DIY ingredient must haves?!

Sep 27, 2014

Massiell C.

What are you ladies must haves for DIYS such as for hair and acne prone skin? I wanna get a lot of stuff to make endless things so I'm a bit curious as to what is good. I have very curly thick hair and combination acne prone skin. Thank you all in advance. <3 :*

Sep 27, 2014

Massiell C.

Also, my hair is very dry, almost hay like lol :(

Sep 27, 2014

Ivette H.

Coconut oil is great as a hair mask, makeup remover and body moisturizer.

Sep 27, 2014

Massiell C.

Thanks ivette! Ill be sure to buy some.

Sep 27, 2014

Massiell C.

Thank you Jacqlyn! I was thinking about buying the complete kit, but a lot of reviews said it didnt work, so I'm a bit hesitant.

Sep 27, 2014

Massiell C.

Lol awe! I'm sorry for ruining it for you love! I've heard mixed things, and I have mild acne on my forehead, cheeks, and cheekbones. Thank you for your reccomendations though, and if you do try the kit, BE SURE TO TELL ME HOW IT GOES lol <3

Sep 27, 2014

Massiell C.

Btw your skin looks fab!

Sep 27, 2014

Massiell C.

That is so true! And no problem doll :*

Sep 27, 2014

Kat A.

For hair; coconut oil, olive oil, castor oil, almond oil, avocado oil, aloe, honey, bananas, avocados. :)

Sep 27, 2014

Massiell C.

thanks kat!

Sep 27, 2014

Emily W.

My essentials for anything DIY: a background in chemistry and biology, empirical data from reputable academic sources, and knowledge of sanitation.

Basically, I have yet to find any kind of DIY recipe that doesn't rely on pseudoscience or wishful thinking. In most cases, they actually do more harm than good. Here are some common ingredients that are not what people claim them to be.

Honey: many people taut honey as an antibacterial agent and a moisturizer. True, honey is humectant, but it contains substances that can cause major allergic reactions (pollen, and royal jelly). Additionally, it contains varying amounts of hydrogen peroxide, which can cause photosensitivity and lead to dark spots.

Lemon: THIS IS NEVER OKAY TO USE ON SKIN. I wish I could put that on a billboard in big blinking red letters. Lemon contains citric acid, a powerful photosensitive chemical that causes sensitive skin, nasty burns, scars, and hyperpigmentation. It has NO benefit to skin, contrary to what many people claim. Yes, it is a bleaching agent. But the reaction it has with sunlight can actually INCREASE dark spots.

Yogurt: People claim this is a great moisturizer in face masks. However, it is not any more moisturizing than a lotion, the lactic acid content is too low to be of any benefit, and the bacterial cultures in the yogurt can actually worsen acne.

Cinnamon: DO NOT USE CINNAMON ON YOUR SKIN. Cinnamon is one of the most powerful irritants available. It causes horrible burns, respiratory problems, scarring, swelling, and can lead to hyperpigmentation. It is sometimes said to "improve circulation" or used to plump lips, that is because it is IRRITATING the skin and mucous membranes. Seriously, not good.

Coconut oil: coconut oil is very dense and should not be used near the eyes, as it can cause congestion in the tear ducts and sensitive skin around the eyes. It can also worsen acne as it is mildly comedogenic. Many people are allergic, so patch test before using.

Vaseline: This is a petroleum byproduct, used as an industrial sealant. It does NOT moisturize, it does NOT grow eyelashes, it does NOT condition hair. It does nothing. Used over moisturizer it can seal it in place (on hands/feet) but other than that it does nothing. It is comedogenic and can lead to infections and styes in the eyes.

Sep 27, 2014

Massiell C.

Thank you! I love science lol.

Sep 27, 2014

Kat A.

She blinded me with science! lol (old song reference for those of you who don't get it).
you're welcome, Massiell :)

Sep 27, 2014

Massiell C.

LOL Kat

Sep 27, 2014

Emily W.

Haha great song Kat!