No, Thanks: 45 Awful Beauty Hacks That Could Permanently Damage The Skin

Are you aware of the dangerous beauty hacks floating around on the internet? If not, you’re in for a surprise. Some people go as far as suggesting you use glue as hair spray or apply nail polish on rashes! While some of these hacks might seem like a great idea at first, they can do more harm than you imagine. There are countless risky and harmful beauty hacks out there waiting to do some severe damage. 

So, before trying any of the so-called hacks you see online, do your research and ensure it’s a safe and effective option. Otherwise, you could end up with irreversible damage to your hair, skin, or worse! Keep reading to learn more about the bad beauty hacks on the internet so you can stay away from them. 

1. At-home chemical peels

When it comes to at-home chemical peels, there are a few dangers that you should be aware of. First and foremost, if you don’t realize what you’re doing, you can burn your skin or cause other severe damage. Secondly, the chemicals in these peels can be quite strong, so it’s important to be careful.

If you have sensitive skin, you may want to steer clear of at-home peels altogether and leave them to the professionals. Moreover, if you accidentally get one with too high of a concentration, it could damage your skin. As a result, it may take you weeks to recover, defeating the purpose of skin care. 

2. Eye stencil using tape 

While using tape for a stencil may seem like a convenient option, there are potential dangers to keep in mind. The skin around the eyelids is extremely sensitive, and any irritation can lead to severe problems. Tape can potentially cause things like redness, swelling, and even infection.

On top of that, when you adhere the tape to your skin in this area, you’re more likely to experience discomfort later. So, if you don’t have a stencil and want to use tape instead, take a moment to consider the benefits and disadvantages. There are other ways to apply your eyeliner perfectly!

3. Antiperspirants for oil blotting

You don’t want to use antiperspirant for oil blotting. Why? For starters, it could clog your pores. Having oily skin means that your pores are larger and produce more sebum. Applying an antiperspirant could clog your pores and cause breakouts.

Another reason is that antiperspirants contain aluminum, which can irritate the skin. If you have sensitive skin, using an antiperspirant on your face could cause redness, itching, or even rashes. Aluminum can also dry out the skin if you’re already struggling with dryness – and you don’t want that to happen.

4. Coconut oil as a face moisturizer

After you read this, you probably won’t use coconut oil as a face moisturizer ever again. Everyone is raving about this natural product. Everybody’s talking about how healthy and natural it is. But just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s good for your skin.

The flipside of coconut oil is that it may give you more blackheads. That off-putting word means that the oil will clog your pores, and if you’re acne-prone, you’ll probably have more acne or blackheads. In this case, it’s better to stick to an oil-free moisturizer. 

5. Glue blackhead removal

Blackhead removal is tricky because some people’s pores are constantly clogged. Unfortunately, there’s no easy method or product to make them go away for good. Glue might work if you’re looking for a temporary fix. But, ultimately, it’s not going to do your skin any favors in the long run.

The greatest danger of using glue for blackhead removal is that it can cause irritation and inflammation. When you apply an adhesive to your skin, there’s always the chance that your skin will react badly. Some people even experienced acne breakouts after using topical adhesives.

6. Brown sugar hair straightening

Have you ever thought of using brown sugar to straighten your hair? It may seem like an unintelligent alternative to salon treatments, and it really is. But it’s pretty dangerous to try this beauty hack. For starters, brown sugar is just as harsh on your hair as any other hair straightening product.

This means that it may potentially damage your hair follicles and lead to breakage. In addition, if you don’t remove all of the sugar from your hair before rinsing, it can make your hair even frizzier and even attract insects to your hair. Now, that’s not a good look, is it?

7. Lemon for lightening freckles 

Lemons are acidic and may cause skin irritation. A lemon’s acid can make your skin go drier and make your freckles pop out. Over time, using lemon juice on your skin can also irritate the top layer of your skin. What does that mean? It means that sunlight will not be your friend.

Using lemon regularly can cause excessive redness and even peel your skin! So, if you wish for a natural way to lighten your freckles, it’s best to try a product that contains milder ingredients rather than applying lemon juice or lemon essential oil directly to your skin.

8. Sandpaper exfoliation 

You’ve got to have a loose screw if you use sandpaper to exfoliate the skin. Do we even need to mention the several dangers of using sandpaper for skin exfoliation? It can open tiny holes in your face and lead to infection and scarring.

A better option for exfoliating the skin is to use a product designed for that purpose, such as a scrub or a mask. These products have special ingredients that won’t harm your pretty skin. You’ll thank yourself for not falling for such a terrible beauty hack. 

