Let him throw the first stone who never exfoliated his skin with sugar, nor used egg whites to remove blackheads or made an avocado mask for his face.
Homemade recipes are a family tradition in Brazil, as they tend to be more practical and cheaper than cosmetics. However, be careful that the cheap is not expensive: the mixtures may not be well received by the dermis, causing irritation and allergies that require the application of other products and even medications to correct the problem.
So it is good to keep an eye on not to harm your skin (or your hair) with combinations of dubious origin. Learn more about the risks of homemade recipes:
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Homemade recipes for the skin: to use or not?
Homemade recipes, like any other treatment, have their pros and cons. When indicated by a professional and done correctly, they can be beneficial for the skin. Professionals in the field will assess the condition of your skin and indicate which ingredients are compatible, in addition to prescribing the amount and frequency of application.
However, recipes found on the internet, which were not made by specialists or directed to your needs, present a greater risk to health.
That’s because what works for one person may not work for another, and not always whoever writes the recipe has the technical skills to do so. Therefore, it is possible that the author or author of the recipe does not know the risks to other people.
In addition, it must be borne in mind that the skin is an organ and therefore is subject to long-term damage. Hair can be cut to remove the damage, but the complexion does not have such an easy option for damage control.
If the mixture goes wrong, you may have to deal with blemishes, peeling, acne and even burns. Even if the recipe apparently works at first, it is possible that you are causing imperceptible skin damage that will only be noticed in the future.
So, before deciding to apply any cooking ingredient to the face, talk to a dermatologist, and strictly follow the instructions provided. So you know that you are receiving adequate guidance and have someone to turn to if the result is not what you expected.
What are the cares and risks with homemade recipes for the skin?
Now that you know you need a professional’s opinion first of all, you should also keep an eye on the care that home recipes require, and the risks they present.
When you start preparing, wash your hands thoroughly and use clean utensils to avoid contaminating the material. It is also important that the ingredients have been previously stored correctly, that is: with the packaging closed, protected from the sun and moisture, and without contact with contaminating agents, such as used hands or cutlery.
If you intend to use honey, for example, do not take it from a jar that someone has eaten. When in doubt, buy new ingredients and take all necessary care.
However, be aware that even if you take these precautions, you will still be risking the health of your skin. This is because the components used in home recipes have not gone through the same purity process as a laboratory.
In addition, homes typically do not have the industry standard for cleaning and sterilizing materials. Thus, your revenue is at constant risk of being contaminated, either from the environment or even from the components used.
Another thing to keep in mind is that each ingredient can react differently on the complexion, and the characteristics of your skin also impact the final result.
Honey can have very different effects on dry and oily skin, so it is important to have the appropriate indication regarding the amount, regularity of use and other factors that may interfere.
Know some items frequently used in home recipes and learn more about the risks of each one:
Sodium bicarbonate
Baking soda helps lighten blemishes, soothe burns or irritations, and control inflammation, such as pimples. However, it is abrasive and its alkaline pH is not compatible with that of the skin.
So, when used in large quantities or frequently, it causes skin sensitivity, which can lead to redness and itching.
Before testing recipes with bicarbonate, ask for a dermatologist’s indication to ensure that the product is suitable for your needs, and also to obtain the correct indication of use.
Cinnamon
Although widely used in cooking recipes, cinnamon should not be applied pure to the skin . It can be mixed with creams and masks, acting as an exfoliator and improving skin balance.
But be careful not to suffer from the rebound effect: if used improperly, cinnamon can dry out dry skin and aggravate acne in oily skin. It can also cause swelling and tingling.
Lemon
Lemon can be used to lighten stains and control oiliness. In addition, it is a source of vitamin C, an antioxidant nutrient that fights premature aging.
But be careful: the lemon can also stain the skin and even cause burns, so its application must be done very carefully, preferably at night, to avoid exposure to the sun.
Café
Whether in grains or powder, coffee is widely used in homemade recipes because it is anti-inflammatory. It is capable of combating even cellulite , helps in the firmness and elasticity of the skin and can also be used as an exfoliator.
The problem with applying coffee directly to the skin is that its particles are not ground to equal sizes. According to the pharmaceutical Neiva Cristina Lubi, this irregularity in size can cause abrasion and hurt tissues.
Sugar
Like coffee, sugar is widely used as an exfoliator, but it encounters the same problem: it does not go through the proper grinding process, so the particles are different sizes.
Sugar also contains glycolic acid, which can assist cell renewal, but also sensitize and irritate the skin. Therefore, nothing to apply it on the skin without the guidance of professionals in the field.
Corn meal
Cornmeal is another natural scrub that falls into the same problem as excessive abrasion. It is often associated with moisturizing the skin and fighting acne, but it should also not be used without dermatologist guidance.
What to do when the homemade recipe stains the skin?
However much care is taken with homemade recipes, it is still possible to suffer from an adverse reaction. This is also true for industrialized products , although many are dermatologically tested precisely to ensure that there is less risk of rejection by the body.
In the case of cosmetics, you can take the packaging to the office to help identify what caused the allergy and do a sensitivity test, in addition to being able to contact the manufacturer (it may be a defective batch problem).
With homemade mixes, the process is more difficult. If the result was not the desired one, do not try to correct it at home; the first step is to make an appointment for a doctor. Assess the condition of your skin and make an appointment or, if the problem is serious, seek an emergency service.
Then tell the specialist what may have caused the reaction (don’t hide that you made a homemade recipe – omitting information will only make the problem worse) and follow all the guidelines. Tests and prescription of medication, such as anti-inflammatory or antiallergic agents, in addition to ointments for topical use, may be necessary.
When the reaction is severe, as is the case with burns, more radical treatments may be necessary. In some situations, laser therapy or pulsed light is recommended.
Have you ever had negative consequences when using homemade skin recipes? Tell us your experience!
