A MEDICAL professional has debunked several popular beauty trends that could do more harm than good.
Although many skin care experts advised it, they claimed that a common mistake could cause micro-tears on the skin and potentially cause acne.
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Absolute Collagen Chief scientist Dr Dave Reilly has refuted some viral beauty tricks and highlighted the damage they cause.
It’s easy to get carried away by the latest trends and quick tricks that promise “miracle results,” but some of them may not be as magical as they seem.
TEASPOON TIP
The first myth involves placing cold teaspoons on your eyes to reduce puffiness and minimize dark circles.
Dr. Reilly admitted that the method can stop swelling temporarily, but he called the effects “short-lived.”
He added that extreme cold is “rough on the delicate skin around the eyes,” which can cause irritation.
Instead, he suggested using a nourishing eye cream made specifically to combat puffiness and dark circles.
“It’s not only safer, but more effective in the long run,” he said.
NOT A SUGAR SOLUTION
Dr. Reilly also warned against improper exfoliation techniques.
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“DIY sugar scrubs are made by mixing sugar with coconut oil or petroleum jelly to create a natural exfoliant for the skin,” he explained.
The expert said it’s an essential step in your skincare routine, but “getting the right sugar scrub is difficult.”
“If the sugar granules are too small the exfoliation is weak, if they are too large it can cause microtears”, he added.
This can irritate the skin and worsen skin problems like acne.
He advised a better alternative, needed only two to three times a week.
“Opt for acid-based products like AHAs and BHAs to effectively but gently exfoliate your skin,” he said.
DENTAL DETAIL
Using toothpaste as a spot treatment is nothing new and dates back decades.
Applying a little toothpaste to the spots should dry them out and minimize redness and inflammation.
But Dr. Reilly said this can make the blemishes and surrounding skin much worse.
“Toothpaste contains ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide, sodium bicarbonate, surfactants and alcohol, which can dry out the skin, causing redness and peeling,” he explained.
He offered helpful suggestions for those who suffer from blemishes or have acne-prone skin.
“Use targeted treatments that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide,” he advised.
They solve the problem without damaging the dermis.
“You should also focus on hydrating your skin, using a lightweight moisturizer like hyaluronic acid,” he added.
LIGHTING ERROR
Similar to the method above, lemon juice has gained a reputation as a natural way to brighten skin and reduce dark spots.
People often apply it directly to their face or add it to a DIY face mask.
“Although lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, it is also highly acidic and can disrupt the skin’s pH balance when applied directly to the skin,” said the scientist.
“This can cause irritation and dryness and weaken the skin barrier, leaving it more susceptible to irritation and damage from pollutants.”
Instead of lemon juice, he recommended incorporating products containing vitamin C or collagen into your lifestyle.
He said a great way to introduce both into the body is through supplements.
Supplements rich in these antioxidants are great for supporting your skin, as they can help keep it hydrated and looking brighter.
Should you apply vitamin C to your skin?
Topical vitamin C has several benefits for the skin, including hydration, reducing redness and hyperpigmentation.
According to Health lineit can also help promote collagen production and reduce the appearance of sun damage.
Research shows it is safe for most skin types, but can cause irritation at concentrations above 20%.
Experts recommend doing a patch test on a small area of skin and waiting 24 hours to see if there are any side effects before applying it to your face.
Stop topical vitamin C if you experience rashes, redness, or hives.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
