Herbal beauty regimes? Honey, they're more overhyped than a blockbuster sequel. Sure, they sound all natural and harmless, but let's spill the chai: they can cause more irritation than a never-ending family group chat on political leanings. From acne to rashes to signs of aging, overlooking these "natural" treatments can lead to some not-so-pretty results.
We've all seen those ads, right? The ones with glazed donut skin and dewy-faced models frolicking in fields of lavender, promising eternal youth with just a dab of this or a sprinkle of that, which is all so earthy and natural. But here's the kicker: not all that glitters is gold. Just because it's labeled "natural" doesn't mean it's good for you. Some of these herbal concoctions can be as gentle as a sandpaper facial. Let's break down why.
Lemon application can trigger severe photosensitivity
Ever tried a DIY face mask and ended up looking like a tomato, or a peeled beetroot, or worse, the inside of a dragon fruit? You're not alone. Many herbal ingredients can cause irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. And don't even get me started on the allergic reactions. It's like playing Russian roulette with your face!
But how do you separate the wheat from the chaff? Let's talk to some real experts, DOCTORS AND SKIN DOCS who've seen it all, and find out what herbal treatments actually live up to the hype.
“I follow strict guidelines on skincare and feel a lot of kitchen products enhance photosensitivity. I had a beautiful girl walk into my clinic with flawless skin except there was a lot of pigmentation on her forehead. Upon consultation, I realized it is the lemon juice she applies every day that is causing this for her, and I asked her to stop doing that. Many people feel that just because it is natural, if it does not do me any good, it won’t harm either. They are wrong. Look at what happened to her,” says Dr. Kiran Sethi, Skin & Wellness Doctor and also my skin doctor after I moved to Delhi from Mumbai. Lemon juice can increase photosensitivity of the skin and leave you with a pH imbalance. Sometimes, less is more. If something doesn't bother you, you don't need to cosmetically correct it just because some influencer says so. Your skin speaks, and it's time we listened. Let's explore some simple, science-backed solutions that won't leave you red-faced (literally).
Your walnuts should be used in a pie or at breakfast and not in your scrub! Same goes with baking soda, sugar, etc. Don't exfoliate using these. They will over-exfoliate and damage and irritate the skin.
Dermatologist-approved pantry staples for safe DIY use.
Now, don't get me wrong; not all herbal treatments are a bust. Some can be quite lovely, like a warm cup of chamomile tea for your soul. But before you raid your kitchen pantry and start slathering your face with whatever you find, let's get one thing straight: knowledge is power, darling.
Some kitchen ingredients can indeed be skin saviors, but you've got to know what you're doing. It's like cooking; you wouldn't throw random spices into a dish without knowing how they'll affect the flavor, right? So why do it to your face?
LET’S GET DOWN TO BRASS TACKS. I INTERVIEWED Dr. Amit Bhasin, a skincare guru, WHO’S LISTED his top picks for DIY skincare FROM kitchen AND HERE THEY ARE:
1- Yogurt: This isn't just for your morning smoothie. It's packed with lactic acid that gently exfoliates and brightens your skin. Think of it as a mini spa day that also boosts collagen production. Anti-aging, here we come!
2- Oatmeal: Forget breakfast; this is your go-to for calming angry skin. It's like the Zen master of skincare ingredients, perfect for those with sensitive or dry skin, or even conditions like eczema.
3- Coconut Oil: Ah, the jack-of-all-trades. It moisturizes, it nourishes, and it can even help with hair removal. But a word to the wise: if your skin is an oil slick, proceed with caution.
4- Turmeric: This golden spice isn't just for curries. It's a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. I personally whip up a traditional ubtan with chickpea flour, milk, and rose water. It's like a beauty ritual passed down through generations.
5- Green Tea: Forget sipping; let's talk slathering. Rich in antioxidants, it's your shield against environmental villains like UV rays and pollution. IT CAN WORK FOR irritated or red skin.
But remember, always-always-do a patch test before you go full-on mad scientist with your skincare. Allergies and sensitivities are no joke, and the last thing you want is to turn your face into a science experiment gone wrong.
"Although herbal products are often considered safe, they may not provide measurable results. Personally, I've noticed that many of my friends who use these products already have naturally beautiful skin, so it's likely that most products would work for them. However, when it comes to corrective skincare, it's best to leave the kitchen and herbs behind and let the professionals take over," advises Dr. Kiran.
THAT’S the unvarnished truth about herbal beauty regimes. TRY NOT TO FALL for the allure of the "all-natural" without knowing what's really in that jar. Because when it comes to beauty, you deserve the real deal, not just a pretty package.
TO BE CONTINUED, FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.
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Read these on the house, with our compliments.
