We love a good hack and are always looking for easier, more effective and more affordable ways to stay on top of our beauty game. But with all the different tips and advice floating around on the internet it can be hard to tell which ones are good or bad. We’ve taken some of the guesswork out of this for you. Here are five beauty hacks that you should stop doing immediately for the sake of your skin.
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1. Using coconut oil as a moisturiser
Once thought of to be a miracle oil that can be used for anything and everything, today we know better. While it’s great when used in cooking and can even be effective as a nourishing hair mask or keeping scaly elbows at bay, this oil should be kept away from the face. Unless you enjoy having clogged pores and breakouts.
2. Using salt or sugar as an exfoliator
We’ve been led to believe that exfoliators need to contain bits that will scrub away dead skin. This has in recent years been shown to be harmful for the long-term health of our skin and that we should be using chemical exfoliants instead. Particles such as those found in sugar and salt can cause micro-tears in the skin and lead to premature ageing. No thanks!
Related: 15 clever beauty hacks, from the industry experts
3. Using toothpaste to get rid of pimples
This hack is one that has been passed down from generation to generation, but it needs to stop here. Why? Toothpastes often contain ingredients such as peroxide and bicarbonate of soda – both of which are harsh chemicals – and this could actually cause the area to become redder and more inflamed rather than healing it.
4. Using hairspray to set your makeup
Many people do this to save having to fork out money on legitimate makeup-setting sprays (or when theirs has run out). And while it might do the job, it can also do a good job at messing with your skin. Not only can it leave your face sticky, which makes it attract more dirt and grime, it can also irritate skin and leave it dry and flaky.
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5. Using lemon juice to lighten pigmentation
Lemon juice has been used as a bleach for many, many years (DIY highlights, anyone?) but it contains a lot of acid, which is really bad when applied directly onto skin, as it’s simply too potent and can burn the skin. Also, if you are exposed to sunlight while you have lemon juice on you, you are at a higher risk of sunburn and discolouration.
PHOTO: iStock/D-Keine
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