FIVE (5) THINGS YOU SHOULD NOT APPLY ON YOUR FACE.
Don’t Put These 5 Things on Your Face: Skincare Mistakes to Avoid
Have you ever heard that toothpaste can dry out pimples or that sugar scrubs can give you smoother skin?
These popular skincare hacks may sound harmless, but some things that seem perfectly fine in the bathroom or kitchen can irritate your facial skin.
Your face has a protective skin barrier that helps keep moisture in and irritants out.
Using harsh, abrasive or unsuitable products can disrupt that barrier and leave your skin dry, irritated and more sensitive.
That doesn't mean you need an expensive 10-step skincare routine. In many cases, healthy skincare starts with knowing what not to put on your face.
Here are five products you should think twice about using on your facial skin, along with safer approaches to consider.
1. Toothpaste
Using toothpaste on pimples is one of those skincare hacks that refuses to disappear.
The idea seems logical: toothpaste cleans your teeth and some of its ingredients can affect bacteria, so perhaps it can also dry out acne.
Unfortunately, toothpaste isn't an acne treatment.
Why toothpaste can be bad for your face
Toothpaste is formulated for your teeth, not your skin. It can contain ingredients designed to strengthen enamel, prevent cavities, whiten teeth or control tartar.
These ingredients may be too irritating for facial skin.
Applying toothpaste to a pimple can result in:
- Redness
- Burning or stinging
- Dryness
- Peeling
- Irritation
- Increased inflammation
Instead of making your pimple disappear faster, toothpaste may leave you with an irritated patch of skin.
What should you use instead?
If you're treating occasional acne, look for skincare products formulated specifically for pimples. Ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are commonly used in acne treatments.
Salicylic acid can help remove excess oil and dead skin cells from pores, while benzoyl peroxide can help reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation.
If your acne is persistent, painful or severe, consider speaking with a dermatologist or other qualified healthcare professional.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another household product that people sometimes use on their skin because it can kill microorganisms.
But something being capable of disinfecting doesn't automatically make it suitable for your face.
Why hydrogen peroxide can irritate your skin
Your skin has its own protective barrier and a natural community of microorganisms that contribute to healthy skin.
Hydrogen peroxide can be irritating and may interfere with the skin barrier when used unnecessarily.
Regularly applying it to your face may contribute to:
- Dryness
- Redness
- Irritation
- Inflammation
- Increased sensitivity
It's also not a complete solution for acne. Acne involves several processes, including clogged pores and inflammation, so simply trying to kill bacteria isn't enough.
What should you use instead?
For a minor cut or scrape, gently cleaning the area with mild soap and water is generally a simpler approach. Keeping the area protected can also support the healing process.
If you notice signs that a wound may be infected, seek medical advice rather than repeatedly applying household antiseptics.
And if your concern is acne, use a product specifically designed for acne-prone skin.
3. Heavily Fragranced Skincare Products
Let's be honest: skincare that smells amazing can make your routine feel more luxurious.
But fragrance doesn't provide a skincare benefit, and some people find fragranced products irritating.
Why fragrance may cause problems
Fragrance ingredients can trigger irritation or allergic reactions, particularly in people with sensitive skin.
A reaction may appear as:
- Itching
- Redness
- Burning
- Stinging
- Rash
- Increased sensitivity
This can be particularly frustrating if you already have dry or sensitive skin.
The problem isn't necessarily that every fragranced product will cause a reaction.
Rather, fragrance is an unnecessary potential irritant for people who are sensitive to it.
What should you use instead?
If your skin is easily irritated, consider choosing fragrance-free facial products.
Don't choose skincare simply because it smells nice. Look at the ingredients and pay attention to how your skin responds.
And if you enjoy wearing perfume, avoid spraying it directly onto your face.
4. Neomycin and Polymyxin B
These names may not be familiar to everyone, but you may encounter them in topical antibiotic products used for certain minor skin injuries.
Topical antibiotics have legitimate medical uses. However, that doesn't mean they should become part of your everyday skincare routine.
Why should you be cautious?
Some people can develop allergic contact dermatitis from topical antibiotics, particularly neomycin.
This type of reaction can cause symptoms such as:
- Itching
- Redness
- Irritation
- Rash
- Swelling
Using an antibiotic product unnecessarily may therefore create a new skin problem instead of solving the original one.
What can you use instead?
For simple minor wounds, plain petrolatum jelly can help protect the area and maintain moisture while the skin heals.
However, don't rely on home treatment if a wound becomes increasingly painful, swollen, warm or produces discharge. Those symptoms can require professional medical attention.
