homemade facial - #16545
I am really confused right now. I used a homemade facial a few days ago because my skin was breaking out like crazy, and I thought maybe something natural would help. It was just some mashed avocado, honey, and a bit of lemon juice. Anyway, after using that homemade facial, my skin went from bad to worse! My face is now super red and feels kinda itchy. I thought homemade facial stuff was supposed to be gentle and calming, but this totally didn’t turn out that way. I mean, what went wrong? Could it be that the lemon juice in my homemade facial was too acidic? I didn't think that would be a problem since I read a bunch of articles about how good vitamin C is for skin. I also noticed that I might have overdone it with the quantity, like maybe applied too much of the homemade facial. Did anyone else have a similar experience with a homemade facial gone bad? Also, any tips on how to calm down this redness? I really prefer natural remedies but I don't want to irritate my skin even more. Is there some kind of magic trick to fix this? I hope there's something I can do that isn’t too harsh or chemical-filled.
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Doctors’ responses
Homemade facials can seem like a gentle solution, but they aren’t always without risks, especially when acidic ingredients like lemon juice are involved. Lemon juice has a low pH that can be too strong for skin, potentially disrupting its natural barrier and causing irritation or even a mild chemical burn, as it seems might have happened here with your redness and itchiness. While vitamin C is indeed beneficial for the skin, it’s best applied in stable formulations specifically designed for skincare rather than raw citrus, which can be unpredictable. Overapplication could exacerbate irritation due to more prolonged exposure to the acidic element. Also, avocados and honey are generally well tolerated, but any topical product—natural or not—can potentially cause allergic reactions or sensitization. To calm your skin right now, it’s essential to focus on gentle soothing and hydration. Avoiding any more exfoliating or potentially irritating substances like scrubs or other facials is vital. Cool compresses can provide relief; soak a clean cloth in cool water and lay it over the affected skin for 10-15 minutes. You might also try a plain, fragrance-free moisturizer to help repair the skin barrier—aloe vera gel can be soothing but ensure it’s free of added alcohol or fragrances. Oatmeal baths or masks can be very calming; ground colloidal oatmeal mixed with water to a paste can soothe inflamed skin. Keep it simple and avoid using new products that aren’t dermatologist-approved. Watch closely for signs of skin infection like pus formation, increased swelling, or if symptoms worsen. If the irritation persists despite these measures, consulting with a dermatologist is recommended for further evaluation—sometimes prescription creams are needed to manage significant reactions. Balancing natural remedies with clinical guidance can optimize outcomes to prevent issues like this in future.
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