We all want that glow-from-within, clear face and many of us are willing to go above and beyond to achieve that.
Unfortunately, organic and all-natural skincare products can be hard to find and many people resort to DIY hacks to ensure they get that enviable glow.
However, a lot of the things that are being used on our skins are making our molehill skin problems become a mountain of acne.
Here are things you should never put on your face:
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is considered black gold due to how it nourishes black natural hair and its antibacterial properties. However, its ability to penetrate the hair shaft doesn’t translate when it comes to the skin. Coconut oil has an extreme likelihood of clogging your pores and causing breakouts.
Bar Soap
Menengai Soap may be a beast when it comes to cleaning your clothes but will f**k up your face.
“Bar soap is very drying to your skin and contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate that makes soap lather well but it can also dry your face. Wash your body with bar soap but not your face,” says Holistic Plastic Surgeon Anthony Young.
Semen
Semen facials may be all the rage but they put you at risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections like Chlamydia of the eye.
“Sperm facials are very popular and are sold for hundreds of dollars and there is a belief its good for your skin but the reality is far from it…Semen and sperm can contain Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Chlamydia of the eye is not so fun,” Anthony Young said.
Petroleum Jelly
We may have glowed for the gods growing up thanks to Vaseline but apparently, Vaseline is not good for your skin as it clogs your pores and is very occlusive. Beeswax jelly and jojoba oil are good alternatives.
Body Lotion
Lotion can cause clogged pores leading to pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads.
“It’s great for your body but not for your face and can clog your pores casings you to break out. For your face, stick with a good facial moisturizer,” advised Young.
Alcohol-Based Astringents
Toners containing alcohol dry out oily skin causing the face to produce more oil making your oiler than an oil field in the Middle East.
“Astringent toners contain alcohol that causes a nice squeaky-clean feel. It rubs off all of the oil from your skin. It gets rid of the oil temporarily causing more oil production in response and you get into a vicious cycle that causes your skin to become oilier,” Young said.