“Beakers versus botanicals” – Analyzing the efficacy of homemade skincare in comparison to manufactured skincare products

Lemon juice

Lemons are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C and have shown effects on weight loss and the reduction of cardiovascular diseases. However, the most concerning part is a condition known as phytophotodermatitis, a skin condition caused by plants such as celery, parsley, and carrots, as well as citrus fruits.^[5] An inflammatory reaction can happen if the citrus chemical on the skin gets exposed to UV light, leading to inflammation, skin blistering, and burning. Sunburn cases have also been widely reported due to the use of lemon juice on the skin without caution in sunlight.^[5,6] It also changes the natural pH of our skin, leading to more damage to the skin barrier. Furocoumarins are naturally occurring substances in citrus fruits that can react when exposed to UV radiation, resulting in rashes, hyperpigmentation, melasma darkening, severe sunburns, and more.^[7] Data are available that suggests people who were exposed to a particular furocoumarin called psoralen, which is present in citrus fruits, had a higher risk of developing malignant melanoma.^[8,9]

Topical Vitamin C has an appealing appeal, but naturalists deem the easiest lemon home remedy can achieve the same effect on the skin. Vitamin C serums produced by pharmaceutical companies have a precise amount of L-ascorbic acid added to them, which can be used by people conveniently according to how much concentration of the product needs to be used, which definitely does not work in the case of the application of lemon juices.^[10] In addition, the active ingredients needed to make the product work efficiently will be best when it is stored in optimum conditions along with optimal preservation, which can be achieved through packaging and unattainable in-home DIY’s.^[10]

Aloe vera gel

The other wonder plant in our plain sight is aloe vera, known for its innumerable possibilities of improving both the skin and the health of the hair. Vitamins A, C, and E are the antioxidants primarily found in aloe vera, which is considered top-notch in the field of natural home remedies. From 1^st and 2^nd degree burn treatment to controlling dandruff and hair fall, aloe vera had a significantly positive impact on those who used it.^[11] It also has a moderate antiseptic property, protecting skin from bacteria and fungi.^[11,12] Yet, the topical or oral consumption of whole leaf extracts can cause some adverse effects in humans if they are severely allergic to the plant family “Lilly.”^[12] Evidence of hives, diarrhea, and itching is found in people who have used aloe vera.^[12,13] After using aloe vera gel topically and orally, a male patient developed conditions such as widespread eczema and papular dermatitis.^[14] A 72-year-old woman’s eyes and legs developed pruriginous erythema after she applied her own homemade aloe vera leaf juice to the area.^[14,15] It is preferred to do a patch test before you apply aloe vera directly to your skin in a wholesome amount.

On the other hand, it has been demonstrated that pharmaceutical aloe vera gel can have certain undesirable side effects, primarily due to a purity compromise during manufacture. The anthraquinone-like aloin present in them can cause hypersensitivity reactions.^[16] Evidence suggests that the application of aloe vera gel topically can increase the absorption of hydrocortisone cream but shows delayed wound healing when applied post-surgically as compared to the others who have not applied the gel.^[17] However, the application of topical aloe vera gel was considered safe by the clinical studies.

Homemade exfoliants-face scrub

Homemade natural skin care products are a wide and varied range such as facial exfoliant scrubs, facemasks, anti-tanning, anti-aging remedies, and so on and so forth.^[18] Let us consider the case of DIY exfoliating scrubs, most of which are made with natural ingredients such as sugar and ground walnut shells.^[19] A major amount of research has shown significant damage to the skin barrier while using these substances in a harsh way, believing they might over exfoliate and do wonders for your skin. Data suggestive of skin abrasions, scabs, scars, and infections are reported if used often and non-judiciously.^[19,20] Recent advancements in the field of dermatology have shown up with soap-free face washes devoid of harsh chemicals, and the ones that contain alpha-hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid help in removing dead skin cells, providing exfoliation without causing physical trauma to your skin barrier, thus preserving them.^[20] Exfoliation in a mild manner is always preferable, but it will be best achieved with both physical and chemical exfoliations under the observation of a certified dermatologist.^[20]

