DIY is incredibly trendy right now. Everywhere you look there are DIY projects, recipes, and home skincare remedies galore. The all-natural craze has permeated nearly every area of our lives and there is nothing wrong with that. However, even natural remedies and DIY products may not be safe. But how do you know?
How to know which skincare home remedies are safe is an important thing to know before you get started on your next skincare recipe. Causing damage to your skin simply because you were uninformed about the potential hazards is not the point of natural home remedies. The point is for your skin to be healthy and free of synthetic materials.
On top of the home remedies, there are many “natural” products on the shelves in the beauty aisle. But what does that word actually mean and is it regulated by anyone? Knowing if the natural products that are sold in stores are safe for you to use as well as knowing if the lastest home remedy is safe are both equally important.
What Does Natural Mean on Labels?
So what does it mean when we are browsing the skincare aisle at our local store and we see a product labeled as “natural?” Sadly, this term really doesn’t mean anything. The term “natural” is not regulated by anyone so technically any company can put it on any skincare product whether it is true or not. Plus just because something is natural doesn’t mean that it is safe.
The term that is regulated is “organic.” This simply means that the product does not have anything synthetic, and is free of pesticides and fertilizers. That is a good thing but just like things that are natural, organic products don’t automatically spell safe. These products can still cause reactions and skin damage.
What Ingredients Are Safe for Home Use?
So this begs the question, “what is actually safe to use as home remedies?” There are actually many products that are safe for home use in DIY skin care products. Using them carefully and in a proper manner is of course important as well as paying attention to what your skin is telling you.
It is always wise to do a spot test before using a product or remedy all over your face in case your skin doesn’t react well. There are a number of these natural remedies that are probably sitting in your pantry or cabinets right now so let’s dive in.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has grown in popularity in the past few years for cooking and skincare. It really is a versatile natural product. It is amazing for moisturizing your skin but can be used in a few other ways as well.
This oil can be used as a make-up remover to remove that stubborn product that just doesn’t want to go away. It can also be used to soothe your skin barrier and make your skin look fresh and dewy by nourishing the lower layers of your skin.
There is a caution that comes with using coconut oil though. It may not be great for everyone and if you happen to have an allergy to coconut do not use this in any home remedies for skincare.
Apple Cider Vinegar + Tea Tree Oil
If you are wanting to try a home remedy toner we recommend this DIY toner. The point of using a toner is to restore the Ph balance of your skin before you put your moisturizer on. Apple cider vinegar combined with equal parts water and a few drops of high-quality tea tree oil will be much easier on your skin than a store-bought toner.
Many of the toners that you see on the shelves at your local store tend to contain alcohol which is very harsh on your skin. It is best to avoid alcohol for skincare but we will get to that later.
Olive Oil
Olive oil, which you probably have in your pantry right now, is a great natural make-up remover that also moisturizes your skin. However, if you have naturally oily skin you may want to choose something else. This is also true to acne-prone skin or combination skin.
However, for normal or dry skin types this is a great choice for make-up removal and moisturizing. So head-on into the pantry and try this natural home remedy tonight when you need to take your make-up off.
Shea Butter + Jojoba Oil
If you have very dry skin or your skin has been aging more that you would like. This next home remedy is what you have been waiting for. Shea butter plus some natural oils is great for dry and aging skin.
The key is to use raw shea butter as the base. Melt about half a cup of the shea butter and then add approximately two tables of jojoba oil. Mix these two ingredients well. You can add your favorite essentials oils in as well. Some favorites are lavender, tea tree, or melrose. All of those are good for the skin and add a nice scent.
Raw Honey
Raw honey is a very popular ingredient for natural skincare remedies. But you need to be careful. The honey you use really does need to be raw and the more local to you the better. Honey is a natural antibacterial and contains an amazing amount of antioxidants which makes it perfect for a natural and gentle cleanser.
The best way to use this is by making a natural cleanser using raw honey, water, and liquid Castille soap. Don’t make a lot at a time because water and honey tend to grow and hold bacteria so the best practice is to only make what you can use in a day or so.
