5 Natural beauty remedies debunked

MF editorial team

09 Jul 2015

mis à jour le 4 May 2019 à 00:23

Lemon, aloe vera, cinnamon... the list of natural beauty remedies is endless. Here we uncover the benefits and side effects of some commonly used ones.

1/5
Lemon
It's a common ingredient in lightening products on the beauty market, and YouTube gurus and natural lifestyle lovers always recommend using the raw fruit directly onto the skin or to consume for detoxing the body. Although we don't doubt its cleansing purposes, lemon used directly on the skin on its own can cause adverse reactions due to its high acidity levels. It introduces a stinging feeling to those who are not used to the treatment, and have been said to create microscopic cuts in the skin. Our top tip is to dilute the lemon juice with some water before topical application, and always remember to use SPF afterwards as it can lead your skin to being more prone to sun damage.
2/5
Aloe Vera
This plant and its jelly-like flesh used to be the answer to every skin ailment our mothers and grandmothers used to have. To this day, the healing properties and hair growth capabilities of aloe vera are unbeatable. However, if you find that you have experienced side effects from using aloe vera on your skin or hair, it could be due to the fact that you're allergic to garlic, onions or tulips. Be sure to steer clear of aloe vera or you might break out in a rash or even hives.
3/5
Honey
Possessing similar skin healing properties as aloe vera and even acting as medicine for some illnesses, honey is nature's gift to mankind for health and wellbeing purposes. It's the main ingredient in many DIY face mask receipes and can even be used on burns and wounds. Be warned however that you should stay away from it if you are allergic to pollen. Also always be sure that you purchase an organic version to ensure the most natural formula for your topical and internal use.
4/5
Oatmeal
Besides being a delicious breakfast staple alongside fresh berries and sweet milk, oatmeal is great for incorporating natural exfoliation into your skincare routine. The ingredient is soft to the touch but rough enough for effective removal of dead skin and blackheads. Make sure to purchase a finely-milled one in order to avoid cuts in the skin when using it. The skin on the face is especially delicate and should be handled with care, even when using natural remedies!
5/5
Cinnamon
Not only is cinnamon a delicious spice for your sweet and savoury foods, it's also effective for skin whitening and hair care and can be found in suntan lotions, moisturisers, exfoliants and more. In small doses, the benefits of cinnamon include lowering the risk of diabetes, heart problems and increased memory power. In skincare, it's best to keep to the same rule - a little goes a long way. Exfoliation with cinnamon once a week is plenty, because too often and it will cause skin irritation.

At one point in our skincare conundrums, we've all tried checking Google for natural skincare solutions and remedies in desperation, since nothing on the shelves ever seemed to work. We've heard people sing praises of the benefits of lemon, aloe vera, honey, cinnamon and the like, but then again are they really foolproof?

Those who had positive experiences can reap the benefits, but those who had adverse reactions are lucky enough to tell the tale, so there must be pros and cons to every treatment.

So before you venture forth, read on as we uncover the benefits - and maybe even downsides - of these Do-It-Yourself solutions.

Nur Syazana H.

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