9. Glow in the dark polish

Glow-in-the-dark polishes can be fun and pretty, but you shouldn’t try to make your DIY polish using glow sticks. These things contain DBP, which is known to cause problems at birth. See why you don’t want to let that thing touch your skin?

The chemical in the glow sticks may also burn your skin. There are safer ways to create a DIY glow-in-the-dark polish. A safer method is to use glow powder, which you can purchase online or at any store. Another option is to mix toning nail polish with a highlighter.

10. Safety pin skin hazard 

Poking a pimple with a safety pin can cause the bacteria inside to spread, leading to even more breakouts. It can also cause scarring and leave the pimple open to infection. Instead, you could go for safer and more effective methods.

You can use a warm compress to soften the skin and make the pimple easier to pop, or you may use a specific extractor to remove the pimple without causing any damage. After popping, clean the skin and apply a soothing gel or lotion.

11. Glass cup lip plumping

Kylie Jenner made thick lips trendy again. Not that they were not a beauty standard before, but she made everyone fancy the pouty look even more. As a result, an internet challenge was born. People were using glass cups or bottles to swell their lips!

Pressing a glass against your lips may give the so-called “duck lips,” but it’s painful and temporary. You can even end up with blue circular rings around your mouth rather than getting a pout. That won’t look too good in your selfies, that’s for sure.

12. Peanut butter for shaving 

Using peanut butter for shaving is messy and ineffective. Do we even have to mention that PB doesn’t work as well as traditional shaving creams or gels? Peanut butter is too thick and sticky to provide a close shave and can ruin your razor blades.

Not to mention, it’s a pain to clean off your skin afterward. Save your peanut butter for salads and sandwiches, and don’t waste it on shaving. You may use a hair conditioner to soften the hair before shaving. This is among the best shaving hacks out there. 

13. Milk of magnesia face primer

There’s no denying that milk of magnesia is a cult-favorite beauty product. Used as everything from a face primer to an under-eye brightener, this inexpensive substance seems to be a jack-of-all-trades for makeup. However, some may be concerned about the safety of using MOM on their skin.

While it’s true that this product can cause dryness if used in excess, some people don’t feel it right away. Then, they end up getting allergies on their face because of the acidic pH. It’s better to stick to approved primers if you want to stay safe.

14. Hairspray as a makeup fixer 

Hairspray might seem like an ideal makeup fixer – it’s quick and easy to use and provides a strong hold that can help keep your makeup in place all day long. What’s there not to like? Well, we can point out a few things.

For starters, it can make your skin look lifeless and dull. If you have oily skin, hairspray can make your face look highly greasy. And if you have sensitive skin, it will probably cause irritation, redness, and even breakouts. Honestly, there are better makeup-fixing products on the market.

15. Potato on the skin

Lots of people use potatoes to soothe their skin, but this vegetable can clog your pores, which is why it’s not typically recommended for use as a skin treatment. Potatoes also have lots of sugar and, when used on the skin, can cause more harm than good.

The high sugar content may increase inflammation and irritation on the skin and, over time, will only worsen any existing acne or other skin conditions you might have. They can brighten and soothe your skin – but at a very high cost.

16. Gelatin as pore strips 

Pore strips that use absorbent materials like charcoal or clay are effective because they remove all the nasty stuff from your pores. They’re specifically created for this purpose, but there are other options if you happen to run out of strips. Gelatin is definitely not one of them.

Pore strips attach to your skin and then remove the unwanted stuff when you pull it off. Some people use gelatin instead, even if it doesn’t have adhesive properties. It would not be effective in removing sebum from your pores. Save your gelatin for some incredible recipes!

17. Chemical skin bleaching 

Skin bleaching sounds pretty scary, and it’s indeed dangerous. First and foremost, bleaching products contain toxic chemicals that can be dangerous to your health if you use them for cosmetic purposes. You don’t want to deal with the skin irritation, inflammation, and other adverse side effects that come with it.

Please note that chemical skin bleaching doesn’t really have any long-term benefits. In other words, it’s not going to make your skin permanently lighter or fairer. If you’re looking for cool and effective ways to ‘bleach’ your skin, you should probably visit a dermatologist.

18. Forbidden cookie mascara 

First of all, cookies are delicious. Who wouldn’t want to smother their lashes in a layer of sweet, sugary goodness? Unfortunately, cookies aren’t great for your mascara. They can be pretty harmful, in fact. The first reason not to use cookies is that they’ll make your lashes sticky and difficult to remove.

