FAN MAIL FRIDAYS: DIY Skin Care- Bad or Good?

Hello guys! Bummer, because of the storm and awful Internet, I wasn't able to upload my YT video yesterday. It's super interesting and it's now up - FINALLY- so click HERE and watch the 5 looks that you can create with Anastasia Modern Renaissance.

I'm also getting married tomorrow! I'll try to do an FB live on my Facebook fan page so I can share the moment with you guys. Let's all pray for a sunny day tomorrow and fast Internet! :D

Question from today is Sheryl:

Hi Martha,

I've been seeing a lot of these DIY skin care lately like mixing Dalacin-C with Eskinol, homemade Apple Cider Vinegar toner, etc. I just want to know if these are safe to use?

Sheryl

Photo Credit: refinery29.com

Hey Sheryl!

Thanks for the question. I've been encountering A LOT of these DIY skin care products on social media lately; some are okay, while some...uhm, let me just say, I would not advise my readers to use.

DIY skin care is okay as long as you have basic knowledge on compounds and chemicals, and you know which products and ingredients go well together; I myself would use DIY skin care products too of my own creation, but I only use the gentlest or most stable food grade products available and most especially, products that do not break me out. Most of the products I use are masks and body scrubs, products that I wash off completely and don't have to use on a daily basis. 

DIY skin care may sound cool, but in general, I will not suggest it. Here's why.

First, commercial skin care products have been formulated and tested with high respect for skin and health; brands have hired scientists, dermatologists, and researchers to formulate, test, and create these skin care products you see on the market. There is expertise behind the products to ensure that you are less likely to break out, they produce desirable effects or at the very least, won't kill you.

Second, formulas of retail skin care are made in factories that are certified and guaranteed fit to produce beauty products - they have the means, machineries, tools, knowledge, licenses, and most importantly, hygiene. Sure, you can clean your tabletop before you cut that lemon for your DIY lemon toner, but how sure are you that the lemon you picked up from the market is clean and btw, what did you use to clean your surface?

Third, some ingredients, when taken in pure form, can be extremely harsh for the skin. An example is Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon; these are VERY ACIDIC substances and may cause chemical burns if applied to the skin in its purest state.

Fourth, natural ingredients don't necessarily mean good for the skin; take for example, honey: it may contain certain bacteria that can cause irritation to the skin if used in its pure form; factories that produce honey ingredients and extracts in skin care ensure that these bacteria are eradicated before usage.

Finally, retail skin care formulas are stable; they won't cause severe breakouts, won't break down easily, less susceptible to bacterial contamination, and the concentrations of the active ingredients are just right to produce an effect without necessarily harming the skin.

So there. My stand on DIY skin care is it's good if you know the products you're dealing with, you've researched and read peer- reviewed or legit analysis and studies on the ingredients you will use, you will not use them all the time and near mucous membranes, and your skin is not sensitive.

How about you? What's your stand on DIY skin care?

**Got a burning question on beauty, makeup, cosmetics, blogging, fitness, diet, love, career, and anything in general? Message me via Contact Form, email me at martha.stabarbara@yahoo.com, or message me  at THE BEAUTY JUNKEE'S FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.