Never, EVER Try These Beauty Hacks!

Never, EVER Try These Beauty Hacks!

You're probably also aware that any information gleaned from the internet should be taken with a grain of salt. This is particularly true when it comes to beauty (ahem, Pinterest). For reasons unknown to us, the surge in beauty and skin hack videos on YouTube and Instagram does not seem to be coming to an end. We're all about a creative idea or a cost-cutting tip, but this? Not nearly enough.

To separate the positive from the absolutely-do-not-do-that, we consulted experts, who provided us with the clear and simple facts. That way, the next time you see a video advising you to smear diaper-rash cream on your lip, you'll reconsider.

Earlier versions of this article incorrectly attributed these skin-care theories to particular individuals, when they are widely believed and practiced. Our goal was not to single out anyone or their individual skin-care habits, but to educate our readers about potentially dangerous advice and to provide some medically sound alternatives. We regret that publishing names detracted from that post, and as a result, they have been removed.

Limes In Place Of Deodorant

Applying lime to your pits sounds energizing and environmentally friendly, doesn't it? However, Joshua Zeichner, MD, cautions that conditions could deteriorate rapidly (lime is acidic, after all). "Limes can cause skin irritation and red, burning, scalding rashes," he warns. Even a splash of highly photosensitive citrus juice from a poolside margarita may be disastrous.

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Your best choice is to use regular deodorant. However, if you're in a hurry, he says, you can use a cleansing towelette and a mist of fragrance.

Using Mouthwash To Combat Dandruff

Another nope-worthy point is that the ingredients in Listerine (menthol, thymol, eucalyptol, and methyl salicylate) are ideal for eliminating small, white flakes. Not so, dermatologist Francesca Fusco, MD, of Manhattan asserts.

"There is no statistical evidence to back this up. Dandruff is caused by a yeast overgrowth and is often associated with a weakened skin barrier,” she explains. “I'm concerned that using a heavy alcohol-based mouthwash could exacerbate the issue by further disrupting the scalp's skin barrier.” She also states that the solution can have an effect on color-treated hair.

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At times, it's best to leave well enough alone. "The most powerful method of dandruff control is with a scientifically tested zinc pyrithione shampoo and conditioner regimen," Dr. Fusco suggests.

Using A Stiletto, Knife, Or Plunger To Contour

There are many reasons why this is a bad idea, but at the top of the list is the unsanitary and harmful existence of these "resources."

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Anything else that has a straight line. Here are a few self-evident suggestions: Can we continue with a scrap of paper, a ruler, a pencil, a book, a notebook, and a credit card?

Deodorant To Combat Shine

"This is not a good idea!" Dr. Zeichner cautions. "Antiperspirants function by preventing sweat glands from releasing moisture, but have no effect on oil-producing cells." If you have a tendency to sweat excessively on your face, a clear antiperspirant is a good idea — with the caveat that it can clog pores and result in breakouts.

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Consider using an oil-absorbing primer to add shine.

Diaper-Rash Cream For Breakouts

Though Dr. Zeichner states that diaper rash cream can help soothe and relax inflamed skin (and can even help calm an angry pimple), it's not something you want to rub all over your face. For skin that is already sensitive, acne-prone, and oily, pore-plugging ingredients such as zinc oxide (commonly used in diaper rash creams) may exacerbate breakouts.

Try Instead:

"Find out an acne product that contains benzoyl peroxide to combat acne-causing bacteria," Dr. Zeichner advises. Stubborn Acne Leave-on Mask by Neutrogena is ideal for all-over acne, whereas Clearasil's Acne Treatment is ideal for dabbing on small spots."

Using Onions To Speed Up Eyebrow Growth

"Onions are high in sulfur, which may help destroy bacteria and yeast on the skin, which may help with dandruff, but [this] is unlikely to help regrow hair," Dr. Zeichner explains. Is there anybody else who finds it difficult to keep onions away from their eyes?

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Dr. Zeichner recommends reaching for topical minoxidil rather than risking a tear-stained face in the name of bushier brows. Additionally, we love Province Apothecary's brow serum, which is formulated with botanicals such as castor, argan, and jojoba oils and is designed to stimulate hair growth while also deepening color (with the help of coffee).

Garlic For Pimples

Due to the fact that pimples resemble vampires? Another no-no, in Dr. Zeichner's opinion. "Garlic is anti-inflammatory and can help shrink the size of a single, large pimple," he explains. "However, you can smell like an Italian restaurant." Essentially, file this one under not particularly dangerous, but also not particularly friendly.

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"It's not as unforgettable, but a dab of over-the-counter cortisone cream at a concentration of 1% is very successful," he says.

Cornstarch For Baking

If you're unfamiliar, baking is a technique popularized by YouTube vloggers for setting base makeup, creating a poreless finish, and emphasizing the face's high points. That appears to be a harmless (if time-consuming) job, correct? However, things took a strange turn when one YouTuber suggested substituting cornstarch for standard ol' powder.

According to a Cosmopolitan post, you certainly do not want to go down that road. "I would advise against using cornstarch on the face," Doris Day, MD, tells the outlet. "It provides nourishment for yeast that live on the skin."

Try Instead:

Leave the cornstarch in the cupboard and replace it with a setting powder. If you're strapped for cash, Dr. Day suggests using a light-colored eyeshadow to set concealer.

Dish Soap For Lipstick Removal

You've already heard that dish soap can be used to remove lipstick stains from your favorite white blouse — and it works perfectly. What does not work? Using the same dish detergent to clean your teeth. We're sorry to break it to you, but we'd rather recommend the $40 cleaning balm than your preferred Dawn detergent for removing the most stubborn liquid lipstick.

Here's why you should avoid it: While your dish soap of choice will not cause your lips to fall off, it will severely dry them out. Additionally, inadvertently ingesting the kitchen staple is not a risk worth taking just to remove your fresh lippie.

Try Instead:

Locate an excellent micellar water to assist you. There will be no remnants of product.

Petroleum Jelly For Your Acne

We once saw an enormous number of people on Instagram suggest slathering petroleum jelly on top of a fresh breakout — very suspicious, right? Although the skin does not require literal breathing, a thick petroleum base is not our first option. Other than that, you're better off using the jelly in conjunction with another acne drug, such as a BHA or salicylic acid. This way, you're encapsulating powerful ingredients that will aid in the fight against your most inflamed areas.

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These acne stickers contain anti-acne ingredients. In two days, the week-long breakout will be gone.