After I consider DIY skincare, I typically discover myself sitting on the fence. Whereas part of me is aware of the advantages of a superb haldi and honey masks, the opposite a part of me additionally cringes each time somebody applies lemon juice to their face. I’m torn. Earlier than I step on any grandmother’s toes, let me make clear—pure substances do host a plethora of magnificence advantages in your hair and pores and skin. They’re medicinal. However, someplace between ‘age-old conventional cures’ and ‘lockdown desperation’, we discovered ourselves swimming in opposition to a present of concoctions that weren’t simply weird, however have been additionally fairly unsafe.
From utilizing unstable substances to layering and pairing the unsuitable substances collectively—the DIY skincare world grew to become a recipe for catastrophe. Does this imply it’s a must to swear off pure magnificence altogether? No—you simply should discover a safer method to do it. Dr Batul Patel, medical director, The Bombay Pores and skin Clinic tells us how!
“Pores and skin being the biggest organ of the physique absorbs the contents utilized on the floor. At all times be conscious of choosing secure but efficient substances. With the arrival of social media and a plethora of influencer movies on skincare DIY ideas, it might probably get overwhelming and at occasions complicated. Begin with understanding your pores and skin sort, get verified info from medical consultants, and at all times do a trial of the substances in your pores and skin earlier than utilizing it in your face,” Dr Patel advises.
Professional-approved DIY substances
#1 – French clay
Aka inexperienced clay is a superb base for a face masks, particularly in case you’ve obtained oily pores and skin. It accommodates a complete lot of vitamins similar to magnesium, calcium, potassium, zinc, and manganese. It helps deep cleanse your pores, removes impurities, exfoliates useless pores and skin cells, treats blemishes, and even soothes any minor irritations.
#2 – Cocoa powder
In response to Dr Patel cocoa powder works as an ideal masks for dry pores and skin. Wealthy in antioxidants, the cocoa powder helps combat free radical harm, fights the indicators of ageing and even brightens the pores and skin.
#3 – Matcha tea powder
For those who’re trying to brighten uninteresting pores and skin, then Dr Patel says that matcha tea powder is a superb ingredient to take action. Additionally wealthy in antioxidants and methylxanthines, it helps combat free radical harm, boosts microcirculation, and leaves your pores and skin with a glow.
#5 – Hydrosols
The fragrant water produced by steam when distilling crops and flowers are often called hydrosols. They’re simple to make at house and based on Dr Patel comprise lower than 1 per cent of important oil which makes them secure to make use of. “Urged hydrosols embrace lavender, rose, chamomile, rosemary, and cucumber. They can be utilized in masks and in addition as toners, make-up removers, and as chilly compression for puffy and drained eyes,” she provides.
#6 – Fruits, herbs, & greens
One other dermatologist-approved ingredient so as to add to your DIY checklist must be contemporary fruits, herbs or greens. “Largely fruits with excessive antioxidant properties like orange, plum, guava, amla, and papaya are secure to make use of,” says Dr Patel. You may both smash them and apply them, or add them to your face masks. Herbs like contemporary thyme, neem, parsley, and rosemary are literally reasonably soothing and therapeutic for the pores and skin. However, this comes with a disclaimer. Dr Patel suggests, “Recent herbs ought to be used inside per week—as soon as they develop darkish spots or begin drying up, it’s greatest to keep away from utilizing it on the face.”
#7 – Service oils vs important oils
Important oils have confirmed to be a reasonably well-liked DIY ingredient, nonetheless, Dr Patel warns that it must be utilized with warning. “Important oils ought to by no means be utilized undiluted to the pores and skin. For delicate pores and skin, the rations ought to be far more in comparison with regular pores and skin. In any case, important oils have to be used with plenty of warning—or it’s greatest to be averted as a DIY at house.”
