With all the clinics and salons currently closed around Australia, you might be finding yourself stuck at home wondering how to get your beauty fix. We all want flawless skin and perfectly smooth legs – even in isolation! And while there are plenty of amazing do-it yourself beauty solutions, there are also some DIY beauty trends that might cause more harm than good. So, even though you might be totally bored right now (so are we) and in need of some beauty TLC, please, do NOT try these at home!
Charcoal Peel-off Masks
You might remember Tiff, the woman who has us in stitches over her YouTube video: Charcoal Face Mask Gone Wrong. While we had a little giggle at Tiff’s all-too-familiar experience, there is a lesson to be learnt here! Charcoal is a known detoxifying ingredient with cleansing properties, but the physical action of removing these peel-off masks can contribute to the tearing of collagen elastin and other fibres, causing micro-trauma to the skin. The charcoal also loses its detoxifying and cleansing properties when combined with glue, meaning the masks can draw out oil and moisture from the skin, potentially leading to a dryer complexion.
The alternative: A much more effective way of reducing pore size and clearing up blackheads is by using products with ingredients such as salicylic acid and other advanced enzymatic exfoliators. The Balense Hydrating Gentle Cleanser or the Balense Skin Resurfacing Cleanser offer a good combination of enzymatic and physical exfoliation between those two products. Or for a full professional facial experience, try the Australian Skin Clinics “At Home Edition” Facial kit!
Setting makeup with hairspray
Hairspray is fantastic for setting the perfect curl, or keeping wispy hair off your neck or ears, but should it be used to set makeup? NO WAY! Not only does hairspray contain alcohol and other unhealthy ingredients, it can cause skin to become dehydrated and dry. This often results in an irritated, itchy and red complexion as well as leaving your make up with a sticky feeling. Regular use could also lead to breakouts.
The alternative: Makeup setting sprays should sit weightlessly on the skin to prevent smudging and control oils, deflect surface shine and keep the skin looking matte. We recommend trying the Balense Hyaluronic Acid Mist – a hydrating and calming spritz that delivers instant moisture to thirsty skin, it can be used to hydrate skin at any time during the day or night as well as to set your makeup flawlessly for your next Zoom meeting!
Milk of magnesia as a primer
Milk of magnesia is often used for stomach health and as a deodorant, but it has started trending as a makeup primer for oily skin. No matter what skin type you have, using Milk of magnesia on your face is a no-no in our books! Naturally, our skin is slightly acidic and we have an acidic mantle that stops bad bacteria penetrating the skin. Milk of magnesia has a high pH that can damage this acidic mantle, allowing nasty bacteria to get past the skin’s defences and cause acne and dry skin. With the skin unable to shed its dead layers, clogged pores and breakouts can occur and cause further damage skin’s overall integrity.
The alternative: The goal of a primer is to optimise the skin’s surface before makeup application, allowing makeup to look smoother and last longer. Well-hydrated skin is less likely to draw moisture from liquid foundation, so if you don’t have any primer on hand, a normal moisturiser or even a spot control serum can work as a substitute. The Balense Spot Control Serum is hyaluronic-based, which means it hydrates the skin for up to 12 hours after application. It also contains encapsulated BHA, helping to prevent blockages and breakouts often associated with wearing makeup regularly. Two birds, one serum!
DIY Sugar Waxing
Sugar waxing is the “old-is-new” way to remove hair with things you already have around the house. It is made from food substances like toffee and aims to remove hair by the root. While this may sound tempting, especially when stuck at home and unable to come in for your laser hair removal appointment, sugar waxing is only effective for specific hair lengths and can cause skin inflammation, bacterial infections and burns on the skin if performed incorrectly.
The alternative: Shave your legs as much as you need to, until clinics reopen. This is the best option to stay smooth, without disrupting your hair-growth cycle. All laser hair removal treatments at Australian Skin Clinics have been given a six months extended expiry, so your sessions will be ready and waiting for you when isolation is over.
Now that you know the four DIY trends you should NOT try at home, it’s time to take back control of your skin and book a complimentary virtual consultation with one of our highly trained dermal experts. We can assist you with your skin concerns, from acne to ageing and anything in between! Each consultation takes approximately 20 minutes, all you need is an internet connection and a working camera on your phone or computer!
