10 THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER APPLY ON YOUR FACE

The internet is filled with umpteen beauty hacks for a radiant face! But do you believe everything you read? While some products may give instant results, they can prove to be detrimental in the long run.

So if you are wondering whether a particular product or ingredient is good for your facial skin or not, you should read this article. Know all about what you should avoid applying on your face, and why.

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Things You Should Avoid Applying On Your Face

1. Paraben

Foundation, bb creams, shampoo, lotions and many other skincare products often contain paraben as an ingredient. This harmful chemical, can cause hormonal imbalance by influencing the estrogen[1] in your body. Some people also get allergic reactions due to paraben based products. The allergy can cause itchy red skin and even inflammation.

Smart Tip

Check the label on the product before buying, so that you can avoid using paraben.

2. Mayonnaise

Apart from making food delicious, mayonnaise is also used in homemade hair care regimens. Some use it as a face pack as well. This is not advisable as mayonnaise is acidic and occlusive. This may clog your skin pores. Additionally, ingredients present in mayonnaise, such as egg yolk and soya, may lead to allergic reactions.

Smart Tip

Avoid using mayonnaise on the face

3. Sugar

Sugar is a common ingredient in many DIY face scrubs. While it has some wonderful exfoliant qualities, it can be abrasive for your skin. Usage can lead to irritation, redness and dryness of the skin. If not used gently, sugar can hurt your skin with scratches which cause micro-tears.

Smart Tip

When using sugar on your face, apply it very gently.

4. Hot Water

Just like hot water should not be used to wash hair, it isn’t advisable for your face too. Direct use of hot water on your face will reduce the moisture in your skin, making it dry and dull. It may also cause a burn.

Smart Tip

Use lukewarm water for facial steam therapy. This will help open up your skin pores and loosen the dirt for better cleansing. It also softens the blackheads and whiteheads, making them easier to remove.

5. Lemon

Enriched with Vitamin C, lemon is indeed good for health. But applying raw lemon slices or lemon juice on your face, may cause more harm than good. Psoralen, a chemical found in lemon makes your skin sensitive to light. So, going out under the sun, after using lemon, may irritate your skin. This may also result in a chemical burn.

Smart Tip

If you need a DIY bleaching or skin lightening ingredient, use potato or tomato slices, which are considered safer options.

6. Toothpaste

Toothpaste is popular as a DIY remedy for blackheads and zits. But experts say that using toothpaste on your face can lead to burns and even infections. If you have used toothpaste on your pimples before, you may have noticed them turn red post the usage. This is because toothpaste has strong ingredients, which can irritate your skin.

Smart Tip

Avoid using toothpaste on your face and use safer remedies instead.

7. Baking Soda

A versatile ingredient, baking soda is used for many things. Due to its multipurpose nature, you may have used it to cure acne too. However, baking soda is alkaline in nature and may cost your skin, its pH balance. Your pH level secures your skin from bacteria and infectious pathogens. If your natural pH is disturbed, you may get breakouts.

Smart Tip

Avoid the use of baking soda on your face.

8. Glue

Many popular social media influencers give DIY remedies to their followers. One such remedy recommends using glue as a blackhead remover. Peeling off glue is indeed a fun-filled experience. But it is not advisable to use on your face. Glue can be toxic to your skin. Even a non-toxic glue can clog your skin pores.

Smart Tip

Use safer remedies for blackhead removal.

9. Bar-Soap

You clean your face with soap or face wash to remove the dirt and excessive oil. But in that process, you cannot afford to lose the natural oils that keep your skin hydrated. Bar-soaps remove the natural oils from your skin and make it dry, rough and even itchy.

Smart Tip

Follow instructions of skin experts, and use a face wash or gentle cleanser for the face.

10. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil usage is not recommended for people with oily skin. Coconut oil is a good carrier oil and used in many homemade remedies for hair and face. But it takes time to get absorbed into your skin. If you already have oily skin, coconut oil will clog your skin pores. This will eventually cause an acne breakout.

Smart Tip

If you can’t go without face oil, try using olive oil in a small amount.