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Homemade masks may give a short-term freshness effect, but they do not improve the skin at the cellular level
The internet is overflowing with recipes for “miracle” homemade masks. They seem natural and safe, but they can often do more harm than help. RBC-Ukraine reports on what happens to the face if you often apply homemade masks.
Perhaps everyone has tried making face or hair masks at home from homemade products – yoghurt, berries, honey, oatmeal, cucumber and lemon.
Women are convinced of the naturalness, availability and lack of preservatives. However, such masks have many disadvantages for the skin.
The active ingredients cannot penetrate the skin
According to dermatologist Catherine Bakiko, the skin is a natural barrier that protects us from the external environment. Over millions of years of evolution, the skin has developed the ability to keep out foreign substances, because this would cause serious problems.
Substances from products have molecules too large to penetrate the skin barrier. They remain on the surface without affecting cell function or saturating the skin with beneficial substances.
The best way to get the benefits of vitamins and micronutrients from foods is to eat them. With food, they are absorbed into the bloodstream and delivered to the skin cells from the inside out.
Vitamins in homemade masks are unstable and degrade quickly
The vitamins in these masks are in low concentrations. They oxidise quickly and lose their effectiveness. Even if the concentration was sufficient, these substances will still not penetrate the skin.
“Scalp masks made from onions, garlic or peppers are often used to stimulate blood circulation, hoping to speed up hair growth. In fact, they only cause irritation and temporary blood flow, but do not affect the hair follicles,” the expert said.
Hair loss is usually linked to hormonal disorders, autoimmune diseases, internal diseases, stress or genetics, not lack of blood circulation.
In addition, the unpleasant odour after such treatments can haunt you for a long time. There is no scientific proof of the effectiveness of home masks – no serious study has confirmed their ability.
Cosmetics are created according to scientific principles
Scientists and pharmacists have been working for years to make the active ingredients in cosmetics effective and able to penetrate the skin. This is why some professional products are expensive.
The components undergo a complex synthesis mechanism that allows them to act more deeply. They contain effective concentrations of active ingredients that are simply not present in natural products.
Homemade masks may give a short-term effect of freshness, but they do not improve the condition of the skin at the cellular level.
If you want really effective care – choose professional cosmetics developed with scientific research, the right concentration and stable forms of active ingredients.
Natural does not mean safe
Homemade masks may not only be unhelpful, but also harmful. Egg yolk and honey are ideal breeding grounds for bacteria. Whereas lemon and strawberries can cause irritation, sun sensitivity and pigmentation.
Dairy products, oil, grease and honey can clog pores and provoke acne.
Are clay masks safe?
Clay is often used to cleanse the skin and treat acne, but their effectiveness is exaggerated. It reduces oiliness at the time of application, but it does not cure that oiliness or make the skin less oily.
It can dry out the skin, provoking even more sebum production.
Clay also has no pronounced anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
How old can you apply masks to your face?
You can start using face masks from around the age of 15, but it all depends on your skin type and its needs.
Teenage skin is often prone to oiliness and acne. Light cleansing masks are suitable.
From the age of 20, you can:
- introduce moisturising, soothing masks, especially after stress or active cleansing
- spot masks for rashes can also be used topically
- it is important not to use anti-ageing products or overly rich formulas
The main rule of thumb is to match masks to your skin type, avoid allergens and always do a patch test before a new product.