Avocado
Avocado is wonderful to eat but that isn’t all it is used for. As a natural ingredient it is safe and perfect to use for a facial mask. This ingredient is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats. All things that your skin needs to look and feel it’s best.
The best way to use this in a mask is to smash a ripe avocado and mix it up with raw honey that has been dissolved in water. Rub the mixture on your face and leave it for 10 mins before removing it with warm water.
Your skin will be so soft and moisturized after you rinse this mask off that you will wonder why it took you so long to try it.
What to Avoid and Why
Along with natural ingredients that are great and can be used on a pretty regular basis, there are natural ingredients that may be popular or trendy but should be avoided or used with caution. Many of these might surprise you because if you search for skincare home remedies it is likely to find these ingredients among many of the results.
While we can only caution you and give you the reasons why these are not the best ingredients to you use, it is ultimately your decision what you put in your skincare home remedy.
Egg Whites
Egg whites are extremely popular ingredients because they tighten your skin and can be used in DIY blackheads removers. However, there is a really good reason to avoid using this ingredient.
The white part of an egg is the part that is susceptible to carrying salmonella bacteria. If you happen to get an egg that is contaminated then the results might not what you were hoping for. Getting a salmonella infection in your skin would not be ideal.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is also pretty popular when it comes to DIY skincare. This is ingredient will actually damage the skin protective barrier. Not only that but if your skin that has been treated with lemon juice is exposed to the sun there could be a significant reaction on your skin.
It is best to try and avoid this skincare ingredient. There are a number of natural ways to reduce dark spots on the skin without damaging the barrier.
Cinnamon Powder and Sugar
These items are typically used to exfoliate the skin. Not necessarily together but are often paired with things like coffee grounds or other abrasive items. While the results look and feel amazing to the naked eye, they actually put microscopic scratches on your skin.
Cinnamon powder, if accidentally exposed to your eyes could injure the sensitive skin around your eyes as well as your actual eye. If you choose to use these items make sure you are mindful of the sensitive areas on your face.
Alcohol
This ingredient is very common for skincare products and is often called for in DIY recipes that can be used at home. However, alcohol is not the best for your skin. It dries out all skin types and is harsh in nature. There are alternatives like the apple cider vinegar toner recipe that is healthier and more effective.
People commonly believed that because of the harsh smell and the burn you feel when you clean your face with alcohol that it must be working. But that is just not the case. Skincare should not be painful, for the most part, especially natural remedies.
Water
The more water that is in a recipe the more likely it will grow bacteria. Water seems like a give me when it comes to natural ingredients but it really isn’t great if you aren’t using any bacteria-killing preservatives.
If you are going to use water in your recipe don’t use tap water. You can boil the water before use but it is likely to become contaminated anyway. This is true for any kind of water because once the seal is broken and it is exposed to the open air, bacteria can come in.
Baking Soda
Another bacteria breeding ground, baking soda, has been used for years in homemade face masks. However, this is not good for your skin and can create a perfect bacterial breeding ground right there on your skin.
Bacterial infections on your skin are hard to clear up and tend to be very uncomfortable. You may be wondering why baking soda does this. That is a great question because of all of the great uses for baking soda in our everyday lives. The reason is due to baking soda being an extremely alkaline substance.
Meaning that it is a base. This makes your skin, essentially, a Petrie dish. We know, this is pretty gross but it’s true so go ahead and leave the baking soda in the refrigerator to deal with the smell of leftovers.
Applying the Same Moisturizer on the Face
Do you think that all facial moisturizers have the same function? No. Some of these are responsible for skin care during the day. Others take care of your skin at night. The solar filters present in the moisturizers to be applied during the fay help protect the skin from harmful radiation. However, moisturizers for night-use promote cell-renewal. Avoid using the same moisturizer which you use on your body on your face.
Using Too Many Anti-aging Products
It is better to use a moisturizer than an anti-aging product. Apply a moisturizer containing SPF protection to enhance the shine and texture of your skin. The anti-aging products do not prevent the aging process.
Switching Brands and Products
Do not try experimenting with your skin too frequently. Beauty care is a process, and you need to provide it with the necessary time and space. After all, creams and lotions are not emergency buttons that you push to enjoy instant results.
