Once upon a time, Abraham Lincoln expressed these infinite words of wisdom: Don't believe everything you read on the internet. Or did he? Though we don't know who really uttered this sentiment, what we do know is that these are wise words to live by, especially when it comes to skincare.
From Pinterest to Instagram to good ole' Google, the internet is full of sources that claim to hold the secret to DIY skincare. These secrets often involve raw ingredients you can find in your refrigerator or pantry. Because of their raw nature, people are unlikely to question the source that touts the ingredients' benefits, but maybe they should. Though you will find many of the hyped ingredients listed in store-bought products, when you use them alone and without properly diluting them, you risk damaging your complexion. Read on to learn which ingredients you should think twice about smearing your face.
Lemon or Lime Juice
Rumor has it that if you squirt a bit of lime juice on hyperpigmentation or an acne scar, you can lighten the blemish. Health professionals warn against doing this. In the best care scenario, you feel a slight sting and maybe reap the benefits of fruit juice exfoliation. In the worst-case scenario, you may have to go to the hospital for the care and treatment of second-degree burns. When the psoralens in lemons or limes are exposed to UV light, they can cause a phototoxic reaction on your skin. What this means is that your attempt to fade a pimple or red spot could actually result in a second-degree blister. The blister, which is called a phytophotodermatitis, may appear one to three days after exposure to sunlight, and it could last for months.
Egg Whites
Though it's nice to think that you can give yourself a facial while cooking up your morning breakfast (Some egg whites for the pan, some egg whites for your face, there is little reward and a lot of risk for doing so. In the best-case scenario, the egg will wash right off your face without incident. In the worst-case, the egg is contaminated with Salmonella and you get severely ill. Additionally, because egg is difficult to wash away, you risk infecting your sink or bathtub with raw egg for hours or even days.
Breast Milk
For whatever reason, breast milk facials have become all the rage at some spas, and those who cannot afford these luxurious facials often turn to their breastfeeding friends for some product. Health professionals lament this trend.
