These days, many people prefer to make their skin care products at home. It always helps to know what exactly you are applying on your skin. However, some of these products do more harm than good. It may sound surprising, but the fact that something is natural does not mean that it is good. So proceed with caution when making use of DIY tips.
Beautiful black women. Photo: Makeup trends
Here are five products most people use in their homemade treatments that may harm their skin:
1. Lemons
Fresh lemons
Lemons are used for lightening parts of the skin and can be very effective in a short period of time. There is a reason why you can only leave this on for a few minutes, and you are warned against hypersensitivity. Due to the acidic PH of lemons, the skin ‘s protective layer can be eaten up in the process of lightening parts of the skin. The skin then becomes more sensitive to the sun, and can lead to blistering or bad discoloration. You don’t want that now, do you? It is okay to use lemon in your tea and to detox, but not to apply it on your face. The same thing applies to lime, which is even harsher than lemons.
2. Eggs
Fresh eggs
Eggs are used to tightening the skin. Egg whites improve skin tone and elasticity, are gentle on the skin, can minimise fine lines and make your skin glow. However, egg whites can also contain salmonella, which can cause severe food poisoning when accidentally ingested.
3. Papaya (or pawpaw)
Papaya
While there are many benefits to eating papaya fruit and applying it to the skin, there are also a few potential papaya side effects and warnings to be aware of, especially with regards to the green unripe fruit. Papaya contains the papain enzyme and antioxidants, which make it a sought-after ingredient in anti-ageing creams. Papaya can cause allergic reactions in some people like itchy, dry or swollen face and lips, and rashes. So if for any reason you notice any negative change in your skin over time, cease to use it. You might be allergic. Thankfully, it is extremely beneficial to the health of most people.
4. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil. Photo: YouTube/ Hairstylist
Tea tree has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties and has been used for hundreds of years to fight breakouts, redness and inflammation on the skin. However, there can be nasty side effects to using tea tree oil when applied directly to the skin or in unrecommended doses, or by people allergic to it. It can cause skin irritation and swelling, especially in people with acne. It can sometimes cause skin dryness, itching, stinging, burning, and redness. Applying it may not be safe on the breasts or for young boys who have not yet reached puberty as it could disrupt the normal hormones in a boy’s body. It can cause skin irritation (burning, drying, eczema, fluid build-up, itching, rash, redness, scaling, warmth, and toxicity in human skin cells). Use cautiously when applied to the skin or when used as an eyelid scrub. Use cautiously when used in combination with lavender oil, as this may cause a widespread rash.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
apple cider vinegar. Photo: Health magazine
ACV is a versatile and inexpensive natural skin care product with antifungal properties that can be used to cleanse the skin and help stop acne. The use of ACV for skin problems dates all the way back to Hippocrates (460-377 BC), considered “the father of modern medicine” and a believer in the use of anti-fungal ACV and raw honey for cleaning ulcerations and treating skin sores. ACV is commonly used as a base because it kills yeast and bacteria that lead to B.O. and it is great at absorbing/neutralizing stinky scents. Although it is not so bad for the skin, ACV is not that fragrant, and it isn’t easy to mask even after adding your favorite essential oil. It is also not so great at stopping sweat.
