Don’t Try These at Home: 5 DIY Skin Care Hacks to Avoid

It is easy to understand why do-it-yourself (DIY) skin care hacks are tempting to try. Apart from promising amazing results, most of things involved in these hacks are natural and easily found in your household. These can save you a few dollars from buying beauty products or visiting a skin aesthetic doctor.  

While DIY hacks may seem safe and cost-effective, you have to take note that they are not formulated for skin. Many of these tricks may also cause more harm than good and make your skin problems worse. In this post, we share some of the DIY skin care hacks you should be wary of.

Removing blackheads using glue (as a peel off mask)

This trick involves applying some glue on your or nose or other parts of the face with blackheads. You will then have to wait for the product to dry and peel it off, along with the gunk and blackheads in your skin. It can be combined with charcoal to absorb oil and draw toxins out.

While some people swear by this hack’s effectiveness, glue is not intended for your skin. They also contain ingredients and preservatives that may cause irritation, especially when left too long on your skin. There is also the risk of clogging your pores, causing more blackheads and blemishes.

If you’re looking for an effective way to get rid of blackheads, see a skin or aesthetic doctor for product or treatment recommendations. Some of the procedures that can unclog pores include microdermabrasion, hydra dermabrasion, and Laser Genesis skin therapy.

Treating acne with toothpaste

Although toothpastes have drying and bacteria-killing ingredients, they are intended for teeth, not skin. They may dry out your acne, absorb oil, and kill germs, but it is also likely that the product can cause further dryness and irritation. This can also lead to inflammation and more breakouts.

If you want to get rid of your acne, you may use over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. These work best on mild to moderate acne and usually contain ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. You can also consult a dermatologist for other treatments like prescription strength medications and aesthetic procedures.

Moisturizing face with coconut oil

Coconut oil may have anti-bacterial and hydrating properties, but it is not an ideal replacement for face moisturizers. This is especially true if you already have clogged pores or oily and acne prone skin. Using this oil on your face can clog your pores and result in more breakouts. 

It is best to use a facial moisturizer that is right for your skin type. If you, for instance, have oily and acne prone skin, choose light and oil-free formulas. Be sure to avoid moisturizers with synthetic fragrances, as they have potential to irritate your skin and cause rashes or allergic effects.

Exfoliating skin with baking soda

While the gritty texture of baking soda can help exfoliate skin, it is not ideal for your face. It also has a pH level of 9, which can strip the skin of its essential/protective barrier oils and do more harm than good. Baking soda can also dry your skin and make it more sensitive to the sun. 

You can gently exfoliate your skin by using a soft washcloth and lightly rubbing skin in circular motions.  Avoid overdoing it or exfoliating skin with cuts and open wounds. You can also consult an aesthetic doctor for a safe exfoliation method based on your skin type. 

Using your kitchen for skin care ingredients

Lemon juice is a common kitchen ingredient that many use to treat acne or lighten spots. Unfortunately, lemon is also extremely acidic, which can dry out and irritate the skin. It can also make the skin sensitive after sun exposure and cause pigmentation or dark spots to appear.

Other popular ingredients that can do more harm than good include garlic for acne, salt for exfoliating, and egg whites for clarifying pores. If you have skin problems that you want to treat or improve, use products formulated for your skin. You can also see an aesthetic doctor for treatment can help improve the tone and texture of your skin. 

Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore offer medical-grade skin care products and nonsurgical aesthetic treatments for different face and body concerns. Contact us today or schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctors to learn which procedures are right for you.