A quick de-tan or an instant glow, the first thing that often comes to mind is a DIY mask, widely believed to be one of the most popular and safest beauty hacks. From coffee to turmeric, these home-made remedies are often promoted as ‘natural’ and widely shared across kitchens and social media. But dermatologists caution that not every DIY mask suits all skin types, and in some cases, these fixes may cause more harm than good.

NOT ALL SKIN REACTS THE SAME WAY

The level of skin sensitivity differs from person to person, and so does the reaction to some products. According to Dermatologist Dr Amit Bhasin, “Every skin type reacts differently to DIY masks. If your skin is sensitive, harsh ingredients like neem can trigger redness, burning, or even rashes. “Further, he adds, “For oily or acne-prone skin, rich ingredients such as malai (cream) may clog pores and worsen breakouts.”

THE DANGERS OF OVERUSE

As the saying goes, anything in excess can be harmful. The same applies to skincare. “Even everyday kitchen staples can damage the skin if overused,” says Dr Bhasin.

• Turmeric: While it has anti-inflammatory properties, frequent application can cause rashes or stubborn yellow staining.

• Coffee scrubs: Excessive exfoliation can strip away the skin barrier, leaving it irritated and prone to damage.

• Lemon juice: Highly acidic, it can cause redness, irritation, and even chemical burns with repeated use.

DIY ISN’T ALWAYS SAFE

There is a set of beliefs that household ingredients are the safest option, but it can be misleading – “Poison ivy is natural, but certainly not safe for skin,” the dermatologist points out.

Popular “natural” quick fixes like garlic juice or onion juice can be harsh, leading to irritation and long-term sensitivity.

THE RISKS OF TRENDY HACKS

With countless beauty trends going viral on social media, many DIY masks have become a trendy hack without a scientific or healthy backing. “Toothpaste, vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda are often promoted as quick hacks. But continuous use can cause severe irritation, burns, and long-lasting skin damage,” Dr. Bhasin warns.

DO OLD REMEDIES STILL WORK?

Often, the ingredients used in DIY masks are passed down to us as a tradition, and we believe in them blindly, but the effects can be quite questionable. Dr Bhasin pointed out this and says, “Ingredients were purer and fresher decades ago. Today, many of those remedies may not only be less effective but could also harm the skin.”

THE MYTHS ABOUT DIY MASKS

DIY beauty often comes with big promises, but not all of them are rooted in fact. From social media trends to age-old home remedies, several misconceptions continue to circulate and mislead people.

These are the myths that need to be debunked, Dr Bhasin stresses.

• All natural ingredients are safe.

• If you use DIY masks 4–5 times a week, results will be better.

• If a mask burns or stings, it means it’s working.

• DIY masks can treat deep melasma and pigmentation.

• Anti-wrinkle DIY masks can reverse ageing.

THE SAFE WAY TO TRY DIY MASKS

Using DIY masks can harm the skin, but if it is used in the proper way, it can’t go wrong. Dr Bhasin advises that a little caution can go a long way in preventing irritation or long-term skin damage.

If you enjoy DIY skincare, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
Always do a patch test (behind the ear or on your arm) before applying to the face.
Don’t use DIY masks daily; once a week is usually enough.
Prefer gentle ingredients like rose water, aloe vera, or homemade yoghurt.
Avoid harsh products like baking soda, lemon, or vinegar.
If you feel burning, stinging, or itching, wash off immediately.

DIY masks may sound harmless, but frequent use can harm, disrupt your skin barrier and worsen the condition, and even leave permanent damage. So, cautious use rather than running for a quick fix can work better for the skin. As the dermatologist concludes, “Natural doesn’t always mean safe. When in doubt, it’s better to consult a professional than risk long-term skin health.”

– Ends