DIY Skincare is a huge topic within the skincare and healthy beauty community. There are so many different DIY skincare recipes on the internet - and maybe you've tried out a few of them?
In this article I will be exposing the truth about DIY skincare.
Is DIY Skincare Healthier/Safer?
Many people try out DIY skincare recipes in the hopes that it will be healthier for them. It won't contain additives and preservatives which could have negative toxicologic effects on the skin, and most importantly not contain pAraBeNs.
And in a way, yes. If you are making your own cosmetics, you will control exactly what you are adding into a product.
However, do you really think the cosmetics market would allow toxic cosmetics onto the market which could harm consumers? No. Every single cosmetic that is sold in stores (or online) has been tested under many aspects including: toxicity, microbiological safety and impurities.
This means that the products that are available to us ARE safe.
But are the cosmetics you’re making at home safe? Not necessarily.
There have not been any tests carried out to confirm whether your products are safe or not. In reality, you don't know what chemicals you are mixing together as you are not a skincare expert - and what if you accidents add too much of an ingredient which then irritates the skin?
If you are really concerned about keeping your skincare routine as green as possible, there are brands out there who specialise in green science and allow you to be sure that your products are kind to the skin.
Does DIY Skincare Work?
Maybe?
We don't know - once again this is something you have made in your kitchen.
There has been no testing to see if it is an affect cosmetic and it actually has any benefits. However, many DIY skincare gurus say that the ingredients they use have amazing natural properties, but can they really be trusted?
Always remember to back up your skincare routine with science, and ingredients that actually work to bring you the benefits you desire. There's no need in applying lemon juice to your raw skin for vitamin C, when all it's going to do is burn your skin.
Cosmetics on the market have to be claims tested. This means that if a cream wants to be labelled as 'hydrating', it needs to prove that it does work to hydrate the skin.
My journey with DIY Skincare:
So yes, I put three DIY face masks up to the test. Will they work? How will they look and smell? And will I actually be brave enough to use them?
Clarifying Oat Face Mask
"Regulate skin's pH with apple cider's high levels of alpha-hydroxy acids and remove excess oil and buildup with ground oats. The oats contain saponins, a naturally powerful cleanser."
Recipe:
Combine 3 teaspoons ground oats and ¼ teaspoon apple cider in a bowl until a smooth paste forms. Then add ¼ tablespoon lemon juice and ½ tablespoon brown sugar; stir until the mixture is even. Apply to freshly cleansed skin and let sit for five to 10 minutes, allowing ingredients to penetrate top layers of the skin. Then rub in circular motions to exfoliate and increase blood-flow. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry with a towel.
Source: Good House Keeping
Thoughts:
I must say, that this was probably the most successful face mask I made. It didn't look revolting like the others - but the smell of cider vinegar wasn't appealing in the slightest. It was very lump, so you would need to dilute it with some water if you actually water it to spread over the face.
Also, I am not sure how this face mask is going to regulate the pH of the skin - you're just adding acid. Adding acid to the face never regulated anyone's skin pH. I won't even mention the fact that we do not check the pH of the product - which could lead to potential burns.
Anti-Aging Cocoa Face Mask
"A decadent, antioxidant-packed cocoa mask replenishes moisture and gives skin a restored, youthful appearance. As skin ages, the moisture barrier begins to break down leading to dryness and the immunity layer of the skin weakens."
Recipe:
Combine 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon sour cream, 1 tablespoon honey, and one egg white. Apply to face and let dry before rinsing. The powerful ingredients make this a multi-tasking wonder-cream: Sour cream is a form of lactic acid that hydrates as it gently exfoliates; honey is a humectant that also boosts hydration while the protein in the egg white tightens and firms skin.
Source: Good House Keeping
Thoughts:
This was probably the most revolting cosmetic I have ever laid eyes on.
I mean, just think about it: coco powder, sour cream, honey and egg do NOT mix well together. Imagine putting that on your face, I couldn't.
Need I say it stank? No, thank you.
Soothing Aloe Face Mask
"Aloe vera is good for more than just a sunburn: It is full of skin-saving benefits. The powerful plant is composed of anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and moisturizing properties to leave skin feeling soft and looking radiant."
Recipe:
Mix 1/2 tablespoon of almond milk with one tablespoon of brown sugar until the sugar dissolves. Add four tablespoons (approximately) of aloe vera juice or gel. Apply the mixture onto your face, let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes and remove with warm water and a soft towel.
Source: Good House Keeping
Thoughts:
First of all, it is really hard to get your hands onto Aloe Vera, but being the plant lover I am - I had some growing around. May I remind you that aloe stinks.
This is definitely the least pleasant looking face mask, and I wouldn't dare to use it no matter how much you'd be willing to pay me.
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