Part 2, the Don’ts
In part 1 of our series on DIY skin care recipes we talked about 4 important steps to take to make sure you have created a safe and effective product. Now, we will look at what not to do in the process.
The Don’ts of DIY
1. Use spices. Many DIY skin care recipes lately have been calling for cinnamon. The problem here is that cinnamon is a spice and while great to consume, it can irritate the skin. Think about it this way, peppers are also a spice and can burn the skin, cinnamon has the same types of properties so use it for your food or drinks but leave it off your face.
2. Store in direct light. There is something so wonderfully satisfying about a nice, bright bathroom but UV rays and direct sunlight, along with heat and moisture are not good for those home made products. Be sure to keep your recipes in dark containers and store them in cabinets, or better yet, the fridge, to keep them at their best.
3. Use if it smells funny. While this “don’t” may sound pretty obvious, after all you probably wouldn’t eat something with a weird smell, when it comes to personal care products, you may not know how the recipe should smell. After all, you have just mixed a bunch of different ingredients together. Well, if it doesn’t smell right, or if it just seems fishy, toss it.
4. Get it wet. Bacteria loves a wet environment so whenever possible, keep water out of the formula. If water is necessary, make sure it is distilled and keep the end product in the fridge. And finally, make sure your hands are completely dry when you apply the product.
Stay tuned for part 3 of our series where we look at the pros and cons of DIY skin care and how to make it work for your lifestyle, your budget and your skin.
