BEAUTY BLUNDERS
I’m a skincare scientist – 4 viral hacks aren’t as magical as you think, a mistake could cause micro-tears in your skin
A DIY dental skincare trick passed down through generations could be making your skin worse
A MEDICAL professional debunked several popular beauty trends that may do more harm than good.
Although many skincare experts advised it, they claimed that a common mistake could cause micro-tears in your skin and potentially cause acne.
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Head Scientist Dr. Dave Reilly disproved some viral beauty hacks and highlighted the damage they do.
It’s easy to get swept up in the latest trends and quick tricks that promise "miraculous results, " but some of them may not be as magical as they seem.
TEASPOON TIP
The first myth involves placing cold teaspoons over your eyes to reduce eye puffiness and minimize under-eye dark circles.
Dr. Reilly admitted that the method may stop swelling temporarily, but he called the effects "short-lived."
He added that the extreme cold is "harsh on the delicate skin around your eyes," which could potentially lead to irritation.
Instead, he suggested using a nourishing eye cream made specifically to target puffiness and dark circles.
"It is not only safer but more effective long-term," he said.
NOT A SUGAR SOLUTION
Dr. Reilly also cautioned against improper exfoliation techniques.
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"DIY sugar scrubs are made by mixing sugar with coconut oil or vaseline to create a natural exfoliant for the skin," he explained.
The expert said that it is an essential step in a skincare routine, but "getting the right sugar exfoliant is difficult."
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"If the sugar granules are too small then the exfoliation is weak, if they are too large you could cause micro-tears," he added.
This can irritate the skin and worsen skin conditions like acne.
He advised a better alternative that is only needed two to three times a week.
"Opt for acid-based products like AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate the skin effectively but gently," he said.
DENTAL DETAIL
Using toothpaste as a spot treatment isn't new and goes back decades.
Applying a dab of toothpaste on spots is supposed to dry them out, and minimize redness and inflammation.
But Dr. Reilly said it could make your spots and surrounding skin much worse.
"Toothpaste contains ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, surfactants, and alcohol, which can dry out the skin, leading to redness and peeling," he explained.
He offered helpful suggestions for those who struggle with spots or have acne-prone skin.
"Use targeted treatments that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide," he advised.
They tackle the problem without damaging the derma.
"You should also focus on hydrating the skin, through a lightweight hydrator like hyaluronic acid," he added.
BRIGHTENING BLUNDER
Similar to the method above, lemon juice has gained a reputation for being a natural way to brighten the skin and reduce dark spots.
People often apply it directly to their face or add it to a DIY facemask.
"While lemon juice is high in vitamin C, it is also highly acidic and can disrupt the pH balance of the skin when applied directly to the skin," the scientist said.
"This can cause irritation, and dryness and can weaken the skin barrier, leaving it more susceptible to irritation and damage from pollutants."
Rather than lemon juice, he recommended incorporating products that contain vitamin C or collagen into your lifestyle.
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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 your skin feeling hydrated and looking brighter.
Should you apply vitamin C to your skin?
Topical Vitamin C has several benefits for skin including hydrating, reducing redness, and hyperpigmentation.
According to , it may also help to promote collagen production and reduce the appearance of sun damage.
Research shows that it is safe for most skin types but may cause irritation in concentrations above 20%.
Experts recommend doing a patch test on a small skin area and waiting 24 hours to see if there are side effects before applying it to your face.
Discontinue topical use of vitamin C if you experience rashes, redness, or hives.
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