Besides, cookies in your mascara will attract ants, which is certainly not a situation you want to find yourself in. This can be super dangerous for your eyelashes. Another terrible possibility is that your lashes may fall out. Instead, you should invest in a good lash serum and elongating mascara. 

19. Nail polish for eyeliner 

We’re basically stating the obvious, but using nail polish as eyeliner may cause irritation and itching around the eyes. It is not meant to be used near that area, so there is a risk of infection if it gets in your eyes.

Nail polish contains chemicals that can cause irritation and even chemical burns if it suddenly comes in contact with your eyes. It can damage your lashes and even affect your vision. Is it really worth risking your sight just because you ran out of eyeliner?

20. Skip the baby products

Baby products are made for tiny humans that barely have any protective layers on their skins. Adults shouldn’t use these products because the outcome may not be what you expected. For example, baby powder is meant to absorb moisture and keep skin dry. When used on adult skin, it can make your face look cakey.

Using products like baby shampoo is also a mistake. Baby shampoo and oil are designed to be gentle and non-irritating for delicate infant scalps, but they can cause a build-up in adult scalps. If you want to avoid dandruff, keep away from baby shampoos.

21. DIY sunscreen

It’s not a wise idea to DIY your sunscreen! Most store-bought sunscreens already have enough SPF that they don’t need to be topped off with a homemade version. Your homemade version may not be chemically balanced, which could do more harm than good.

The ingredients to make actually good sunscreen are expensive and not worth the hassle. Sunscreen is an integral part of any summertime routine, and you have to make sure you’re using one that will protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. So, skip the DIY sunscreen and head to the store instead!

22. Toothpaste for acne 

Most dermatologists agree that toothpaste is not the best treatment option for acne. The ingredients in toothpaste may irritate the skin and cause breakouts. Plus, it can dry your skin and cause redness. There are two reasons why people may turn to toothpaste to treat their pimples. It’s cheap, and it’s easy to find.

But while those may be good reasons to try something, they’re not good enough reasons to continue using something that you know it’s not good. And in the case of toothpaste, it usually doesn’t work. What should you do instead? Ask your dermatologist for safe and effective treatments!

23. Mr. Clean to remove tan lines 

Using Mr. Clean to remove tan lines or whiten teeth may sound insane, but people actually do this. This powerful chemical can cause severe burns and even death if misused! So, please, don’t use Mr. Clean to remove tan lines or whiten your teeth.

Only use Mr. Clean to clean your house. If you want brighter teeth, visit a dentist. They will have better and safer options to give you the desired results. Similarly, seek a dermatologist for skin-related queries. You definitely don’t want to have a permanent scar on your skin because of an internet hack!

24. Vaseline on lashes

No scientist will tell you that Vaseline can help you grow longer and thicker eyelashes. Using Vaseline on your lashes can damage them and make them weaker and more likely to fall out. You definitely shouldn’t try this hack at home, especially not when you have an event to attend.

If you’re looking for an option to make your lashes look longer and fuller, try using good-quality mascara instead. There are many different types of mascaras on the market, so take some time to find something that may work well for you. You also have the option of trying serums to strengthen your lashes. 

25. DIY botox injections 

Botox is a serious medical procedure, and you should go to a doctor if you want to get it. Several risks are associated with DIY botox, including life-threatening risks. And if that’s not enough reason to avoid it, the results of DIY botox are often unpredictable and can sometimes lead to further skin problems.

If you are considering DIY botox, you should totally think twice. It’s just not worth the risk. There are plenty of skilled professionals out there who can provide safe and effective treatments. While many websites sell botox injections, it’s not worth risking your health just to save a few dollars.

26. Heated lash curler

Heated lash curlers are a terrible idea because they can cause severe damage to your lashes. The high temperatures from the heated curler can cause your lashes to become brittle and break off, leaving you with shorter, stubbier lashes. Not to mention that it may also burn your skin.

If you’re looking for long, luscious lashes, avoid using heated lash curlers and stick to traditional methods like using an eyelash curler or applying mascara. You’ll definitely regret trying out this awful hack idea when your lashes start falling off!

27. Dental floss for blackheads 

It’s not a smart idea to use dental floss as a blackhead removal tool, as it can easily cut your nose and damage the skin. There are much safer and more effective ways to remove blackheads, so there’s no need to take any risks using this DIY beauty hack.

