Whether it's truly a time crunch or just a natural curiosity, we've all been tempted to take the easy way out, even in the name of beauty. Consequently, there are lots of beauty bloggers happy to share their latest beauty hack. Proudly pronouncing their successful method to achieve maximum benefit with minimal effort, they can be very convincing. But viewer beware. Most of these beauty experts are not experts at all. Using a scrap of science and inflating it to dangerous proportions, these beauty hacks end up exacerbating the very problem they were designed to fix or possibly creating a new problem altogether.
Who can you trust? Where do you go to find out what actually works? Real experts the people who know more than beauty trends, the people who do not recommend compromising your skin's health to save a few minutes or a few dollars. The skincare experts at Hale Cosmeceuticals understand that you have a lot of demands on your time and money, but these five beauty hacks are ones you definitely want to avoid:
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Using mouthwash to treat dandruff or dead skin
Chemical exfoliators are common, and many very effective. Ideally a product will remove dead skin cells but leave the healthy cells intact, revealing a deeper, youthful layer of skin. Recently the use of mouthwash has been suggested as a cheaper alternative; however, the chemicals in mouthwash are too strong for the delicate skin on your face. It will damage both dead and living skin cells, leaving it irritated, red, dry and uncomfortable. Mouthwash has also been recommended by amateurs as a dandruff treatment. The cooling sensation caused by menthol, thymol, methyl salicylate or something similar has drying and antibacterial effects. But, dandruff is caused by an overgrowth of yeast, so such ingredients do not effectively target the cause. The high alcohol content can also over dry the scalp, further compromising the skin's integrity, making the condition worse.
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Using anti-perspirant or deodorant as primer
A facial primer is used to keep your makeup matte, preventing your radiant glow from being confused with an oily sheen. Anti-perspirant seems a common-sense, economical alternative since it dampens perspiration in a delicate underarm area. But the common sense is actually a poor excuse ask any dermatologist. Anti-perspirants have aluminum salts and often strong fragrances that can irritate the delicate skin on your face. It also works by blocking your sweat glands from producing wetness. It does not have any effect on the production of sebum, the main culprit of the-late-in-the-day sheen. Add that to the great possibility of clogging pores, and you have a recipe for a troubled complexion.
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Using Petroleum Jelly to Grow Your Eyelashes
The science from which this beauty hack stems cannot be found because it doesn't exist. It seems that some false experts confused the addition of a layer of gel to eyelashes to make them appear thicker as a change in actual growth. It isn't true petroleum jelly does not actually thicken lashes. However, it does clog pores, which can lead to styes, acne or small white cysts, called milia, to form around the eye. And it can get in your eyes, fogging your vision. It's not just better safe than sorry it's simply wiser to stick to products designed specifically for use one or around the eye.
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Toothpaste as Acne Treatment
Another hackneyed hack to avoid is using toothpaste to clear up acne outbreaks. Toothpaste is not formulated for use on your skin. The harsh chemicals, fragrances and flavorings will irritate the skin. Furthermore, toothpaste is not formulated to clear pores. In fact, the thick, pasty or jelly-like consistency is likely to clog pores. So, instead of diminishing the appearance of a blemish, you are more likely to make it look worse or cause more blemishes to form.
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Using a Sharpie Marker as Eyeliner
Apparently a very famous pop icon has popularized the idea that in a pinch a Sharpie pen works as eyeliner. Not a good idea! Though it may be appealing to swap an expensive product for one that is much more economical and probably already in a drawer in your house, perish that thought. Sharpie markers are not designed for use on skin. They include harsh chemicals so harsh that even the fumes they release can irritate your eyes and the delicate skin of the lids. Also, how your skin will react with the ingredients in a sharpie marker is anyone's guess. Not to mention, while sharpie can easily get in and around your eyes, it does not so easily come off of them. Don't gamble with your vision or create problems that never needed to exist in the first place. Choose a product formulated for use near the eyes.
What to Use Instead
You only have one face. To put your best face forward, you simply must invest in quality skincare products and cosmetics. However, cost is not always an indicator of quality. There are many budget-friendly products, including many in Hale Cosmeceuticals' line. When looking for budget-friendly beauty hacks, take the time to research the source. Stick to information provided by trusted experts who will happily display their credentials."
