Whether you’re trying to save money, have some teenage sleepover-like fun, or you’re just looking for natural ingredients, the DIY skin routine is a big trend. But is it safe?
While DIY products may lack preservatives which seems to be a good thing, they can also degrade quickly and develop bacteria that could lead to breakouts and infections.
Myth 1: Homemade skincare products are safe
The DIY beauty trend is here to stay, and it’s tempting to raid the kitchen cupboards for ingredients to make our own skincare concoctions. After all, these homemade recipes promise to be better, healthier and cheaper than the products we buy in stores. But is this really the case?
The truth is, DIY skincare products are not necessarily safe. The main reason for this is because homemade beauty products may not be well-formulated, leading to ineffective results or even skin damage. Another problem is that these products may contain unregulated ingredients, such as essential oils, which can be very irritating to the skin or cause an allergic reaction.
Homemade skincare enthusiasts may also use ingredients that are not suitable for the skin, or they could use incorrect measurements. This can lead to ineffective products or a product that is too harsh for the skin. Finally, some people can be allergic to certain types of natural ingredients, including many common food items like shea butter and avocado oil. Therefore, it is important to always perform a patch test before using any new skincare product.
In addition, homemade skincare products often lack preservatives. Without these ingredients, the products can quickly become infected with bacteria or mould and cause problems for the skin. Even some natural ingredients like rosemary extract and grape seed extract do not have the ability to kill all the microbes in a skincare formulation.
Furthermore, homemade skincare products should be stored properly to avoid spoilage. For example, they should be kept in cool, dark places like the fridge and away from sunlight. Otherwise, the ingredients will lose their quality over time and spoil more quickly.
In addition, the word ‘natural’ on the label of a skincare product is not regulated in the same way as food products are. Therefore, the term ‘natural’ can mean anything from an all-natural ingredient to a totally synthetic product. This is a big problem for consumers, as it can be misleading and mislead them into buying a product that is not safe for the skin or body.
Myth 2: Homemade skincare products are effective
The skin is one of the largest organs in our body, a reflection of our overall health and wellbeing. It also acts as a shield that protects us from harmful environmental factors and germs. That’s why it is essential to care for it by using natural and cruelty-free products. However, the current beauty product market is saturated with synthetic products that contain ingredients that are harsh and may damage the skin barrier. Natural skincare is a safer option as it’s made with plant-based ingredients, which have been scientifically proven to be effective in treating various skin concerns.
It’s also important to understand that homemade skincare can be a risky option, especially if it is not properly formulated and preserved. This is because homemade beauty products often lack the preservatives found in commercial products, which can cause bacterial contamination. To avoid this, it’s advisable to only use DIY skincare products that are single-use and store them in a clean and dry place. It’s also important to conduct proper research and follow recipes that are trusted, and to patch test new products before applying them on the face.
Another myth about homemade skincare is that it’s more effective than commercial products. This is false because it is not only the quantity of ingredients that matters but also the quality of those ingredients. The majority of homemade skincare recipes don’t include ingredients or formulations that have been proven to be effective in improving skin issues.
Some DIY skincare enthusiasts even go as far as recommending the use of non-skin safe ingredients, such as Elmer’s glue, as pore strips! Not only is glue messy and painful to apply, but it can actually strip the skin of its protective layer and lead to irritation. Moreover, it is a good idea to stick to recipes that are specifically designed for skincare, and avoid products with high pH levels, which can disrupt the skin’s acid mantle and cause a host of other problems.
Despite the widespread misconceptions about DIY skincare, it is still an effective and affordable alternative to many conventional beauty products. It is a great way to cut down on costs and reduce waste, while also supporting small businesses and the environment. Nonetheless, it’s important to remember that the best way to keep your skin healthy is by practicing mindful diet and exercise, maintaining a proper sleep schedule, managing stress, and avoiding environmental pollution and excess sun exposure. Here is a guide to better skin if you are interested in having a flawless looking skin.
Myth 3: Homemade skincare products are affordable
The truth is that DIY beauty and skincare products aren’t always cheaper than store bought items. Depending on the ingredients you choose, they may actually cost more than conventional products. However, the money saved by avoiding purchasing products with harsh chemicals, added preservatives and synthetic fragrances can often make up for the initial upfront expense.
Another reason to consider DIY skin care is that it allows you to create products that are customized for your specific skin type. For example, if you have oily skin then incorporating tea tree oil into your face wash or making an anti-inflammatory mask with clay can help balance excess sebum production and reduce breakouts. People with dry skin can add hydrating oils such as jojoba oil to their face and body lotions for extra nourishment.
Many natural skincare brands are small, artisanal operations that take the time to formulate all-natural products with only high quality, organic and/or raw ingredients. The people behind these brands often have backgrounds in aromatherapy, herbalism or even pharmacy, so they know what they’re doing. They’ve also done the research to know which products work and which ones don’t. They also have a firm grasp of how much ingredients can be used without causing an allergic reaction in any given person.
Lastly, the all-natural and eco-friendly ingredients in homemade skincare aren’t just good for your skin but they’re great for the planet. This means that you’re not contributing to the pollution of our lakes, oceans and forests which is a huge concern for many people.
Despite these facts, it’s important to remember that no matter how expensive or inexpensive your homemade skincare products are, they’re still not going to be as cheap as the chemical-filled products on the shelf. Most recipes for DIY skincare require a fair amount of ingredients so it can become quite costly to purchase the safe-for-your-skin, organic and eco-friendly ingredients you need. Additionally, storing your products correctly (in an airtight container away from direct sunlight and heat) can prolong their lifespan. This will help to ensure that they don’t spoil and cause infections when applied to the skin.
Myth 4: Homemade skincare products are a good alternative to commercial brands
While DIY skincare is trending, it isn’t for everyone. In fact, it can be dangerous and even cause skin issues if not done correctly. For example, DIY face masks often call for ingredients like salt and coffee granules which can be harmful if they are not washed off the skin properly. Furthermore, the lack of preservatives in DIY products makes it easy for bacteria to form. Additionally, using harsh scrubs that irritate the skin can damage its surface layer.
Another common skincare mistake is using hot water to wash the face, which can lead to dryness and irritation. Instead, it is recommended to use lukewarm water as hot water strips the skin’s natural oils and can cause inflammation.
It is also a myth that expensive skincare products are more effective than affordable ones. While the price tag of a product does matter, what matters more is the quality and effectiveness of its ingredients. You can find highly effective and affordable skincare products with the right ingredients that can make your skin glow.
Lastly, many people think that baking soda is a great cleanser or face mask, but this can be very harmful for the skin. Baking soda can disrupt the pH balance of the skin, leading to a variety of skin problems. Instead, try a gentle cleanser with soothing and moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera or shea butter.
There is no doubt that the use of natural and organic skincare products has become more popular in recent years, as consumers look to minimize their environmental footprint while still maintaining good quality. However, it is important to remember that natural or not, skincare products need time to show results and should be used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle that includes proper diet and exercise.