Some of the best methods for removing blackheads include using an acid-based acne mask, a clay mask, or an enzyme peel. If you’re looking for a DIY method, one of the easiest ways to remove blackheads is by using hot water and a washcloth. Anything but dental floss!

28. DIY Brazilian wax 

You’re not wrong to be worried about doing DIY Brazilian wax at home. Brazilian waxing is one of the most painful hair removal techniques out there. It may be tricky to do it yourself at home without making a mess or hurting yourself.

This can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. If you try this DIY Brazilian wax at home, chances are that you will end up with an irritation or infection. Home waxing kits often don’t include the same level of sanitation as professional salons, so it’s easier for bacteria to spread.

29. Egg white mask 

Using raw eggs as a face mask may sound like a good idea, but it can actually expose you to Salmonella. This bacteria causes food poisoning, and one of its main symptoms is diarrhea. Instead of doing anything good for your skin, you may end up with more acne than before!

So many people have been claiming that egg whites are great for your pores. This is not exactly true, and it’s not even guaranteed to work. Invest in high-quality face masks or visit a dermatologist for skin care advice. Don’t use eggs on your face; you’re better off eating them for breakfast.

30. Dangerous teeth whitening 

Some people say that hydrogen peroxide helps with teeth whitening, but this is a dangerous chemical! You should never try this hack at home! The substance can cause serious harm to your gums and teeth. There are safer ways to whiten your teeth.

So, please, skip the hydrogen peroxide and try safer methods instead. Visit your dentist for advice and get professional teeth whitening kits to get those pearly teeth you want. You may also try other natural methods to remove plaque from the teeth. 

31. Rash cream on acne 

If you’ve ever tried using rash cream on acne, you know that it can be a bit of a “greasy” mess. However, you probably don’t know that rash cream can be quite occlusive. It can create a barrier on your skin and keep oxygen from getting in.

This may lead to further irritation and inflammation of the skin. So, while rash cream may seem like a good option for treating acne, it’s best to avoid it. Many other acne treatment options are more effective and less likely to cause further irritation.

32. At-home Brazilian blowout 

At-home Brazilian blowouts often use harsh chemicals that can be very damaging to your hair. Many people who try to do this hack at home end up experiencing serious hair damage. They may get extreme dryness, breakage, and scalp burns – and your hair may even fall off!

The good news is that there are plenty of safer, more effective ways to get bouncy, luscious locks. You can easily find a hair stylist that can give you a Brazilian blowout without any risks. Some high-quality products even skip on the chemicals and use organic acids that are not that damaging to your hair.

33. Wearing high heels

You’ve probably heard this multiple times, but here it goes again: avoid high heels if you want to protect your feet. Why? Because high heels force your toes into an unnatural and uncomfortable position. They also increase the pressure on the balls of your feet, which may lead to pain and other problems.

Wearing high heels can also cause bunions, which is basically a deformity of the big toe joint. Bunions are painful, and they can make it difficult to walk or even wear shoes; some people even need surgery. Stick to flats or low-heeled shoes to avoid foot pain and problems like bunions. 

34. Wasabi acne treatment

Have you ever heard of people using wasabi to treat acne? This is a horrible idea for many reasons. First, wasabi is very spicy and can cause a lot of irritation on your skin. On top of that, wasabi contains compounds that can make your acne worse.

Also, it’s unclear how effective wasabi is in treating acne. It’s probably best to just avoid using wasabi as an acne treatment. Do we have to say that there are better and safer options? Try using a benzoyl peroxide cream or salicylic acid wash instead – and don’t forget to speak to a professional.

35. Gorilla glue hair spray

You can use Gorilla glue for lots of things – but not on your hair. In all seriousness, this is not a product that should be used on your body, regardless of how desperate you might be for a hold on your hair. The chemicals in the glue can cause scalp irritation and burns.

The glue will zap moisture from your strands, leading to dryness, breakage, and overall damage. One user had to go to the emergency room after using glue as a hair spray. Trust us on this one – stick to traditional hair sprays and leave the Gorilla Glue for crafts and repairs!

36. Horse shampoo for silky dry hair

Using horse shampoo will not give you a silky mane like a horse as it’s not suitable for humans. It’s too slippery, and your hair will look like a greased-up rat’s nest. Plus, it smells like a barnyard. You may also end up with a silicone build-up in your hair after using horse shampoo.

There are plenty of shampoos specifically designed for human hair, so there’s no need to resort to horse shampoo. When it comes to shampoo, always choose the option specifically designed for your needs. Your hair will thank you for it!

