Dermatologists are urging people to exercise caution before trying popular DIY skincare remedies, warning that many widely shared home treatments can do more harm than good despite being marketed as natural and inexpensive alternatives to commercial products. Experts say ingredients commonly found in kitchens, including lemon juice and baking soda, may disrupt the skin's natural balance and lead to irritation or long-term damage.

DIY skincare has long been a part of beauty routines, often passed down through generations as home remedies for concerns such as acne, pigmentation and dull skin. In recent years, these practices have gained renewed popularity through social media, where influencers frequently promote homemade face masks and treatments using everyday household ingredients.

However, dermatologist Dr. Nirupama Parwanda, founder of Zolie Skin, cautioned against blindly following such trends. According to her, skincare needs vary significantly from person to person, and remedies that appear effective for one individual may trigger adverse reactions in another. She stressed that the assumption that natural ingredients are automatically safe is often misleading.

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Dr. Parwanda noted that ingredients such as lemon juice and baking soda can interfere with the skin's natural pH balance. Lemon juice is highly acidic and may cause irritation, redness, increased sensitivity and even pigmentation issues when exposed to sunlight. Baking soda, on the other hand, is alkaline and can weaken the skin barrier, resulting in dryness, inflammation and a greater risk of infection.

The expert also highlighted that social media content rarely accounts for differences in skin type, underlying conditions or allergies. As a result, individuals may unknowingly worsen existing skin concerns by experimenting with unverified remedies without professional guidance. Dermatologists recommend patch testing any new product or ingredient and seeking expert advice before attempting treatments for persistent skin problems.

While some natural ingredients may offer skincare benefits when used appropriately, experts say consumers should prioritise evidence-based practices over viral trends. Maintaining a consistent skincare routine, using products suited to individual skin types and consulting qualified professionals remain the safest approaches to achieving healthy skin and avoiding preventable damage.

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