diy night cream - #13511
I am feeling really frustrated. A few weeks ago, I started noticing my skin getting super dry, like really bad, especially around my eyes and forehead. I tried a few moisturizers from the store, but nothing seemed to work. Out of desperation, I decided to look into making a diy night cream because why not, right? So, I found some recipes online and figured I’d give it a shot. I mixed some coconut oil, shea butter, and a few essential oils I had at home. Honestly, I was pretty excited! But then, after using the diy night cream for just a few days, my skin started breaking out, and I’m like, what the heck? I thought natural ingredients were supposed to be better for you. Maybe I used too much of the coconut oil or one of the essential oils was too strong? I dunno! Anyway, now I’m thinking of just going back to the store stuff but I was hoping some allopathic doctors could help me figure out what went wrong with my diy night cream. Are there certain ingredients I should definitely avoid? Or do you think it’s normal for skin to react like this or maybe it’s just me? Any advice would be super helpful!!
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Doctors’ responses
Making a diy night cream at home can be a fun and creative project, but it can also lead to skin issues if not careful. The reaction you’re experiencing—dryness and breakouts—might be due to a few factors. Coconut oil, while often touted for its moisturizing properties, can be comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores and lead to acne, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Shea butter, while excellent for hydration, can be too heavy for some skin types, also leading to clogged pores. Essential oils can be a particular issue; they’re highly concentrated and can irritate the skin or even provoke reactions, especially if used in high amounts or without proper dilution. Your skin’s reaction isn’t necessarily abnormal but suggests that it may not tolerate some of these ingredients well.
To address your concerns: it’s essential to understand your skin type and any allergies or sensitivities you may have. Start by introducing one new ingredient or product at a time and monitor how your skin responds over a week or two. This way, you can identify any problematic components. As for ingredients to avoid, stay clear of anything known to be comedogenic if you’re prone to breakouts. Essential oils should be used sparingly and always diluted, perhaps in a carrier oil less likely to cause breakouts, like jojoba oil. Regarding commercial products, opt for ones labeled as non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and suitable for sensitive skin. If your skin issues persist, consider consulting with a dermatologist to explore other potential underlying causes or to get tailored skincare recommendations. This could include conditions like eczema or rosacea, requiring different treatments.
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