he bizarre skincare hacks Brits swear by include placing teabags on puffy eyes, using egg yolk to treat rough skin – and even applying baking soda as an exfoliant.
A study of 2,000 adults revealed a series of interesting DIY cosmetic habits, such as using avocado as a face scrub, hand treatments made out of strawberries and applying green tea as a rinse for skin.
While others use lemon juice to brighten skin, indulge in oatmeal baths and apply yoghurt as a facemask, all with the aim of achieving healthier skin.
The research discovered one in three (32 per cent) have experimented with DIY regimes – with 18 per cent of these experiencing a negative reaction as a result.
As many as 15 per cent revealed they use at least one weekly, with seven per cent admitting they are happy to try ‘anything’ which will improve their appearance.
The research was commissioned by laundry detergent brand Surcare [https://www.surcare.co.uk/], which has appointed Katie Piper OBE as their brand and wellness consultant, to encourage people to not overlook the impact clothes can have when touching your skin.
She said: “When you think about how often our skin is in contact with clothing, bedding and towels, it becomes clear that skincare doesn’t start in the bathroom, it starts with what touches your skin every day.
“When we wash our clothes, traces of the detergent can remain in the fibres, and those fabrics stay in close contact with our skin for much of the day.
“In many ways, fabric acts as our second skin, so how we care for it really matters.
“Small, thoughtful choices - like using dermatologically approved laundry products - can help support your skin without adding complexity or risk.”
The study found three in 10 use DIY hacks as they have natural ingredients, 19 per cent to avoid harsh chemicals and 21 per cent because they are cheaper than store-bought products.
It comes as the average participant admitted to spending £146 a year on skincare products.
This increases to £205 for Millennials – the highest of any generation – compared to just £80 for Boomers.
Mainly, they are used to prevent skin issues (49 per cent), however 33 per cent use them for a sense of self-care and wellbeing, while nearly one in 20 (four per cent) turn to them because influencers and celebrities do.
In total, 56 per cent of those polled have experienced a skin issue or condition, such as eczema, dermatitis, acne or sensitive skin.
Using skincare products such as creams or serums (48 per cent) is the most common method to try and help with these issues, followed by drinking more water (45 per cent) or getting prescription medication from a doctor (36 per cent).
While 26 per cent use supplements, 24 per cent have tried changing their diet – and 30 per cent have switched laundry detergent to improve skin health.
Yet more than half (52 per cent) don’t consider what laundry detergent they use as part of their skincare routine to avoid irritation, and only 75 per cent are confident their detergent is suitable for the health of skin.
Despite this, participants on average spend just under 16 hours in contact with fabrics a day, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
Katie Piper, speaking in partnership with Surcare, added: “From toothpaste on spots to apply honey as a face mask, people often experiment with different beauty trends in the hope of better skin, but I’ve learned that true care is usually found in simple, everyday choices that support your wellbeing over time.”
“For me, that includes thinking beyond traditional skincare - I’ve always believed in simple, preventative care, and sometimes it’s not about adding more products, but trying to remove irritation.
“Choosing laundry formulations that are kind to skin, without fragrances, dyes or enzymes, is just as important as the skincare you apply directly.”
TOP 20 SKINCARE HACKS TRIED BY BRITS:
1. Cucumber slices on eyes
2. Toothpaste on spots
3. Aloe vera gel for soothing skin
4. Using SPF lip balm
5. Applying sun cream even in the winter
6. Coconut oil as a moisturiser
7. Applying teabags to puffy eyes
8. Using a silk pillowcase
9. Keeping skincare products in the fridge
10. Bathing in sea salt
11. Honey as a facemask
12. Lemon juice for brightening skin
13. DIY sugar scrub for lips
14. Avocado face scrub
15. Applying yoghurt as a soothing mask
16. Using egg yolk to treat rough skin
17. Oatmeal baths
18. Green tea rinse for skin
19. Baking soda as an exfoliant
20. Strawberry hand treatments