37. Spices for lip plumping

There are so many ways to get plump lips, but putting chili on your lips is not one of them. Not only will it be incredibly hurtful, but it will also leave you with some seriously swollen lips. Let’s be honest; who wishes to walk around looking like they’ve been stung by a bee?

There are much better (and more pain-free) ways to achieve plump, luscious lips. Lots of products contain ingredients that help stimulate blood flow to the lips, resulting in a temporary plumping effect. Your lips will thank you for using hyaluronic acid instead of chili or other spices. 

38. Waist trainer for smaller frame

There are several dangers of using a waist trainer for a petite frame. For starters, wearing one of these devices can lead to severe discomfort and pain, as the bones and muscles in your midsection are compressed. This can lead to difficulty breathing, digestive issues, and even problems with posture.

And another worst-case scenario: what if the trainer breaks and injures your skin or someone standing nearby? This is particularly likely to happen if you attempt to use an excessively small waist trainer. They may also cause internal organs to shift, which is definitely not good.

39. Mole removal at home

At-home mole removal isn’t something you should do on yourself or a family member. One of the most terrible dangers is an infection since improperly removing a mole can leave open wounds that easily become infected. Another danger is that you may not obliterate the mole, leading to problems down the road.

There’s always a risk of scarring when removing a mole, especially if you do it yourself. Some ineffective hacks to remove moles using spices or plant extract may even cause an unexpected allergic reaction. You’re much better off talking to a doctor!

40. Kitty litter face mask

The key to a good facial mask is to find a material that can effectively filter out dirt from the air while still allowing your skin to breathe. And kitty litter does not fit that bill. In fact, using kitty litter in your face mask can be quite dangerous.

Kitty litter is made of clay, silica, and fragrance, which is great for absorption – but terrible for your skin. The clay may dry out your skin and clog your pores, leading to breakouts and irritation. Not to mention that the clay can get to your lungs and cause a respiratory infection!

41. Rubbing alcohol toner 

There are a few reasons why rubbing alcohol is not the best choice for a toner. First, it can dry your skin like crazy, which may lead to flaky and irritated skin. It may strip away the natural oils that protect your skin. And that will not feel comfortable at all.

Rubbing alcohol can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria on your skin. This can lead to breakouts or other skin problems. You may use a store-bought toner that works for your skin. Or you can use a nature-based toner such as diluted apple cider vinegar, witch hazel, or jojoba oil.

42. DIY coffee tanner 

There are multiple reasons why homemade coffee tanner is messy and ineffective. For one, coffee grounds are usually not ground finely enough, resulting in clumps that don’t dissolve well and can end up stuck on your skin. Besides, coffee doesn’t contain any critical component of sunless tanners that helps the color develop evenly.

This DIY coffee tanner will only make you waste some excellent coffee and have a messy bathroom to clean up afterward. You may want to stick to professional tanning or use trustworthy sprays to look like a tanned goddess. If you’re going to tan in the sun, don’t skip sunblock. 

43. Fancy gel nails

We hate to disclose bad news, but gel nails are pretty harmful. The reason for that is that they require UV-A light to dry, and this light has been linked to cancer. So, if you’re getting gel nails regularly, you could increase your risk of developing cancer!

Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to swear off gels forever. If you want to get them done, ensure to go to a reputable salon that takes precautions to protect its customers from UV-A exposure (such as using safe LED lights). And be sure to give your nails a break from time to time.

44. Eyeliner using colored pencil 

There are a few dangers to using colored pencils as eyeliner. First, if you’re not careful, you could easily poke yourself in the eye with the sharp point of the pencil. Second, colored pencils aren’t necessarily designed for use on the delicate skin around the eyes, so they’re as gentle as you’d like.

They can be complicated to use evenly, so that you may end up with too thick lines. Overall, it’s technically possible to use colored pencils as eyeliner, but it’s probably not worth the risk! You should probably just get a new eyeliner if yours is gone.

45. Clear nail coat on rashes 

Have you ever seen people using clear nail polish on a rash or cut? There are a few dangers to using clear nail polish as a rash treatment. If the inflammation is caused by an allergic reaction to the polish itself, using this product will only aggravate the condition.

Sealants like nail polish can trap moisture and heat against the skin, which can aggravate rashes and cause further irritation. Some people have reported that using clear nail polish as a rash treatment has caused their rashes to worsen. This should go without saying, but talk to a doctor if you’re experiencing rashes.