Are natural homemade facial masks safe?

There are various cheap ways to treat skin at home. One of them is using a DIY face mask (do-it-yourself) which is formulated with natural ingredients. Besides being claimed to be effective in relieving various annoying skin problems, the concoction of natural face masks is also considered safer and does not cause harmful side effects. However, is this assumption true?

Powerful natural masks may not work for everyone

I think that's a myth, huh. It is only limited to the advice of their ancestors, which Indonesians still believe today. So far, the evidence for the benefits of natural masks is limited to stories of experience, aka anecdotal or suggestion.

In terms of medical science, there are no scientific studies that can really prove the workings, safety, benefits, and efficacy of natural masks to treat various skin problems. The reason is, the natural mask recipes that are widely circulating in the average community are not known where the source is. These recipes also vary widely in size, according to who made them.

Moreover, the benefits of every natural ingredient that are used as skin care masks have not been scientifically proven to date.

For some people who have normal skin or mild complaints, these masks may be useful. However, for other people who may have more severe or complex skin problems, the use of natural masks can irritate their skin, aggravating their condition.

Is it safe?

Once again, the safety and effectiveness of natural masks have not been proven by science.

What you need to pay attention to is that some natural ingredients are actually not recommended to be applied directly to the skin. Especially acidic ones like lime and lemon.

Although both have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that are good for skin health, the citrus family which is high in acid (pH 2) can cause skin irritation when applied directly to the skin, even causing rashes and possibly chemical burns. Especially if you have sensitive skin.

Apart from lemon, some natural ingredients that should not be used directly on the skin are apple cider vinegar, garlic, baking soda, and turmeric.

The right way if you want to use a natural face mask

I do not condone or support the use of natural face masks, because there is no evidence of their efficacy. But if you want to try, I recommend using non-irritating ingredients.

The principle is trial and error, aka trial and error. If the use of natural masks actually worsens your skin condition, please stop using them immediately. Don't insist on sticking with natural masks, even though your skin is getting worse.

Also, don't use face masks too often. We recommend that you just once a week. Using face masks too often can actually cause your skin to become drier and prone to peeling.

The good is, first consult a dermatologist

Basically, the best way to treat various skin problems is to use treatments that have proven to be effective.

If you have a skin problem that is unusual or even bothering you, don't hesitate to consult a dermatologist. A dermatologist will determine the right treatment according to your condition.

Remember, even though the masks you make use natural ingredients, they are not necessarily safe for your skin.