Do-it-yourself beauty preparations are extremely popular today. From facial masks to skin lightening preparations, recipes are available online for many beauty applications. However, these methods should be taken with a grain of salt. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Usha Rajagopal is an expert on health and beauty topics. She provides information on 10 DIY beauty hacks that are considered dangerous.
Using Glue as a Face Mask
It may seem easy to use Elmer’s Glue as a DIY blackhead mask, but this can be painful and dangerous for your skin. The glue holds much more tightly than commercial blackhead masks, and some people may even be allergic to this preparation since it is not regulated for use on the skin.
Using Cinnamon as a Face Mask
Cinnamon masks make the skin burn and can cause lasting irritation. Cinnamon is a spice that generates heat, so it should not be rubbed on the skin. Getting it close to your eyes can produce serious eye irritation as well.
Lightening Skin with Lemon Juice
It may seem that lemon juice is a simple and safe way to reduce the appearance of dark spots on the skin, but it will dry out your skin. It will cause irritation by damaging the top layer of your skin. It is phototoxic, meaning that its effects are multiplied by the sun. You may get a sunburn-like rash.
Sugar Scrubs for the Face
Sugar facial scrub recipes are everywhere online. However, sugar is too abrasive for use as a face scrub. It can cause micro-tears in your skin, fostering irritation and acne breakouts. Stick to a commercial scrub or just use a washcloth.
Using Lipstick and Liner Around the Eyes
Products that are safe for the eyes are generally safe for the lips, but not the other way around. While liquid lipsticks and liners can make attractive eye cosmetics, they are not tested to be safe around the eye area. Stick to products that are made for the part of the face where you wish to use them.
Toothpaste as a Pimple Cure
This is a traditional beauty hack which has received attention online. Toothpaste is too drying for use as a pimple cure. Many toothpastes had an antibacterial component called triclosan in the past, but this has been regarded controversial for some time.
Cotton as a Lash Extender
This can be extremely dangerous for your eyes. Commercial lash extending mascaras use very small fibers to add to the length of lashes. If cotton fibers get in your eyes, you will have serious eye problems.
At Home Mole Removal
Moles should only be removed by a medical doctor or dermatologist. Herbal remedies like eggplant extract do not work and can cause scarring. When a doctor removes a mole surgically, he or she can test it for precancerous or cancerous cells.
Ordering Beauty Injectables Online
Dr. Usha Rajagopal warns against this practice. Unregulated preparations that claim to be neurotoxins are sold online for at – home injection. No one should attempt to do facial injections without extensive training. Save injectables for use in a dermatologist’s or plastic surgeon’s practice.
When searching out beauty treatments online, it is imperative to do your research and make sure you are not going to do something that will damage your skin. Some of these bogus beauty tips can permanently damage your skin or eyes. When in doubt, ask your dermatologist or family doctor what is safe.