5 Things You Should Never (Ever!) Put on Your Face

The Internet is flooded with DIY skin care recipes, “remedies,” and tutorials for what seems like every skin concern under the sun. Dry, aging skin? No problem. Flaky pout? There’s an at-home lip salve for that. While some of these methods are tried and true—and dermatologist-approved—others can actually cause more harm to your face than good. We chatted with Dr. Michael Kaminer, board-certified dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and Skincare.com expert, for some pointers on what things we should never (ever) put on our faces.

If you’ve run out of your facial moisturizer and are reaching for your body lotion as a substitute, consider this: Most body lotions contain fragrances and ingredients that may cause a reaction on delicate, thinner facial skin. But if you’re in a pinch and need to lather it on your face a few times, don’t sweat it too much. “If you’re staying at a hotel and you have to use the body lotion they have on your face, it’s probably fine,” says Kaminer. “Sometimes body lotions are a bit thicker than face lotions, so at night that can actually be a good thing. But [doing this] too often can lead to blocked pores.” 

Most fragrances contain alcohol, which can irritate the skin, especially if it’s sensitive. The face, however, isn’t the only area that can experience a reaction as a result of spritzing fragrance.

You may have heard of vinegar being used as a facial toner, but you’re better off using one of the many products available on the market instead. They’re gentler on the skin and, not to mention, less odorous.

Putting mayonnaise on your face may seem cringe-worthy to some, but it’s not uncommon to hear of it as a main ingredient in many DIY masks and moisturizers. The acidic nature and thick consistency of mayo may block your pores and lead to breakouts, so avoid putting it on your cheeks.

Toothpaste has long been heralded as the ultimate overnight zit-zapper. Many people dab the paste over pimples to help dry them out. However, certain ingredients in toothpaste can irritate the skin and potentially cause over-drying. Use it on your teeth, only. “It’s just not good for your skin over the long-haul,” says Kaminer. Instead, opt for blemish spot treatments with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or other acne-fighting ingredients.