Stop. Wait. Not every ingredient sitting in your kitchen is safe for you to slap onto your skin. Nope. That's a myth. You must research every ingredient you're incorporating into your skincare regimen—regardless of whether they're natural or homemade. And even though some ingredients are popular for their skincare benefits, this isn't a 'one-size-fits-all' situation. Your skin type, texture, and condition dictate how your skin reacts to a certain ingredient.

Recently, Dr Geetika Mittal, a cosmetologist, took to Instagram to dispel this myth. She put together a list of four ingredients from the kitchen you must never use on your skin, and captioned it, "Do you love DIY masks? Are you using ingredients from your kitchen? STOP NOW! These ingredients belong on your plate, not your face! Many of these can react with UVA rays, causing blisters, infections, and sensitivities. Trust only science-backed and proven products."

Let's go over them, shall we?

 

 

01. Lemon

Lemon

Even though lemon is a rich source of vitamin C, it contains citric acid, which can trigger irritation on sensitive skin. It can also lead to phytophotodermatitis. This is a condition that occurs when you expose your skin to citric fruits like lemons, and then to sunlight, resulting in painful, blister-like rashes on the surface. So if you want the goodness of Vitamin C generating maximum benefits for the skin, you can opt for the Lakmé 9to5 Vitamin C+ Clay Mask for healthy, glowing skin. 

 

02. Cinnamon

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is harsh on sensitive skin. It can trigger redness, irritation, burns and lead to discolouration and rashes as well. This is known as cinnamon hypersensitivity. Don't include this ingredient in your regimen if you have sensitive skin.

 

03. Vegetable oil

Vegetable oil

This oil does not suit all types of skin. It can lead to conditions like dermatitis, pityriasis rosea, and lichenoid dermatitis. They’re rich in polyunsaturated fats that are harmful for the body and can contribute to skin cancer. That’s not all. They can also disrupt the hormone balance, and cause cystic acne. So, avoid this one at all costs.

 

04. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar

This one's a popular DIY ingredient, but it's pretty acidic. This is why it can cause burns and irritation on the skin if it's not diluted. If your skin is sensitive, stray away from this ingredient at all costs.