To begin with, not all natural ingredients are created equally. There is a widespread misperception that because they are more “natural,” kitchen items work better on the skin than store-bought cosmetics.
Before using foods from your kitchen, knowing your skin type is crucial. Even while a particular family skincare recipe may have worked for earlier generations, it might not still be effective, given how modern life is lived.
To determine your skin type, you must speak with a skincare professional because anecdotal evidence for at-home therapies is frequently used.
The Truth About DIY Skincare
It makes sense why a decent homemade skincare solution or home treatment would appeal.
What’s not to appreciate about a cheap spot treatment that can repair your skin without giving it all those ‘chemicals’ the cosmetics industry is attempting to sell you?
Yet, when used carelessly based solely on rumor, some harsh substances might dry out your skin or exacerbate problems meant to be remedied. When creating your next at-home skincare mask, consider the reactions.
A Guide to “Not” Using Natural Ingredients
Here is the absolute no-no that you should be on the lookout for if you want to pamper your skin over the weekend without further damaging your skin’s protective layer:
- Essential Oils
Although essential oils have become a fairly common DIY item, care must be taken when using them. Never apply undiluted essential oils to the skin. The ratios should be substantially higher for sensitive skin than for normal skin. Avoiding essential oils for DIY home remedies is recommended because they require a lot of caution.
- Spices
Handle spices carefully in general.
Although turmeric can stain skin, this does not mean that it should never be used. It has potent anti-inflammation properties. On the other side, cinnamon should be avoided.
Avoid using or performing a spot test on any spices you are unsure about.
- Vinegar
Because of its acidity and pH-balancing qualities, vinegar is sometimes used in toners, but this is by no means a tactic that dermatologists would recommend.
As a result, it may lead to depigmentation, inflammation, exacerbated sunburn, and superficial chemical burns (after repeated application).
- Raw Egg
Although some K-beauty products contain eggs, using eggs directly on your skin might have unpleasant side effects. Salmonella is a bacterial infection that can be contracted from raw eggs if you’re not careful.
According to studies, salmonella skin infections are considered rare, but you won’t want to take a chance, if you do an internet image search.
- Toothpaste
Most of the supporting data for toothpaste’s ability to treat acne is anecdotal. The triclosan in toothpaste can irritate the skin, exacerbate acne, and make it feel sore for days later, despite being promoted throughout the years as a spot treatment.
- Baking Soda
The acid mantle is a protective oil layer that covers the skin. By changing the pH and removing the skin’s natural oils and moisture, baking soda, which has a high alkaline content, can disturb this acid layer. In addition to producing blisters, dryness, redness, and inflammation, this can further irritate the skin.
- Lemon
If handled carelessly, this citrus fruit might damage your skin more than it can help. Its antioxidative qualities aid skin brightening due to its high vitamin C content.
Lemon juice is very acidic; nonetheless, frequent and excessive usage of it can result in skin irritation, redness, and even burning and dryness. After applying lemon juice, limiting your exposure to the sun is crucial to prevent sunburn.
From the Kitchen to Your Skin
If you are a fan of DIYs, don’t lose heart. Here is a list of natural ingredients that can be safely used in homemade skincare.
- French clay
Green clay is an excellent base for a face mask, If you have oily skin. Many nutrients, including magnesium, calcium, potassium, zinc, and manganese, are present in it. It aids in deep pore cleaning, eliminates impurities, removes dead skin cells, cures blemishes, and even calms minor irritations.
- Cocoa Butter
For dry skin, cocoa powder makes a fantastic mask. Because it is high in antioxidants, cocoa powder protects the skin from free radical damage, delays the onset of aging, and even brightens the complexion.
- Matcha Tea Extract
Matcha tea powder is a great substance to use to brighten dull skin. Furthermore, abundant in antioxidants and methylxanthines, it promotes microcirculation, improves skin radiance, and protects against free radical damage.
- Herbs, Fruits, and Vegetables
Fresh fruits, herbs, or vegetables should be another DIY component that dermatologists recommend. Most fruits with high antioxidant characteristics, such as orange, plum, guava, amla, and papaya, can be used without problems.
There is a caveat, though. When using fresh herbs, they should be used within a week. It’s best to stop putting them on the face once they dry out or develop black blotches.
- Carrier Oil
Carrier oil, on the other hand, is fantastic for the skin and hair! Carrier oils are obtained from exotic seeds, nuts, beans, or kernels and are high in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and E. It helps you stay hydrated.
However, when choosing a carrier oil, choose an unrefined, cold-pressed oil because it keeps its beauty-enhancing properties. Avoid using carrier oils on skin that is prone to acne and in humid regions since they might clog pores.
- Hydrosols
Hydrosols are aromatic waters that result from the steam distillation of plants and flowers. They are simple to produce at home and safe because they only contain 1% essential oil. Lavender, rose, chamomile, rosemary, and cucumber hydrosols are suggested. They can be used as toners, makeup removers, cold compresses for swollen eyes, and in masks.
Guidelines For Homemade Skin Care.
Dermatologists contend that DIY skincare products have many advantages but should be used cautiously. As a general guideline, always perform a patch test before putting any new component on the skin. A particular component that might be good for the skin can also be hazardous if used excessively.
Moreover, you should avoid letting any ingredient sit for more than a few hours; 15-20 minutes is adequate for best results. Aside from lowering the risk of sunburn and making the skin more sensitive, excessive sun exposure should also be avoided.
- Do a patch test every time.
- Avoid if you have a food allergy or sensitivity, are pregnant or nursing, or have any underlying medical concerns (consult a doctor first).
- Avoid putting anything near your eyes because they are more inclined to react.
- Avoid combining tea tree oil and lemon juice since they might irritate the skin and cause hyperpigmentation after an inflammatory reaction.
- Ginger and turmeric powder should not be combined because it may irritate the skin.
- Always utilize short-term, low-concentration tannin treatments, such as witch hazel bark extract.
Without Caution, DIY
Even if homemade skincare products are currently popular, you shouldn’t use anything you find in the kitchen on your face. Several DIY products cause various degrees of discomfort, and skin irritation is never good.
Collagen and the skin’s barrier layers deteriorate under irritation. Homemade, abrasive components rip at the skin and weaken it, destroying its defenses against environmental deterioration and causing more dryness and breakouts.
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