Many women believe that natural, do-it-yourself (DIY) skin care techniques are a safe and affordable alternative to professional skin care treatments. However, this is not always true. Skin care expert Ellen Clark urges skin care professionals to educate clients about the potential downsides to DIY skin care.1 She recommends that clients understand the following before doing any DIY treatments at home: Always perform a patch test. Educate your clients about the importance of performing a patch test behind the ear on the neck in order to avoid undesired side effects. Sweet is not always safe. Although citrus fruits are present in many skin care products, when they are in their natural state or when they are left on too long, the natural acids found in these ingredients can cause burning and irritation. Raw sugars and oatmeal can scratch the surface of the skin. “Simple” is not always better. While olive oil and coconut oil can be effective ingredients, those found in the pantry have not been formulated for the skin and may not be effectively absorbed. Steer clients who want to use DIY treatments in the right direction. For example, milk really does do a body good. If your clients do choose to try DIY treatments, encourage them to stick to those that incorporate milk, which can be very beneficial to their skin. References1 Clark, Ellen. “Dangers of DIY Skincare Treatments.” 31 Mar. 2014.Want to read more? Subscribe to one of our monthly plans to continue reading this article.