The Biggest Mistakes You're Making With DIY Masks
1/8We all know that there is a wealth of information online. So much so, that it's pretty easy to turn to the interwebs every time we're looking for a solution. Need a few tips on home décor? Check. Looking for a tutorial on how to master the fishtail braid? Double-check. But crafting a skin care regime from a Pin or blog post online? Probably not the safest thing to do.
We've all seen them hovering around on Reddit, Pinterest, and even Facebook: Miracle concoctions that are as easy to whip up as they are easy on the wallet. But, as magical as these recipes may sound, the truth of the matter is, they can have harsh effects on your skin if not used properly. Many of the ingredients and techniques used in typical at-home face masks can harmful for the skin. We thought we'd lay it all out for you so that next time, you'll be more prepared.
To do so, we tapped Dr. Ted Lain of ATX Dermatology and Dr. Marianne Pistilli of Schweiger Dermatology Group to give us the inside scoop on the common mistakes they see people make with their at-home masks (and, what to do if you've already suffered the painful cost). Check 'em out in the following slides.
2/8You're Overusing Acids
Ever used lemon juice, vinegar, or even Greek yogurt in a mask? Chances are you have. These are some of the most popular ingredients in DIY face masks today and for good reason, these acids can be great chemical exfoliants when used correctly, the problem is, many people do not. "Patients use fruit or lactic acids like lemon juice, pumpkin puree, or Greek yogurt which when used in too high concentration or left on for too long, can lead to either a mild burn or, for those who are acne-prone, can actually trigger an acne flare," says Dr. Lain. "People need to be careful of the ingredients in their masks and the length of time they leave the mask on, since these DIY masks can be powerful and cause side effects."
3/8Your Skin Is Sensitive To Begin With And You're Using Irritating Ingredients
Some of the ingredients hopeful DIY-ers often use are essential oils. Although these oils have their benefits, "the problem with essential oils that people use, such as lavender or rosehip, is that they can be quite powerful for people with sensitive skin and can cause an inflammatory reaction." says Dr. Lain.
If you have sensitive skin, be sure to be judicious when it comes to skincare. "Patient's skin condition is important to take into account to begin with," says Dr. Pistilli. "Adding a potentially irritating product on top of sensitive skin or underlying rosacea can cause an extra-sensitive reaction."
4/8You're Using Harsh Exfoliants
"The coarser ingredients such as oats, sugar, and salt can exfoliate the skin when rubbed in," Dr. Lain explains. "But, if a person is too aggressive with a mask, the skin can be red and raw for days and over-exfoliation can lead to infection." Dr. Lain is also quick to point out that using baking soda as an exfoliant (or more commonly, as a DIY face wash) is a huge no-no. "I would not recommend baking soda," he says. "It is a crystal and is very abrasive. It is used to remove paint off of cars and aluminum, so it is a bit too much for the skin!"
While exfoliants like sugar may be fine to use on your lips and other areas of your body, the skin on your face is delicate, and using harsh granules like the ones listed above, can wreak havoc on your skin. These particles, while effective at sloughing off dead skin cells, can create microtears in the epidermis which can be very damaging and serve as a breeding ground for acne.
5/8You Don't Throw Your Mask Away After Using It
You wouldn't think twice about grabbing that tub of two week old mashed potatoes and chowing down would you? Didn't think so. If you're not going to do that with your food, why do it with a DIY mask? "There are no preservatives [in at-home skin care recipes] and you are risking more adverse reactions if you save and reuse one of these at-home masks," says Dr. Pistilli. We couldn't agree more. Always discard your concoctions after one or two days to avoid bacterial growth (not to mention the smell).
6/8At-Home Chemical Peels Gone Wrong
With the amount of chemical peels on the market today, it's easy to get your hands on one and go town hoping to get the same results as a professional peel. But, that is not always the case. "The burns and adverse reactions I have seen to chemical peels are really scary," says Dr. Lain. He's even seen people purchase a peel and apply it to themselves and their friends at what they call a "peel party", often suffering mild to severe chemical burns as a result.
If you can't tell from the descriptor, chemical burns are no walk in the park. "[They are] painful and red and can peel for a few days," says Dr. Lain. "In darker skinned patients, this can leave areas of too much pigment due to inflammation from the peel, causing darker areas." Sometimes, reactions to chemical peels can even result in cystic acne flares that require medical attention to resolve. "I would strongly advise people to get their peels from a trained professional rather than an uninformed friend," warns Dr. Lain.
7/8Already experiencing irritation from a DIY recipe? Here's what you should do:
"The best aftercare for [irritation] is to use a bland moisturizer such as Cetaphil, CeraVe, or Aveeno, applied multiple times throughout the day, says Dr. Lain. "Avoid sun exposure, and wash with a gentle cleanser," he adds. Dr. Pistilli chimes in saying an over-the-counter cortisone cream applied topically for a few days can also be very effective. But, use your judgement; if irritation persists consider seeing a dermatologist who can help you address the problem.
8/8Other options that don't break the bank
If you're looking for a few masks to take home that won't bruise your wallet, Dr. Pistilli recommends the Olay Lumenis Nighttime Mask, which is packed full of nourishing ingredients like vitamin B3 and mulberry extract that work overnight so that come morning, you'll have enough glow-factor to rival Queen Bey herself. For oilier skin types, we love Boots Botanic's Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask, which contains oceanic clay to help draw impurities out of the skin without leaving it dry and parched.
But, all this is not to say that at-home facials can't be effective. If used properly, some DIY masks help you achieve healthier and more radiant skin. Just be safe about it. Get to know your body and skin before you try introducing new skin care items to it. If you do want to use a DIY mask be sure to keep it on for "at most five to ten minutes for the first few times it is applied, or less if anything more than a tingling sensation is felt on the skin," Dr. Lain advises. "Once the patient has experience with her or her own skin's reaction to the mask, and then he or she can increase the length of application as tolerated."
