Horrible Skincare Hacks You Should Steer Clear Of

The internet is full of at-home, DIY skincare “hacks” purporting to give you the clear, radiant, healthy skin you crave. While it might be tempting to try at least a few of these tips, many of these hacks can result in significant problems for your skin and your complexion.

At Vivash Medspa, our team offers truly custom skincare treatments using techniques and products tailored to your skin’s unique needs. Here are some so-called skincare hacks you should definitely avoid.

Using lemon juice as an astringent

Using an astringent or toner helps shrink pores and dissolve excess oil that can lead to breakouts. Because astringents tend to be mildly acidic, it’s tempting to think lemon juice is a natural substitute. Many people also use lemon juice to face freckles or dark spots.

The problem: Lemon juice is extremely acidic — far more acidic than cosmetic astringents. When applied to your skin, lemon juice alters the skin’s natural pH and disturbs your skin’s natural barrier, making it more prone to irritation and sun damage. Instead, use a pH-balanced toner designed for your skin type.

Using raw fruit for a face mask

Fruits contain acids and antioxidants that can be beneficial for skin — but again, moderation is key. Applying fruit or fruit juice directly to your skin can cause irritation and even allergic reactions, leaving you with excessively dry, flaky, red, or swollen skin.

While you might find fruit extracts in commercially available face masks, these products temper the harsh, acidic effects of fruits with other products that protect the skin. Ideally, you should look for a face mask that’s formulated with a combination of ingredients developed to soothe and support your skin’s unique needs.

Using toothpaste to treat blemishes

Toothpaste is great for cleaning your teeth but for your skin? Not so much. Yet some people advise using a dab of toothpaste to treat pimples and other blemishes.

While some toothpaste ingredients may help dry up excess oils, they tend to be overdrying — and they contain plenty of ingredients that can cause significant irritation or even mild burns. Today, there are plenty of over-the-counter spot treatments developed specifically for skin; combined with our facial treatments, they can help keep your skin clear and beautiful.

Exfoliating with sugar or baking soda

Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and keep skin looking and feeling fresh and smooth. However, using sugar, baking soda, coffee grounds, or other homemade exfoliants can damage the skin and cause tiny tears on the skin’s surface, leading to irritation and increasing the risk of breakouts and infections.

Our facials use exfoliants designed to gently remove dead, dull skin and debris. For home exfoliation, reach for products that use super-fine particles or chemical exfoliating agents, like alpha or beta hydroxy acids, and use them as directed.

Opening pores with hot water or steam

Many people advocate using steam or hot washcloths to open the skin’s pores and release impurities and excess oils. However, both these techniques can cause dryness and irritation while stripping skin of the oils it needs to stay healthy and soft.

A better option is to cleanse your skin using gentle products and lukewarm water. If you want to unclog your pores, try a facial customized to your skin’s unique needs.

DIY microneedling

Microneedling uses tiny needles to create controlled injuries, promoting collagen development for smoother skin. Today, there are a variety of at-home microneedling devices (dermarollers) on the market. While these devices might seem like a convenient alternative to spa treatments, they can cause serious damage and even lead to dangerous infections.

Our team offers the state-of-the-art Morpheus8® microneedling system designed for safe, predictable results. Morpheus8 can be used on your face or other body areas, improving skin tone and texture so your skin looks sexier and more youthful.

Using undiluted plant oils to moisturize

Plenty of skincare blogs advise using coconut oil to moisturize skin naturally. While coconut oil is great for cooking, it’s not a good skincare product.

Coconut oil is a heavy oil that tends to clog pores and lead to breakouts. Instead, choose a moisturizer that’s labeled non-comedogenic, which means it won’t cause pimples and other blemishes.

Professional care: a better alternative

DIY remedies might seem like a sustainable, convenient, inexpensive way to care for your skin, but remember: Your skin is an organ, and like any organ, it needs special care using products and treatments designed for it.

Our team is skilled in providing custom care to help your skin stay healthy and beautiful. To find out how we can serve your skincare needs, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Vivash Medspa in Mahopac and Cold Spring, New York, today.