Why your skin's acid mantle matters

Never put this on your face! Even natural ingredients can cause skin problems if misused. In this video, I’ll share 11 things you should never put on your face. To achieve healthy, clear skin, avoid these common skincare mistakes.

0:00 Introduction: Skincare mistakes to avoid

0:20 Skin damage explained

1:28 What not to use on your face

2:31 Lemon juice and sun exposure

5:25 Rubbing alcohol and bad skin products

7:07 Topical steroids and skincare mistakes

8:30 More skincare do’s and don’ts

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. On top of the skin, especially the face, is the acid mantle. This acidic, protective barrier houses millions of microbes that protect you.

Putting the wrong products on your skin can negatively affect this environment, leading to redness, rashes, acne, dry skin, and other skin problems.

Avoid the following 11 products that ruin your skin!

1. Apple cider vinegar

ACV is too acidic for the skin. It can cause irritation and redness. If you want to use it on your skin, dilute one teaspoon into 8 ounces of water.

2. Lemon juice

Don’t put lemon juice on your face or hair! It contains a phytochemical that can cause problems when you’re exposed to sunlight.

3. Essential oils

Some essential oils, such as cedarwood and tea tree oil, are simply too strong for the skin.

4. Bergamot

Combining bergamot with sun exposure can cause skin inflammation.

5. Baking soda

With a pH of 9, baking soda is too alkaline for the skin. It can damage the acidic environment, compromising the beneficial microbes on the skin.

6. Toothpaste

Harsh ingredients like peroxide and fluoride should not be used on your skin.

7. Rubbing alcohol

Alcohol kills the microbes on the surface of your skin. This can allow the overgrowth of unfriendly bacteria. Many creams and lotions contain alcohol, so be sure to check the ingredients of your skin care products.

8. Hydrogen peroxide

This is effective for removing stains on the teeth and for cleaning, but it's not suitable for use on the face.

9. Hair dye

Hair dye used for your eyebrows and eyelashes can be very dangerous to your eyes.

10. Topical steroids

Redness, irritation, and flakiness are often treated with topical steroids without second thought. Topical steroids stop the growth of skin cells and the production of collagen.

11. Exfoliating scrubs

Frequent use of exfoliating scrubs can scrub off the microbiome of your face. It’s beneficial to get a filter for your shower head to reduce skin exposure to chlorine and fluoride. Opt for makeup that is free of chemicals and fragrance!

Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:

Dr. Berg, age 60, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals and author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.

Disclaimer:

Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients, so he can focus on educating people as a full-time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose, and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.