ageing, and brighten the skin. There is some logic in there, yes, but using fresh lemons on your skin is a big no-no.
Lemons have a pH of 2, which might interfere with the skin’s natural pH of 4-5. Besides, they are far too acidic compared to our skin, which can erode your protective barrier. They can also increase your sensitivity to the sun and cause severe discolouration. Yikes!
#2: Mayonnaise as a DIY face mask.
Yes, it makes any sandwich taste supreme, but it is just bad news when used on your face. Mayonnaise is mainly composed of oil and fat, which can get into your pores and clog them, causing acne breakouts. So unless you want to turn your face into a pimple paradise, leave your mayo jars in the fridge.
Read more: Can you combine threadlifts with other aesthetic treatments?
#3: Toothpaste as a spot treatment.
Putting toothpaste on your fresh zit to dry them out quickly is an old skincare myth. If you analyse the contents of toothpaste, there are baking soda, essential oils, and hydrogen peroxide. These can help with acne, but toothpaste also contains sodium lauryl sulphate, which may be too harsh. And if you have sensitive skin, it can cause redness and irritation. Just trust us and let them work on your pearly whites, okay?
#4: Baking soda as an exfoliant.
This kitchen staple is a great multi-tasker. Aside from being a great cleaning agent, many people claim that baking soda is also an effective exfoliant. We hate to break it to you, but your skin is better off without this DIY ingredient.
Baking soda is alkaline, meaning it can alter the pH balance of your skin. Just like toothpaste, it can be very abrasive and strip your skin of natural oils. It can make your skin dry and flaky, and you risk damaging your protective barrier.
#5: Cinnamon as a face scrub.
We are no strangers to beauty influencers on the web teaching us to create DIY face scrubs with cinnamon. And while it is appetising to smell, it is definitely not skin-friendly. Applying cinnamon to your skin, even in small amounts, can cause a burning sensation. It can also trigger allergic reactions, redness, and irritation, especially if your skin is sensitive.
#6: Eggs as an anti-ageing face mask.
Eggs contain protein, which can help in tightening your skin. In fact, many spas use egg whites in their anti-ageing facials since it also helps with wrinkles and fine lines. But you have to tread lightly here – egg whites may contain salmonella, a bacteria that causes food poisoning.
Read more: 5 ways to improve intimacy in the bedroom