Here are a few common DIYs that I'd like to bust:
1. Toothpaste.
People like to use toothpaste as a spot treatment for acne because it dries out the breakout. And yes indeed it does, but it is also extremely irritating to the already red, swollen and sore zit. Some toothpastes contain ingredients such as baking soda, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and methanol, which all cause irritation and inflammation. Using it as a spot treatment is too harsh, especially for those with sensitive skin. In some cases it may cause chemical burns. Since breakouts are usually pretty irritated and painful on their own, try more soothing and calming ingredients such as tea tree oil, salicylic acid/ willow bark, or lavender.
2. Lemon Juice.
Now this one almost makes sense to me.. Lemons contain enzymes that can potentially brighten your skin, but applying a lemon directly to your skin can be damaging. Lemon juice is on the opposite side of the pH scale, meaning it is highly acidic. So using it causes disruption your skin's acid mantle (natural barrier function) and creates an irritation on a cellular level. Also citrus fruits are phototoxic, meaning they can cause blistering and burns when exposed to the sun. If you're wanting to brighten your skin and even out your skin tone, first use sunscreen to prevent spots from darkening, and then invest in your skin by using a professional grade skin brightener with ingredients such as licorice root, for a natural solution, or hydroquinone from your doctor.
3. Baking Soda.
I hear about people using baking soda as an exfoliant constantly. There is also a brand at the drug store that advertises it as the number one ingredient in their acne product, endorsed by a beautiful actress with perfect skin, who probably doesn't even touch the stuff. Again with the pH scale, baking soda is super alkaline, it can throw off your skin's natural barrier. When the skin's barrier function is disrupted, the bad bacteria can hang around and grow and create more breakouts and irritation. Using baking soda even once can damage your skin and create major moisture loss. I'd really like to talk to the person who thought it was smart to put it in an acne product and ask them, "WTF?!"
4. Rubbing Alcohol.
You're kidding me right? If you're using alcohol on your face for any reason other than to sterilize a wound.. You've lost your mind. Scientists use alcohol to cause a skin irritation to test other products that calm irritation. Talk about ruining your skin's barrier function. Just don't do it unless you want, dry, flaky skin with a possibility of more bacteria growing and irritation. Witch hazel is a much better toner and it's natural.
5. Coconut Oil.
OK, I can feel my blood starting to boil just a little bit so I'm going to take it down a notch. I love coconut oil. It's great for your hair, shaving, and in your coffee for extra energy. But unfortunately, it's not great for your face. The molecular structure of coconut oil is too large for your skin to absorb, meaning it will not hydrate the way our skin needs it to. If you love using an oil as a moisturizer (me too!) try jojoba oil, sunflower oil, or rosehip oil. They are more easily absorbed.
Hopefully this post has opened your eyes about a couple things. I would like to add that your skin is extremely important to your health, it is our largest organ after all. Please drink your water, wear sunscreen and take care of your body, we only have ONE! If you don't care for looking healthy and ageless, then by all means, use whatever you want on your skin. But my goal is to inspire you invest in yourself, take care of yourself and feel beautiful. That is why you're reading this right?
As always, thanks for hanging out and if you have any questions about ingredients and skin care, don't hesitate to shoot me a message!
XO Lindsay
