Once I consider DIY skincare, I typically discover myself sitting on the fence. Whereas part of me is aware of the advantages of a very good haldi and honey masks, the opposite a part of me additionally cringes each time somebody applies lemon juice to their face. I’m torn. Earlier than I step on any grandmother’s toes, let me make clear—pure components do host a plethora of magnificence advantages in your hair and pores and skin. They’re medicinal. However, someplace between ‘age-old conventional treatments’ and ‘lockdown desperation’, we discovered ourselves swimming towards a present of concoctions that weren’t simply weird, however had been additionally fairly unsafe.

From utilizing unstable components to layering and pairing the fallacious components collectively—the DIY skincare world turned a recipe for catastrophe. Does this imply it’s important to swear off pure magnificence altogether? No—you simply should discover a safer option to do it. Dr Batul Patel, medical director, The Bombay Pores and skin Clinic tells us how!

“Pores and skin being the biggest organ of the physique absorbs the contents utilized on the floor. All the time be aware of choosing protected but efficient components. With the appearance of social media and a plethora of influencer movies on skincare DIY suggestions, it could possibly get overwhelming and at instances complicated. Begin with understanding your pores and skin kind, get verified info from medical consultants, and at all times do a trial of the components in your pores and skin earlier than utilizing it in your face,” Dr Patel advises.

Knowledgeable-approved DIY components

#1 – French clay

Aka inexperienced clay is a superb base for a face masks, particularly should you’ve obtained oily pores and skin. It incorporates a complete lot of vitamins equivalent to magnesium, calcium, potassium, zinc, and manganese. It helps deep cleanse your pores, removes impurities, exfoliates useless pores and skin cells, treats blemishes, and even soothes any minor irritations.

#2 – Cocoa powder

In line with Dr Patel cocoa powder works as an ideal masks for dry pores and skin. Wealthy in antioxidants, the cocoa powder helps struggle free radical harm, fights the indicators of ageing and even brightens the pores and skin. 

#3 – Matcha tea powder

When you’re seeking to brighten boring pores and skin, then Dr Patel says that matcha tea powder is a superb ingredient to take action. Additionally wealthy in antioxidants and methylxanthines, it helps struggle free radical harm, boosts microcirculation, and leaves your pores and skin with a glow.

#5 – Hydrosols

The fragrant water produced by steam when distilling crops and flowers are referred to as hydrosols. They’re simple to make at house and in response to Dr Patel include lower than 1 per cent of important oil which makes them protected to make use of. “Prompt hydrosols embody lavender, rose, chamomile, rosemary, and cucumber. They can be utilized in masks and in addition as toners, make-up removers, and as chilly compression for puffy and drained eyes,” she provides.

#6 – Fruits, herbs, & greens

One other dermatologist-approved ingredient so as to add to your DIY checklist must be recent fruits, herbs or greens. “Principally fruits with excessive antioxidant properties like orange, plum, guava, amla, and papaya are protected to make use of,” says Dr Patel. You may both smash them and apply them, or add them to your face masks. Herbs like recent thyme, neem, parsley, and rosemary are literally relatively soothing and therapeutic for the pores and skin. However, this comes with a disclaimer. Dr Patel suggests, “Contemporary herbs needs to be used inside every week—as soon as they develop darkish spots or begin drying up, it’s finest to keep away from utilizing it on the face.”

#7 – Service oils vs important oils

Important oils have confirmed to be a relatively well-liked DIY ingredient, nevertheless, Dr Patel warns that it must be utilized with warning. “Important oils ought to by no means be utilized undiluted to the pores and skin. For delicate pores and skin, the rations needs to be way more in comparison with regular pores and skin. In any case, important oils must be used with a whole lot of warning—or it’s finest to be averted as a DIY at house.”