3 Skincare Mistakes You Must Avoid

|THE DEN|

One of the biggest skincare errors dermatologists advise against are "handy hacks," such as using toothpaste to remove an unexpected pimple or trying to achieve a salon-quality glow with a strong peel. At some point, we're all guilty of letting these supposedly rapid cures fool us and ruining our skin.

Avoid using chemical peels at home

Chemical peels shouldn't be performed at home, especially those that include 20–35% glycolic acid or TCA (trichloroacetic acid), according to Dr. Madhuri Agarwal, the founder and CEO of Yavana Aesthetics Clinic. A woman who attempted to use a 35% glycolic acid peel that she purchased online ended up with several burns and hyperpigmentation as a result.

Avoid using tooth paste

Dr. Madhuri Agarwal, the founder and CEO of Yavana Aesthetics Clinic, advises against performing chemical peels at home, particularly ones that include 20–35% glycolic acid or TCA (trichloroacetic acid). An internet purchase of a 35% glycolic acid peel by a woman resulted in many burns and hyperpigmentation after she attempted to apply it.

Using citrus things on face

"While we all know that lemon and other citrus fruits have brightening properties, lemon juice and its essential oil have phototoxic properties, which can cause rapid tanning, redness, and irritation," says Aastha Khandelwal Jain, founder of Tvachamrit and certified in Organic Skincare Formulation and Facial Care.