Being a teenager is tough. You’re awkward, your voice is changing and worst of all, breakouts are common and plenty. There was an explosion of content on the internet in the early 2010s, with much of it targeting teenagers looking for a quick-fix for their acne. DIYs offered solutions that could be found in common household items and even food. While some of these DIYs appear to work at first, they come with a host of other problems.
1. Facial scrubs
Using scrubs that aren’t designed for the face will only make the very areas you were trying to target worse instead of better. Face scrubs are commonly used to treat things like discoloration and dry skin. Trying a facial scrub with tiny walnut shells like St. Ives may seem like a good idea given primary results. But these can result in tiny cuts on the surface of the skin. Creating these can create scarring, irritation and invite bacteria into the skin.
Alternatively, try a gentle sponge or cloth made of natural fibers along with your cleanser.
2. Homemade masks from food in the kitchen
It can be confusing to hear that you shouldn’t put ingredients on your face when they can be similar to those found in your skincare ingredients. The difference comes when people make masks for their skin without fully understanding how the ingredients work together. Lemons are highly acidic, and can burn the skin. Spices like cinnamon can be irritating and abrasive, even resulting in blisters.
Instead, try pre-made masks with natural ingredients from a company like Lush.
3. Using raw eggs to treat dark spots
Proteins in egg whites do have the potential to improve skin elasticity, and are sometimes offered in spa treatments. Applying them directly to the skin or accidentally ingesting them can result in the bacterial infection salmonella. Pre-made skincare includes preservatives that help prevent microorganisms from developing. Also, in this economy? Use those egg whites for an omelette.
Instead, try finding a moisturizer with sunscreen to improve skin elasticity.
4. Treating acne with bathroom supplies
Odds are, you aren’t properly sanitizing the tools you’re using or your hands before doing surgery on your breakouts. This can lead to spreading bacteria from one area of the face to another. Using instruments like nail clippers to pop pimples can only further damage areas of your face. It can be tempting to reach for drying agents like toothpaste or baking soda, but be wary of these alleged quick-fixes. Although they can temporarily decrease inflammation, they only lead to irritation. Additionally, baking soda has a basic pH that is too high for the skin.
Alternatively, look for spot-treatments with anti-inflammatory ingredients.
What are the weirdest things you’ve done to your face in middle school? Tweet us and let us know @VALLEYmag
