7 things you should never put on your face

You have just watched a viral video with millions of views. Someone is slathering toothpaste on their spots, rubbing lemon juice all over their skin, or mixing sugar and olive oil like they’re making a salad dressing. Before you reach for that DIY “miracle” fix, pause. Your face is not an experiment.

Some things just do not belong on your skin, and not because they are gross or weird, but because they can cause real damage.

Here are seven common items you should avoid putting on your face, no matter how convincing the internet gurus sound.

Toothpaste

People swear by toothpaste to dry out pimples fast. It’s true toothpaste contains ingredients like baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, which can reduce moisture. But these same ingredients are designed for teeth, not skin. Toothpaste can dry out your skin excessively, cause redness, burning, and even peel the top layer. Instead, use spot treatments specifically designed for acne that contain ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice is acidic, with a pH between 2 and 3, which is far lower than your skin’s natural pH of about 5.5. This acidity can disrupt your skin’s protective barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity to sunlight. Worse, it can cause hyperpigmentation (dark spots) if you do not wash it off properly before heading outdoors. So, while lemon is great in your water or on your salad, it is best to keep it off your face.

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Baking soda

Baking soda is alkaline, meaning it raises your skin’s pH and disrupts the natural balance that protects against bacteria and moisture loss. Regular use can cause dryness, redness, and inflammation. It’s fine for cleaning surfaces, but your skin needs gentle, balanced products.

Raw eggs

Some beauty hacks suggest using raw egg whites to tighten pores or firm skin. Aside from the obvious hygiene risks, raw eggs can carry salmonella, and applying them to the skin can pose a risk of infection, especially if there are any cuts or blemishes. Egg whites can also cause allergic reactions and irritation. Plus, they don’t offer any lasting benefit that a proper skincare product can’t do better and safer.

Hairspray

Some people spray hairspray on their face to “set” makeup or tame flyaway hairs. Hairspray contains alcohol and fragrances that dry out skin and may cause breakouts, redness, and irritation. It is not designed for skin contact, so keep it strictly for your hair.

Sugar scrubs

Exfoliating is important to remove dead skin cells, but sugar scrubs can be too abrasive. The coarse grains can create micro-tears in your skin, leading to irritation and sensitivity. Instead, opt for gentle exfoliants which dissolve dead skin without damage.

Hot water

A hot shower feels relaxing, but washing your face with hot water strips away natural oils, leaving your skin dry and irritated. It can worsen conditions like eczema and rosacea. Lukewarm water is ideal for cleansing, it cleans effectively without harming your skin’s natural moisture barrier.