When was the last time you tried a beauty hack off the internet and it changed your life (for the good, of course!)? The internet is full of beauty and make-up hacks, but that doesn’t mean you should give each of them a shot, just because you can! Some of these hacks can actually harm your skin, ladies! That’s why we decided to talk to Dr. Kiran Lohia, of Lumiere Dermatology to give you better insight on what hacks you should stay away from and why. Here’s what she had to say:
1. Using your mouthwash as a foot soak
This is so silly! Flaking skin on the feet is sometimes due to simple accumulation of dead skin and dryness. However, there is often some fungus and bacteria associated it with, as well. It is best to go to a dermatologist if it happens frequently and use pumice stones regularly. Also use keratolytic cream that helps slough off the dead skin.
For smooth and soft feet buy the Bioderma Sebium Sérum Concentré Purifiant Peeling Doux (Rs 1,232) and Vega Pumice Stone (Rs 80) that’s available on Nykaa.
2. Toothpaste to combat acne
Toothpaste is a skin irritant and people think it dries out pimples in a good way because it often induces peeling at the site. In reality, over-drying your skin when acne occurs is NOT the way to go! It will just cause more inflammation, redness, and burns that will lead to frustrating and long-lasting marks.
For clear skin, get this Nykaa Naturals Pure Essential Oil – Tea Tree (Rs 350).
3. Using deodorant as a primer
Absolutely not! This is so irritating and drying for the skin, irrespective of your skin type. You should use a nice, matte finish BB or CC cream depending on what type of skin you have. I love Bobbi Brown! If you find a good SPF, these make for great primers too. You can also try Dr. Jart+ BB cream.
Dr Lohia swears by these two BB creams and you should give it a try, too: shop this Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35 (Rs 3,800) and Dr. Jart+ Waterfuse Beauty Balm (easily available at Sephora stores)
4. Popping a zit with the help of a sharp object
Gross! This will absolutely leave a mark! You can get a Tricort injection in a trusted dermatology clinic to accelerate healing of the zit. But make sure it is done in a sterile, non-traumatic way. A good clinic will use an especially small, sterile needle for the least trauma possible.
We suggest you get the Innisfree Bija Trouble Spot Focus Duo (Rs 800) to reduce inflammation.
5. Using lemon to deal with hyper pigmentation
There is no home remedy for hyperpigmentation. Sunscreen is the most effective way to prevent ALL types of hyperpigmentation. If you are already struggling with patches of pigmentation, then strong, medicated creams and treatments are the only way to effectively treat them.
Protect your skin, buy the Avene Very High Protection Spray SPF 50+ (Rs 1,760) that’s available on Nykaa.
6. Using baking soda to rinse your hair
Using baking soda to wash your hair is a sure-fire way to cause permanent damage. Sometimes people like the feeling of overly-dry strands because they are obsessed with feeling clean and it sometimes curls easier. However, a little oil is essential for healthy hair. I like Kiehl’s shampoos for a healthy, hydrated shine.
For strong and hydrated tresses, get Kiehl’s Smoothing Oil-Infused Shampoo (Rs 2,300).
7. Applying a glue-based mask to get rid of blackheads
This is terrible! Please, never do this. The chemicals in the glue are quite irritating to the skin. Please see a trusted aesthetic clinic or dermatologist for a formal blackhead extraction via a sterile extractor or vacuum extraction.
You can get rid of blackheads, just buy the Innisfree Jeju Volcanic 3 In 1 Nose Pack (Rs 550), and it’s really effective!
8. Rubbing garlic on a pimple will make it disappear
Even if you (or your loved one) could handle the smell of rubbing garlic on your face, it won’t work. It can irritate both your skin and eyes. Although there are some home remedies that are more suitable than garlic, your best bet is a good spot treatment. My favorite are the ones that contain sulfur like Mario Badescu.
Banish acne with Mario Badescu Drying Lotion (Rs 1,300) that suits all skin types.
Featured Image: Shutterstock