5. Sugar and Salt Scrubs
Sugar and salt scrubs are popular because they can make the skin feel immediately smooth.
But there's an important difference between feeling smooth and actually maintaining healthy skin.
Why salt and sugar scrubs may be too harsh
The particles in these scrubs can create considerable friction, particularly when you rub them aggressively across your face.
Repeated or vigorous scrubbing can contribute to:
- Irritation
- Dryness
- Redness
- Increased sensitivity
- Damage to the skin barrier
Some commercial scrubs also contain fragrance or other ingredients that may further irritate sensitive skin.
Your face doesn't need to be aggressively scrubbed to be clean.
What should you use instead?
If you want to exfoliate, choose a product specifically formulated for facial skin.
Depending on your skin type and concerns, a gentle chemical exfoliant may be more suitable than a coarse physical scrub.
However, exfoliation isn't necessary for everyone. If you're dealing with sensitive skin, persistent bumps or unexplained irritation, consider speaking with a qualified healthcare professional before introducing an exfoliating product.
Why Your Skin Barrier Matters
You may have heard skincare experts talk about the skin barrier.
But what exactly does that mean?
Your skin barrier is the outermost protective layer of your skin. It helps reduce water loss and protects your skin from external irritants.
When the barrier becomes disrupted, you may notice:
- Dry or flaky skin
- Tightness
- Burning or stinging
- Increased sensitivity
- Redness
- Irritation
This is one reason why constantly switching products or experimenting with harsh DIY treatments can backfire.
Instead of asking, "What else can I put on my face?", sometimes it's better to ask, "What can I stop using?"
Simple Ways to Protect Your Skin
You don't need dozens of products to build a sensible skincare routine.
Start with the basics.
Cleanse gently
Use a cleanser that suits your skin type and avoid excessively scrubbing your face.
Moisturize regularly
A suitable moisturizer can help maintain hydration and support your skin barrier.
Protect your skin from the sun
Sun protection is an important part of maintaining healthy skin and reducing sun-related skin damage.
Don't over-exfoliate
Exfoliating more frequently doesn't necessarily produce better results. Too much exfoliation can leave your skin irritated.
Introduce products gradually
When you add a new skincare product, don't introduce several new products at the same time. If something causes a reaction, it becomes much harder to identify the culprit.
Be careful with DIY skincare
Just because an ingredient is natural or commonly found in your kitchen doesn't mean it's appropriate for your face.
What About "Natural" Skincare?
This is an important point, especially if you enjoy natural beauty remedies.
Natural does not automatically mean safe.
Ingredients such as lemon juice, baking soda, essential oils and other household substances are frequently promoted online as skincare treatments.
But facial skin can be sensitive, and some of these ingredients may cause irritation or damage when used incorrectly.
Before trying a DIY skincare recipe, ask yourself:
Was this ingredient or product actually formulated and tested for use on facial skin?
If the answer is no, it's worth looking for a gentler alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can toothpaste remove pimples?
Toothpaste isn't formulated as an acne treatment and can irritate facial skin. A properly formulated acne product is a better option.
Is sugar scrub safe for the face?
Sugar scrubs can be too abrasive for some facial skin, especially when used aggressively or frequently. A gentle facial exfoliant may be a better alternative.
Can I use hydrogen peroxide on my face?
Hydrogen peroxide can irritate the skin and isn't recommended as a routine facial skincare treatment. Use products specifically designed for the skin concern you're treating.
Are fragranced skincare products bad?
Not necessarily for everyone, but fragrance can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people. Those with sensitive skin may benefit from fragrance-free products.
How can I repair my skin barrier?
Start by simplifying your routine. Use a gentle cleanser, a suitable moisturizer and appropriate sun protection. Avoid harsh scrubs, unnecessary DIY treatments and excessive exfoliation.
Final Thoughts
Your skincare routine doesn't need to follow every trend on social media.
That toothpaste in your bathroom is designed for your teeth. A bottle of hydrogen peroxide isn't an acne treatment. And coarse salt or sugar scrubs aren't necessarily the best way to exfoliate your face.
When it comes to skincare, gentle and consistent usually beats harsh and complicated.
Pay attention to your skin, introduce products carefully and choose ingredients that are actually formulated for facial use.
Most importantly, don't be afraid to question popular skincare hacks before putting them on your face.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your skin is simply leave the wrong products off it. 🌿
Disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you experience persistent acne, severe irritation, an unusual rash, signs of infection or another concerning skin problem, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.
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