Dermatologists weigh in on the do-it-yourself skin care treatments that can help promote good skin health on your face.
What to know about DIY skin care Treatments
Do-it-yourself (DIY) skin care recipes are all over the Internet. Their boosters tend to claim the treatments can miraculously transform your skin. Most dermatologists, though, are skeptical of how those claims hold up. “Lots of things that are in our kitchens are likely to break our skin out, and you can be allergic to ingredients,” says board-certified dermatologist Tracy Evans, MD. For instance, the lemon in skin brightening recipes can make your skin extra sensitive to sunlight, leaving you with blisters or a rash, says board-certified dermatologist Esta Kronberg, MD.
Even if a homemade product doesn’t do damage, it probably won’t do as much good as you’d hoped, Dr. Evans says. She recommends sticking with products that have been through clinical trials for your big skin problems but also notes that DIY recipes can be fun and feel good. Before you smear anything on your face, she recommends doing a patch test. Place a bit of the product on your arm, cover it with plastic, and leave it there for a bit. If you don’t get any bad reactions, you’ve got the green light to use these dermatologist-approved recipes on your face. Also, check out what happened when one writer put homemade skin products to the test.
Oatmeal as a face cleanser
If harsh retinoids from anti-aging products have left your skin sensitive, swap your usual cleanser for this gentle oatmeal and honey scrub from board-certified dermatologist and founder of Ava MD, Ava Shamban, MD. Oatmeal and honey have anti-inflammatory properties, and honey has the added bonus of being an antiseptic. The lactic acid in yogurt, meanwhile, acts like a mild exfoliator. Grinding sunflower seeds packs a one-two punch—the grounds have scrubbing power, plus you’ll release their moisturizing oils. “You want to add a little oil to it because you’re stripping the skin, so you leave it smooth but moisturized,” says Dr. Shamban. Grind a tablespoon each of oats and sunflower seeds in a blender. Combine the mixture with two tablespoons of yogurt and one tablespoon of warm honey. Gently scrub it onto your face, neck, or chest, and leave on for three minutes before rinsing off with warm water. skin care treatments
Sugar for glowing skin
An exfoliating sugar scrub is a fun DIY addition to any at-home spa day, and it’s easy to make your own. Just mix one part olive or coconut oil with two parts sugar, adding a few drops of yummy-smelling essential oil if you’d like, says board-certified dermatologist Jessie Cheung, MD. “You can make a more therapeutic sugar scrub by adding ground oats and honey for additional hydration and calming,” she says. Learn more morning tricks for glowing skin. skin care treatments
Green tea for peeling, red skin
Dr. Shamban recommends her calming green tea rose water mist for irritated skin. The green tea acts as an antioxidant, and the rose water is anti-inflammatory. “When skin turns red or peely such as from eczema or psoriasis, there’s underlying inflammation,” she says. “These support our natural system for mitigating the effects of free radical damage to the cells.” To make your own mist, steep two bags of green tea in half a cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Take the tea bags out and mix in half a cup of rose water. Pour in a spray bottle to apply, and refrigerate the leftovers in a sealed jar. skin care treatments
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