You need to give at least two months for each product and check out whether your skin is compatible with it. Changing the products for makeup too often leads to nothing. Each brand has unique ingredients, and you need to check out their USP before applying them.
Going to Sleep with Makeup on
It is a common mistake that eventually leads to the loss of glamour and shine of the skin. You can apply lotions, gels, wipes, or cleansing milk to remove this coat before going to bed. It will help you to retain the gloss and shine in the skin.
Applying Soap and Water to Clean the Skin
Busy work schedules and lack of time often leads to negligence of the skin. Sometimes you may not get the time to apply a facial and use soap and water to remove the dirt. It results in the degradation of the qualitative aspects of the skin and dehydrates it. You cannot remove the left-over materials of makeup with soap. So, it is better to use the right product
Applying Too Much Cream to Combat Acne
If you apply too many lotions and creams on your face to fight acne, your skin becomes coated with a layer. It is an unhealthy sign for your skin. Cleaning the skin regularly, particularly during the morning and night, will help you to tackle acne.
Tip 1: Ignore the Products Which Exaggerate their Claims
Exaggeration in claims is the first and foremost sign which you should perceive as a red signal. Say, for example, a product claims to be a daytime product yet lacks sunscreen. Such a product will never turn out to be good. Always choose a daytime cream that has SPF 30 or more in it.
Tip 2: There Are No Miracle Products
Many brands claim to provide results within 30 days or even less. Understand that aging and skin decaying is a natural phenomenon that cannot be regulated with just any product. Instead, eating healthy will help to delay the process.
Tip 3: Follow a Skincare Routine Regularly
In the hustle-bustle of daily life, we might often forget to take care of our skin. But, that is a grave mistake. If you have made up a skincare routine, make sure to follow it daily. Following the routine, irregularly will cause more damage than healing.
Tip 4: Clean Your Pores Regularly
Your skin needs proper care and attention. Apart from daily cleaning, dirt, dead skin, and grime accumulated on your skin, it also needs to be cleaned. They cannot be cleansed through regular daily cleaning and need special home remedies or expert help. Hence, exfoliating your skin with a good homemade scrub such as sugar scrub is a good idea!
You should use this scrub at least twice a week to get that flawless skin. We hope that now you are aware of the tips to follow a safe skincare routine. Let us have a look at some of the safe skincare remedies. These remedies have been prevailing in the society for years and have yielded positive results.
Additional Tips For Skin Care
Exfoliate your skin
Exfoliation, in this context, refers to the process of getting rid of dead and worn-out skin. You need to properly exfoliate your skin at least thrice a week, if possible, four times. Although it may feel irritating to your skin, gently remove the old skin by scrubbing.
However, it is enough to exfoliate the skin twice a week for people with sensitive skin. Remember that excess exfoliation results in the fast aging of the skin. Keep your skin hydrated adequately at the same time.
Use a Moisturizer or a Serum
People having dry skin need to use a moisturizer regularly. Even if you do not have dry skin, you should apply a moisturizer to the skin when you exfoliate it. It is important to retain the water content of the cells. Excess exfoliation leads to skin dehydration, and you will suffer from the roughness in your skin.
Moisturizers are suitable for all age groups. However, if you are old enough to use a serum, do it. The basic difference between a moisturizer and a serum lies in their ability to penetrate the skin. A moisturizer works only on the superficial layers on the skin. While a serum can penetrate deeper. It hydrates the skin cells from the inside.
Look Out for Blackheads
For the moisturizers to work properly, you need to allow them to penetrate your skin cells. Blackheads and dead skin block the pores of the skin, preventing them from entering the inner layers. It results in clogging of the cells, resulting in pimples. You can exfoliate the blackheads to allow the skincare products to do their job.
Use Sunscreen
There are various myths about skincare. The most common one is that exposure to the sun delivers the essential elements to your skin. But in reality, it’s more a curse than a blessing. You may think that exposure to the sun will give you tanned skin.
