As a self-proclaimed beauty junkie and blogger, I know how easy it is to take self-maintenance into the “obsessive” category. But just as obsession can lead to destruction in love (stalkers, anyone?), the same is true for overzealousness in skin care. Here are five commonly used products and methods of the beauty-crazed that can potentially cause more harm than good:
1. Using the wrong scrub.
A number of skin experts, including Barbara Close, author of Pure Skin: Organic Beauty Basics and renowned spa expert, note that apricot (or any other hard fruit/nut) scrub is harsh for the skin. Renowned aesthetician Kate Somerville agrees: “Avoid crushed nuts that are jagged. They can cause tiny lacerations in the skin.” For this reason, it is best to stick with dermatologist-administered microdermabrasion, spherical beads/natural fruit enzymes like pumpkin, papaya, and pineapple, or a treatment-based different scrub, like my personal favorite, vitamin B3-powered NIA 24 Physical Cleansing Scrub ($26.50, Amazon.com).
2. Using benzoyl peroxide as anything but an on-the-spot treatment.
Benzoyl peroxide is often applied topically to the skin to kill P. acnes, the form of bacteria associated with approximately 40 percent of acne. Benzoyl peroxide has been found by Nacht et. al. to kill bacteria by generating reactive oxygen species in the sebaceous follicle. However, because benzoyl triggers free radical formation, its use should be limited to the spot of the comedone as much as possible. Therefore, moisturizers containing benzoyl peroxide should be avoided for use all over the face, unless recommended otherwise for some reason by your personal dermatologist.
3. Using anything physical/mechanical to cleanse your pores.
Years ago, like many teens growing up in the 90’s, I was obsessed with pore strips. I never had visible pores, but I liked how shiny the strips made my nose after. That is, until I stopped using the strips, and had to see a dermatologist because my pores were now pretty apparent – and dark. It turns out that I was rough with the strips and had permanently stretched open my pores.
Pores can never shrink or return to their original size, at least not with the over-the-counter remedies available today. Most “pore-reducing” treatments contain high concentrations of alcohols that cause the skin cells surrounding your pores to swell slightly or silicones that fill in the tiny gaps, but none actually can change the size of your pores. And pore strips or extractors typically expand the borders of the pore to remove the debris within, which temporarily makes the pore less visible, but it is in actuality increasing the size of your pore. Hence, you need to be careful when you are using anything physical or mechanical to cleanse your pores. So step away from the extractor – unless, of course, you have M.D. after your name.
4. Using a DHA-based self-tanner, then going out in the sun anyway.
Most self-tanners work by using dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the main ingredient. Unfortunately, if you use self-tanner and then go out into the sun, you could be causing more damage: According to a 2007 study published in Germany, for 24 hours after applying a self-tanner containing DHA, the skin is more susceptible to free-radical damage once being exposed to the sun. And, as we know, free radical damage leads to premature wrinkling, sagging due to loss of collagen, and potentially age spots (amongst other forms of cellular damage). Although, to be honest, if you were seriously baking yourself in the sun, why would you need a self-tanner in the first place? 
“Base tans” suggest that damage has already been done, and they have never been shown to provide additional protection against UV rays.
5. Using at-home injectables or professional-grade chemical peels outside of the office.
Botox without the doctor’s visit? Restylane without a derm fee? Many patients yell, “Sign me up!” when they first hear this, and in today’s economy, you almost can’t blame them. Unfortunately, using at-home injectable kits is one of the most dangerous things you can do for your skin. Without a proper understanding of skin anatomy, you could easily puncture a blood vessel or tear a muscle, if not worse.
Furthermore, the secret to muscle relaxants and fillers is the dermatologist/aesthetician who administers them. As Dr. Frederic Brandt, the nicknamed Baron of Botox can affirm, everything about the way injectables are administered – from the muscle to the exact location and angle to the amount of product delivered – depends on the level of expertise of the dermatologist or aesthetician. Between the possible risks and the difference in benefit between novice and expert, why would you ever want anyone but an experienced professional giving you injectables?
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Ever made a catastrophic mistake on your skin? Share in Comments below!