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Herbal beauty regimes? Honey, they're more overhyped than a blockbuster sequel. Sure, they sound all natural and harmless, but let's spill the chai: they can cause more irritation than a never-ending family group chat on political leanings. From acne to rashes to signs of aging, overlooking these "natural" treatments can lead to some not-so-pretty results.
We've all seen those ads, right? The ones with glazed donut skin and dewy-faced models frolicking in fields of lavender, promising eternal youth with just a dab of this or a sprinkle of that, which is all so earthy and natural. But here's the kicker: not all that glitters is gold. Just because it's labeled "natural" doesn't mean it's good for you. Some of these herbal concoctions can be as gentle as a sandpaper facial. Let's break down why.
Lemon application can trigger severe photosensitivity
Ever tried a DIY face mask and ended up looking like a tomato, or a peeled beetroot, or worse, the inside of a dragon fruit? You're not alone. Many herbal ingredients can cause irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. And don't even get me started on the allergic reactions. It's like playing Russian roulette with your face!
But how do you separate the wheat from the chaff? Let's talk to some real experts, DOCTORS AND SKIN DOCS who've seen it all, and find out what herbal treatments actually live up to the hype.
“I follow strict guidelines on skincare and feel a lot of kitchen products enhance photosensitivity. I had a beautiful girl walk into my clinic with flawless skin except there was a lot of pigmentation on her forehead. Upon consultation, I realized it is the lemon juice she applies every day that is causing this for her, and I asked her to stop doing that. Many people feel that just because it is natural, if it does not do me any good, it won’t harm either. They are wrong. Look at what happened to her,” says Dr. Kiran Sethi, Skin & Wellness Doctor and also my skin doctor after I moved to Delhi from Mumbai. Lemon juice can increase photosensitivity of the skin and leave you with a pH imbalance. Sometimes, less is more. If something doesn't bother you, you don't need to cosmetically correct it just because some influencer says so. Your skin speaks, and it's time we listened. Let's explore some simple, science-backed solutions that won't leave you red-faced (literally).
Your walnuts should be used in a pie or at breakfast and not in your scrub! Same goes with baking soda, sugar, etc. Don't exfoliate using these. They will over-exfoliate and damage and irritate the skin.
Dermatologist-approved pantry staples for safe DIY use.
Now, don't get me wrong; not all herbal treatments are a bust. Some can be quite lovely, like a warm cup of chamomile tea for your soul. But before you raid your kitchen pantry and start slathering your face with whatever you find, let's get one thing straight: knowledge is power, darling.
Some kitchen ingredients can indeed be skin saviors, but you've got to know what you're doing. It's like cooking; you wouldn't throw random spices into a dish without knowing how they'll affect the flavor, right? So why do it to your face?
LET’S GET DOWN TO BRASS TACKS. I INTERVIEWED Dr. Amit Bhasin, a skincare guru, WHO’S LISTED his top picks for DIY skincare FROM kitchen AND HERE THEY ARE:
1- Yogurt: This isn't just for your morning smoothie. It's packed with lactic acid that gently exfoliates and brightens your skin. Think of it as a mini spa day that also boosts collagen production. Anti-aging, here we come!
2- Oatmeal: Forget breakfast; this is your go-to for calming angry skin. It's like the Zen master of skincare ingredients, perfect for those with sensitive or dry skin, or even conditions like eczema.
3- Coconut Oil: Ah, the jack-of-all-trades. It moisturizes, it nourishes, and it can even help with hair removal. But a word to the wise: if your skin is an oil slick, proceed with caution.
4- Turmeric: This golden spice isn't just for curries. It's a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. I personally whip up a traditional ubtan with chickpea flour, milk, and rose water. It's like a beauty ritual passed down through generations.
5- Green Tea: Forget sipping; let's talk slathering. Rich in antioxidants, it's your shield against environmental villains like UV rays and pollution. IT CAN WORK FOR irritated or red skin.
But remember, always-always-do a patch test before you go full-on mad scientist with your skincare. Allergies and sensitivities are no joke, and the last thing you want is to turn your face into a science experiment gone wrong.
"Although herbal products are often considered safe, they may not provide measurable results. Personally, I've noticed that many of my friends who use these products already have naturally beautiful skin, so it's likely that most products would work for them. However, when it comes to corrective skincare, it's best to leave the kitchen and herbs behind and let the professionals take over," advises Dr. Kiran.
THAT’S the unvarnished truth about herbal beauty regimes. TRY NOT TO FALL for the allure of the "all-natural" without knowing what's really in that jar. Because when it comes to beauty, you deserve the real deal, not just a pretty package.
TO BE CONTINUED, FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.
This is where the surface ends and the reporting begins.
The complete piece, the full archive, and access to The French Press Circle. Reporting answerable only to its readers.
Already a subscriber ?
Login
Read these on the house, with our compliments.
A selection from the current issue, open to all readers. Read them in full. The rest is one decision away.