Since stores, salons and online deliveries were all shut for a couple of months due to the pandemic, DIY skincare became a massive trend in 2020. And since we had lots of extra time on hand, beauty buffs wasted no time in turning to the internet to look up some home remedies to deal with their skincare woes.
While some of those home remedies may actually work and show results thanks to natural active ingredients present in them, a lot of them can do more harm than good. To help you get a better idea, we’ve listed down four common skin treatments and homemade skincare remedies that you’re better off without trying. Trust us, your skin will definitely thank you for this…
- 01. Over-exfoliating
- 02. Applying lemon juice on the face
- 03. Believing everything natural is always good
- 04. Not being mindful when whipping up DIY face masks
01. Over-exfoliating
The amazing benefits of exfoliating are far too many. From sloughing away dead skin to leaving your skin looking brighter, a good exfoliator is mandatory in every skincare routine. However, it is important to limit the number of times you exfoliate your skin. Over exfoliation not only leaves your skin raw and irritated, but it can also compromise the skin’s barrier function, leaving it a lot more susceptible to damage.
02. Applying lemon juice on the face
Using lemon juice to brighten your skin and remove tan is perhaps one of the most common DIY skincare remedies available online. But unfortunately, it is just as harmful to your skin as it is popular, especially if you have sensitive skin. This is because lemon juice is highly acidic in nature and can irritate your skin as well as causing photosensitivity. It can also leave with you with burns that can take weeks, if not months, to heal in severe cases.
03. Believing everything natural is always good
Natural and organic skincare products have been gaining popularity recently as people automatically tend to assume they are safer. But it is always advisable to exercise some caution here as not everything natural is always suitable for your skin type and can cause an adverse reaction. Additionally, an all-natural product contains no preservatives. which means they are more likely to get contaminated than their synthetic counterpart.
04. Not being mindful when whipping up DIY face masks
DIY face masks may seem like an excellent natural solution to several skincare problems, but it is better to tread with caution. When concocting a DIY face mask, it is imperative to pick the right ingredients. The most common DIY face mask ingredients (mayonnaise, egg whites, baking soda, ACV, etc.) actually do more than good, and therefore are best avoided. Thoroughly research and patch test ingredients before putting them in your face mask to prevent an allergic reaction.
Written by Urvi Dalal on Jan 10, 2021
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!