However, think twice before you leap. Skin-specialists have recommended SPF 15 to 20 protection for healthy skin, free from the sun’s harmful UV rays. You may not find any immediate effect if you ignore this part. However, it is a process of slow degradation of your skin that will manifest itself in the years to come.
There is no point in healing your skin by consuming enough water when you do not protect your face from the sun. You need to help your skin while exposing yourself to the sun proactively. It is always recommended to cover your face when you are out. Use a good sunscreen that has SPF 20 to safeguard it against the harsh UV rays.
Always Eat Healthy Foods
You must have heard it many times before; that healthy food improves the quality of the skin. There is scientific truth behind it. Healthy foods contain vitamins and minerals which add to the glow of your face. The lesser processed and fried foods you consume, the lesser the face skin needs to work to keep it healthy.
Cleanse Well
Grime, pollution, and dirt get accumulated on the skin and leave your skin lifeless and dull. Your skin needs a meticulous cleansing regime offered by the right products. Cleanse thoroughly to make sure it remains supple and clean all the time. Do not forget to wash your face when you come back home.
Drink Lots of Water
Yes, water is essential for the skin as it keeps your skin glowing and hydrated. You can drink smoothies and healthy juices to keep your skin hydrated. Do not forget to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water each day. Hydrated skin keeps your face well-nourished, glowing, and soft.
Pamper Your Face
It is essential to show some care and love to your skin by pampering it. Carry out regular skin treatments, cleanups, massage, and other home remedies to keep your skin fresh. It will also help to increase blood circulation. It is also important to treat your face with a real fruit facial and scrub.
Wash Your Hair Regularly
Sometimes acne, bumps, and other skin issues can be caused because of the dandruff problem. When hair comes in contact with your face skin, it creates various issues like acne, blemishes, and roughness. Always use a medicated shampoo to cure dandruff and take those extra steps to get healthy skin.
Go Natural
Do not use chemical-based products and always go for natural skincare. Natural and homemade things are always better as they are chemical-free and have no side effects on your skin. They are priced remarkably low as well when compared to the chemical ones. Go natural ways as this is the best way and best tip that you will get.
Get a Good Night Sleep
Your body goes right into the repairing mode when you are sleeping and rejuvenates your skin cells. When you do not have enough sleep, it instantly becomes visible on your face. Consequently, you will get saggy skin, dull complexion, and dark circles.
You need to have at least 8 hours of good night’s sleep to have healthy and beautiful skin. Develop a habit of sleeping early. Ensure you sleep with tied hair. It will avoid any dandruff-causing skin ailment or clogged skin pores that result in dull skin and blackheads.
Use Cosmetic Skincare Products Judiciously
You need to provide your skin a rest once in a while and ditch makeup for a few days. You will find amazing guaranteed results on your skin if you do so.
Do Not Stress
You need to avoid taking stress without any reason. Even after trying the remedies given above, some people are tense about getting flawless skin. It is all because you are stressing over the results. Stress only causes oil secretion, which, in turn, makes your skin absorb more pollution and dirt.
It leads to various skin issues. Relax your mind, and do some meditation and yoga. You will feel different and see the difference. Now, let us have a look at some of the unsafe skin care practices. They tend to affect our skin adversely.
What You Need to Know About Home Remedies
Home remedies are great for many reasons. They can save money, can save your face from harsh chemical products that can harm you in the long run, and they can make your skin healthier than it has ever been. We don’t want to discourage you from using home remedies.
However, we do want to caution you to do your research and know what even natural ingredients can do to your face. Having the title of being natural does not mean that it is automatically good for your skin. You need to know your skin type and what the ingredient could possibly do to that type of skin.
Remember to always do a spot test on a hidden part of your face like by your ear or on the underside of your wrist, since the skin there tends to be sensitive. This will allow you to try the ingredient or homemade product and test for reactions before using it all over your face. It is never a good idea to try a product or recipe for the first time all over your face. This is a recipe for disaster.
Also, if you are ever concerned or have questions about your skincare regimen make an appointment with your dermatologist. Discussing the ingredients you want to use with a medical or skincare professional will pay off in the longer run. Especially if you have major questions or misgivings about the ingredient, recipe, or product.