Eggs

Eggs are the best-known ingredient in our old grandma’s kit of herbals. Rich in protein, they provide wonderful benefits when consumed orally. Yet, application to the skin surface has always been a debate. As every natural product gloats about how it promotes anti-aging, shrinks pores on the face, gives your hair a silky texture, and prevents hair fall, it also causes a disaster to the skin when applied directly. These homemade products with eggs have no preservatives added to them, making them closer to heart for nature lovers, but in fact, they can be a hub for bacteria to survive, gaining easier access to your skin.^[21] Interestingly, studies have been updated on the matter of whether using raw eggs on the face for a long time can put a person at risk of bacterial infections such as Salmonella or Campylobacter, as they can be carriers and whoever encounters them has a moderate chance of getting infected.^[21,22] The albumin in the egg white has a sticky texture, when applied to the skin can have a sticky appearance, making a faux effect like it tightens the skin. This is the only scientific explanation of the youthfulness it provides.^[22] Egg white applied to hair can also make the hair very hard, exposing it to physical trauma during a difficult hair wash and leading to more breakages.

Toothpaste as acne medication

The home remedy followed, which is a complete “No-gainer,” is the use of toothpaste on acne. It does not entirely count into the section of homemade skincare ingredients but was easily accessible from our pantry, which is one of the qualities of it being involved in the study. It has been observed that using toothpaste to treat acne is a prevalent misunderstanding among people and has to be addressed before it causes additional skin problems.

Some toothpastes that contained triclosan (to kill acne-causing bacteria and fungi) as well as baking soda and alcohol (for a drying effect) were successful in treating individual pimples and, thus, have been a renowned home remedy for active acne.^[23] This bactericidal property of toothpaste has been falsely compared with the similar action of acne medications, leading to widespread use of this DIY, especially among the teenagers.^[24] Toothpaste contains a lot of strong chemicals that are meant to protect the enamel from carries and tartar deposits, and such a harsh composition of chemicals on the skin can cause redness, stinging, and inflammation, sometimes making the acne worse.^[25] After the application of toothpaste, evidence of contact dermatitis was found, along with skin burns and scars.^[26] Salicylate-containing face wash and primary treatment with topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide have proven to be the gold standard in the management of acne.^[26,27] These treatments sometimes do not show the expected results in a very short time, making people switch gears to natural home remedies. Medications, especially the ones used for acne, take longer to show changes in the skin. Using retinoid acid might first show a flare-up of acne, which most people mistake for an allergy or the ineffectiveness of the medication; in fact, it is a natural process of the effectiveness of this medication by creating a “Retinoid flare” in the beginning, which gradually decreases the acne and brings back energetic skin.^[28]

Turmeric

Among the top ones when it comes to anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is the go-to for DIY’s. Strong antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties are shared by turmeric’s active curcumin components.^[29] The combination of these qualities makes it an appealing option for use in cosmetics, such as a cream created especially for skin wound healing. Curcumin is being investigated as a potential anti-carcinogenic, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and chemopreventive drug by inhibiting or boosting these molecular targets.^[30] It has widely been accepted in dermatology to treat conditions such as skin cancer, psoriasis, acne, wound healing, and keloids with a remarkable effect.^[30,31] Evidence suggests that the use of organic turmeric, one plucked directly from the soil without any adulteration, is the most effective for its benefits.^[32] The ones sold in packets readily available in the store have a high chance of being adulterated. Due to their ability to resemble the unique yellow color of turmeric, synthetic dyes such as metanil yellow and lead chromate are also being scrutinized for counterfeiting.^[33] Bulletins issued also claim that adding certain colorants may be unsafe and that international regulatory bodies do not recognize these chemicals as acceptable food coloring agents.^[33] Turmeric, taken all together, has the best anti-inflammatory properties, but when taken orally, it can have some effects, like excessive curcumin, can cause kidney stones if one is genetically predisposed.^[34] Furthermore, the lesser bioavailability of curcumin can make it less effective, along with its breakdown by gastric acids when taken orally.^[32-34]