4 DIY Skin-Care Hacks You Should Never Try

Who doesn’t love beauty hacks and quick fixes? They’re often cost-effective and typically involve ingredients and tools already in our possession. But, it’s important to note that some viral beauty “hacks” you find on the Internet can actually have negative effects on your skin.We asked board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant Dr. Dendy Engelman to share the DIY beauty tricks and hacks you should never attempt.

Bad Beauty Hack #1: Using Glue to Remove Blackheads

Of all the beauty hacks you should never try, using glue to remove blackheads ranks at the top of the list. “This is a smart idea in theory, but these products aren’t designed or manufactured in a place that is meant for facial application,” Dr. Engelman says. “That alone means that the product can be contaminated with other ingredients that could be dangerous, particularly if you have any open lesions on your skin. There are many better ways to help unclog pores, like applying a clay mask or visiting your dermatologist for an extraction with sterile tools.” 

Bad Beauty Hack #2: Using Diaper Rash Cream to Clear Up Acne

Acne can be bothersome and painful, so it makes sense that you’d be willing to apply just about anything onto your skin in order to help clear it — even diaper rash cream. But Dr. Engelman urges you to reconsider. “I’m always in support of multipurpose products,” she says. “That said, I would not suggest tossing your acne treatment just yet. The design of diaper rash creams is to provide a barrier seal, usually with the presence of other emollients. In hindsight, this can actually worsen conditions for acne-prone skin if applied all over the face.”

Bad Beauty Hack #3: Applying Toothpaste to a Pimple

You may not have heard of using diaper rash cream or glue on your skin, but chances are you’ve heard of — and potentially even tried — applying toothpaste onto your pimples. For whatever reason, this beauty hack is one that many people follow, but it’s not wise to do so. “Like rash cream, the ingredients in toothpaste are not meant to be on the skin,” says Dr. Engelman. “Baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol and other elements can dry out the skin. It can also lead to peeling.”

Bad Beauty Hack #4: Applying Lemon Juice to Lighten Areas of Hyperpigmentation

Dealing with discolored spots on your skin? A quick search on the internet will list a number of kitchen staples that can supposedly help, including baking soda and lemon juice. The truth is, you’re better off leaving those items where they belong, and that’s in your pantry. “There are great uses for lemon and lime juice, but applying them on dark spots is not one of them,” Dr. Engelman says. “The biggest factor being that it is too hard to control where the acids are going and you risk a negative reaction, whether it’s a darkening of the surrounding areas due to increased photosensitivity or hypopigmentation.” The good news is that there are ways to help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation on your skin. Dr. Engelman suggests starting with retinol. “Studies show that retinol helps diminish the appearance of age spots from both environmental and intrinsic aging,” she says. “Additionally, retinol helps minimize the appearance of pore size.”

Editor’s note: If you’re new to retinols, be sure to ask your dermatologist if you’re a good candidate, first. Since the ingredient is potent and powerful, you should always start with a lower concentration and slowly work your way up to help build your skin’s tolerance. Also, be sure to limit your retinol use to the evening hours — the ingredient can cause sun sensitivity — and wear broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher during daytime hours.

The key takeaway here: It’s wise to visit your dermatologist for the best advice on how to target your skin concerns, not the Internet. 

Read More:

Up Your Sun Protection With Foundations Formulated With Sunscreen

Find the Best Face Oil for Your Skin Type

Caffeinated Skin-Care Products That’ll Give Your Face a Wake-Up Call