One of the biggest skincare errors dermatologists advise against are handy hacks, such using toothpaste to remove an unexpected pimple or trying to achieve a salon-quality glow with a strong peel. At some point, we’re all guilty of letting these supposedly rapid cures fool us and ruining our skin.
Here are 4 skincare errors you can avoid at home, according to experts:
STAY AWAY FROM: Home Chemical Peels
Chemical peels shouldn’t be performed at home, especially those that include 20–35% glycolic acid or TCA (trichloroacetic acid), according to Dr. Madhuri Agarwal, the founder and CEO of Yavana Aesthetics Clinic. I’m now treating a patient who attempted to use a 35% glycolic acid peel that she had purchased online but ended up with several burns and hyperpigmentation. Keep in mind that chemical peels are powerfully concentrated acids that operate by carefully destroying tissue. It necessitates meticulous pre-skin preparation and post-peel care. Chemical exfoliators or moderate, gentle home peels can be used in place of chemical peels at home. Because they are not extremely strong and have low concentrations, these cosmeceuticals pose a lower risk of causing skin damage.
AVOID: Applying toothpaste to blemishes
According to Sarin Skin Solutions dermatologist Dr. Ankur Sarin, “Toothpaste frequently contains cooling ingredients like menthol, which can momentarily alleviate redness and inflammation. But the inflammation and the redness will return. Toothpaste also dries out the skin, hinders healing, and can result in dark stains after the zit has healed. It is intended for teeth, a hard human tissue, and using it on delicate places like an open zit might result in dermatitis. Use a salicylic acid serum instead, which can be incredibly effective on active pimples.
AVOID: Microneedling your skin
According to Dr. Prateek Sondhi, MBBS, MD-Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, “Trying microneedling at home has become relatively straightforward with the easy availability of derma rollers and other gadgets online. You must reach the proper skin depth for it to function, which is impossible to perform at home or without the proper training. Depending on the particular location of your face, the depth varies. Finally, you run the risk of spreading an illness if you continually use the same needles on your face. The best course of action is to let your dermatologist handle this appropriately.
Avoid using Citrus Juice or Essential Citrus oils to Skin to Brighten it.
We all know that lemons and other citrus fruits have brightening properties, but lemon juice and its essential oil also have phototoxic properties that can quickly tan, cause redness, and irritate the skin. This is according to Tvachamrit’s founder, Aastha Khandelwal Jain, who is also certified in organic skincare formulation and facial care. There are known allergens and sensitizers in it, including furocoumarin, limonene, citral, and citronellal. Lemon juice is also far too acidic for our skin. Instead, by drying the peel at home, pulverising it into a fine powder, and using this as a scrub, you can benefit from this abundant vitamin C botanical source.
