With millions of Instagram hashtags like #DIY, it’s clear that people love making things at home—whether it’s a new craft project, a meal, or even skincare.
But while whipping up your own face mask or acne treatment might sound like a good idea, that doesn’t mean it’s safe or effective.
Sure, “natural” seems better than some unpronounceable chemicals on a product label, but not everything that grows in your garden—or sits in your kitchen—is good for your skin.
Dr. Gretchen Frieling, a board-certified Dermatopathologist based in Boston, breaks down the hidden dangers of DIY skincare and why you should steer clear of some popular home remedies.
Toothpaste for Acne: A Bumpy Ride
We’ve all heard the hack about dabbing a bit of toothpaste on a pimple to dry it out overnight. It sounds easy and logical, right? It’s drying, after all.
But Dr. Frieling explains, “Toothpaste can cause irritation, redness, and even peeling.” The ingredients like baking soda and hydrogen peroxide might dry out the pimple, but they’re not meant for your delicate facial skin.
“This is no better than any over-the-counter products,” she says, “and may make the problem worse.” Remember, toothpaste is for your teeth—not your skin.
Lemon and Lime Juice: A Sour Experience for Your Skin
Using lemon or lime juice on your face may seem like a natural way to brighten your skin or fade acne scars, but Dr. Frieling warns that it’s a risky move.
“Because of its high acidity, lemon juice can disrupt the natural pH levels of your skin, leading to irritation and hyperpigmentation,” she says.
Plus, lemon juice contains psoralen, a compound that can cause nasty burns when exposed to sunlight.
So, what starts as a bright idea could leave you with even bigger problems than you started with. When it comes to citric acid, it’s better to let the professionals handle it.
Rubbing Alcohol: Not Just a Dry Spell
Rubbing alcohol is great for cleaning wounds and surfaces, but when it comes to acne, it’s more of a desert for your skin.
“Repeated exposure to isopropyl alcohol on the face strips the skin of its natural protective barrier, oils, and irritates the skin,” says Dr. Frieling.
Sure, it might kill bacteria, but acne isn’t just about bacteria. “Good acne products treat all aspects of the problem,” she adds, emphasising that proper treatments keep the skin’s natural pH levels in balance—something rubbing alcohol definitely does not do.
Baking Soda: Too Abrasive for Comfort
Baking soda is often hailed as a cure-all for cleaning, but that doesn’t mean it belongs on your face. While it’s true that it can act as a physical exfoliator, it’s far too harsh.
“Baking soda (a pH of 9) can alter the outer layer of skin and actually cause it to break down,” Dr. Frieling points out, “leaving the skin vulnerable to bacteria and worsening the condition.”
Over-exfoliation can do more harm than good, stripping away the skin’s natural barriers rather than nurturing it.
Raw Eggs: A Recipe for Trouble
Egg whites in a face mask? It might seem like a budget-friendly way to tighten pores but think twice. “If you have a scratch or unhealed blemish on your face, putting raw egg whites on your face can cause infection, not to mention possible allergic reactions,” warns Dr. Frieling.
Besides, any so-called benefits of egg whites are usually wiped away when you rinse off the mask. It’s best to leave the eggs in your omelette, not on your face.
Coconut Oil: A Smooth Criminal
Coconut oil might be a fantastic all-around ingredient for cooking and hair care, but your face is another story. “Coconut oil is extremely comedogenic,” says Dr. Frieling.
“It can’t be absorbed into the skin, clogging your pores, and causing more breakouts.” Even when you wash it off, it can leave a greasy film that suffocates your pores.
If you love oils for your skin, consider options like Argan oil, which is less likely to clog your pores and more suited for facial care.
Bottom Line: Think Before You DIY
While it might be tempting to go all-natural with your skincare routine, it’s important to think about what you’re putting on your face.
Just because a remedy is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe or effective. Ingredients like toothpaste, lemon juice, rubbing alcohol, baking soda, raw eggs, and coconut oil might promise a quick fix, but they can end up causing irritation, long-term damage, or worse skin problems.
Before trying a DIY hack, consult a skincare professional and opt for products specifically made for your skin type and concerns.