The Internet is full of do-it-yourself skin care hacks that promise amazing results using ingredients easily found in your kitchen or bathroom. And truth be told, who doesn’t love a good hack; especially ones that could save you an extra trip to a Fort Collins dermatologist. But some skincare hacks are not the DIY miracles you hoped they would be. Here are five skincare tricks you should be sure to avoid.
1. Toothpaste or Diaper Rash Cream for Acne
Getting a pimple the day before a big event, or simply getting a pimple, leaves people frustrated and desperate for a quick acting spot treatment to save the day. However many of the DIY pimple remedies that promise results overnight could, in all reality, lead to a bigger blemish.
One of the most commonly used pimple hacks is to put a drop of toothpaste on it with the expectation that it will dry up before it can flare up. While toothpaste does have drying properties, it could cause your skin to dry out too much and create more irritation, more inflammation, and more of a breakout.
Another, less common, pimple remedy is to use diaper rash cream as a spot treatment. Diaper rash creams and ointment are formulated with soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients, which people believe will treat redness, but they also have a significant amount of occlusive ingredients that can make breakouts worse. Zinc oxide, one of the primary active ingredients for diaper rash creams, can trap sweat and heat underneath the skin, triggering acne.
If you’re struggling with breakouts, a dermatologist is best equipped to help you improve the health of your skin. Rather than attempting DIY spot treatments, choose to treat the problem at its root with help from someone who treats skin every day.
2. Using Glue as A DIY Facial Peel or Blackhead Remover
School glue may be non-toxic, but that doesn’t mean it should be used for skin care. You may have read online that glue can be used to get rid of blackheads or as a key ingredient for homemade facial peel masks, but glue should never be used on your face. Glue is not produced for topical use, and it is highly likely to adhere too strongly to your face. It will not only be painful to peel off, but it can also leave behind irritation, inflammation, and even remove necessary oils from your skin. Rather than leaving your skin smooth, soft and clear, it will open pores and create a prime opportunity for clogged pores and a breakout.
The best facial peel you can get is one from an experienced dermatologist. A chemical peel administered by a licensed professional can help the texture of your skin and even clear up blemishes without harming or irritating your face.
3. Making Deodorant or Hairspray Part of Your Makeup Routine
If you’re looking for a good makeup primer or mattifier, deodorant will not work. If you’ve been searching for a new setting spray, hairspray is not a good idea. While deodorant effectively minimizes sweat, it will not reduce oil production in your face, but it can, however, increase the risk of irritation and clogged pores. Likewise, hairspray is a great choice to keep your hair in place, but it will not set your makeup. Hairspray will make your skin dry and irritated, leaving a flaky finish rather than a flawless one.
4. Moisturizing with Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a good alternative for cooking oils in many recipes, but it is not an alternative for moisturizer, particularly if you have acne prone skin. Many people swear by the hydrating properties of coconut oil, but if you have skin that is prone to breakouts, it could make things worse. Coconut oil is comedogenic, meaning it will likely clog your pores and cause a breakout rather than prevent it. The best way to moisturize your face is with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer that is specially formulated for your skin type. Click here to read more about how coconut oil is awesome, but not meant for everything.
5. Raiding Your Kitchen Cabinets for Skin Care Ingredients
Natural ingredients are always recommended, but not all items in your kitchen make good skin care products. Before you start cooking up an exfoliator, facial peel, and lip plumper, stop to research the ingredients you’re using and how they will affect your skin. Many popular ingredients for homemade skin treatments will make skin worse rather than improving it. Baking soda, lemon juice, cinnamon, and raw egg whites can dry out your skin, cause a rash or blotchiness, and lead to a breakout among other side effects. To read more about the kitchen ingredients you should avoid, click here.
For reliable advice and skin care treatments that are safe and effective, schedule an appointment with us at Front Range Dermatology Associates today.