cThanks to social networks, it is increasingly easy to come across “miraculous do-it-yourself remedies” in terms of skincare. In fact, many of the latest beauty trends come from TikTokbut not all hacks they are really good for the skin. Dr. Dario Dimauro, dermatologist and aesthetic doctor, helps dispel some of the most common false myths about the latest fashion trends skincare. For example, why preparing a skin mask at home may not always be a good idea…
DIY skincare, the beauty “mistakes” to avoid
«When you choose the DIY skincare the possibility of encountering undesirable effects increases» the expert begins to explain. The reason?
«Unlike cosmetic products that always undergo careful quality control before reaching the shelves, home preparations are not analyzed in any wayas one is led to think that “natural” or “homemade” also means “healthy” or “inert”.
“Nevertheless, there are many substances with a too acidic or too basic pH that can alter the balance of the skincompromising the defensive capacity, elasticity and favoring the appearance of skin reactions».
The most common mistake? In the heat of following trends, you risk combine the active ingredients incorrectlyresulting in irritation.
Attention especially in summer
Specifically, it is right with the arrival of the warm season that more attention must be paid to home skincare.
«In the spring-summer phyto-photodermatitis, i.e. dermatitis caused by the cross-reaction, is very frequent among the plant extracts considered absolutely harmless because they are absolutely natural, but which, combined with the action of ultraviolet rays, prove to be highly irritating or even allergenic» explains the expert. To preserve the beauty of the skin, no “magic potion” is needed, but “accurate and non-aggressive cleansing, hydration and photo-protection”.
There are 6 beauty trends not to try according to dermatologist Dario Dimauro. Apparently harmless rituals – spotted on social networks – which, however, can prove to be potentially harmful to the skin.
1) “Skin Icing”: at risk of irritation and broken capillaries
Remedy reported trendy by celebrities including Hailey Bieber, the “Skin Icing” involves massaging ice cubes or beauty tools frozen on the face. The target? Decongest and give an instant lifting sensation.
Hailey Bieber and the frozen skincare tool. Credits: YouTube
But why this beauty hacks can it be harmful? «Ice does indeed have a local vasoconstrictor and anti-oedema action, but it must be used with caution. Avoid direct contact with the skin e prefer professional cryotherapy treatments these are two indications to keep in mind for those who want to avoid redness, broken capillaries or even a real cold burn» explains Dr. Dimauro.
2) Slugging with Vaseline: never on acne-prone skin
Straight from TikTok, the slugging is among the latest beauty trends and consists in applying a layer of Vaseline as the final step in the beauty routineto decrease trans-epidermal water loss and ensure a glow effect.
«Although petroleum jelly is a clinically tested product, when it is used on inadequately cleansed, seborrheic or asphyxiated skin it can be excessively occlusive and trigger acneas well as giving rise to unpleasant inflammations» warns the dermatologist.
3) Rice water
The trend originated in Japan and has become popular again due to its alleged properties: it is believed that rinse your face with rice water is able to maintain skin elasticity.
“However, rice water can make skin dry, with an unfortunate reverse effect. Not only that, if applied incorrectly on open pimples or imperfections, it can cause further redness and even infections »explains the expert.
4) Baking soda and lemon scrub: watch out for PH
“The lemon is among the most potentially aggressive natural ingredients to use in the DIY skincare. Its very acidic pH can in fact alter the protective skin barrier and make the skin photosensitive» explains the expert.
Furthermore, “when combined with bicarbonate, a highly basic solution, it is possible that an imbalance between acid and basic occurs, favoring dermatitis and sensitizations”.
5) Coconut oil, no to combination skin
A natural ingredient that has become part of home remedies is thecoconut oil. “Although the main feature of this ingredient is its oily consistency, which makes it capable of dissolving make-up, the make-up removal effect is not guaranteed,” explains the expert.
“Unlike cosmetic products, coconut oil lacks surfactants and other molecules capable of effectively “capturing” all make-up residues. Furthermore, it is particularly difficult to remove and the temptation to scrub vigorously».
Finally, coconut oil can be comedogenic for people with oily or acne-prone skin and, if in direct contact with the eyes, irritating».
6) Coffee grounds against tired eyes
Finally, the last one beauty hacks with which Dr. Dario Dimauro recommended caution is to use coffee grounds to decongest the eye area.
«Although it is true that coffee has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, even in this case it is good to avoid it DIY skincare and prefer dermatologically tested caffeine-based products».
«The application of coffee grounds to fight puffiness and dark circles can in fact not only be a useless practice, but can also favor the appearance of irritation phenomena» concludes the dermatologist.
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