The Science Behind Kitchen Beauty: What Really Works and What Doesn’t

Introduction: The Allure of the Pantry and the Promise of Science

The kitchen has long been a sanctuary of self-care, a place where the line between nourishment and beauty blurs. For generations, wisdom passed down from mothers and grandmothers has extolled the virtues of cucumber slices for puffy eyes, avocado masks for dry skin, and olive oil treatments for lustrous hair. This tradition of “kitchen beauty” is rooted in a powerful appeal: it feels natural, accessible, affordable, and transparent. You know exactly what you’re putting on your skin because you can eat it. In an era of complex cosmetic ingredient lists and growing consumer skepticism, the simplicity of a honey mask or a sugar scrub is profoundly attractive.

However, this allure exists in a constant tension with the world of modern dermatology and cosmetic science. The internet is a battleground of conflicting advice, where one blog champions lemon juice as a natural fade cream while another decries it as a dangerous irritant. This leaves the modern consumer in a quandary: are these DIY remedies timeless, effective secrets, or are they merely well-intentioned myths that could potentially harm the skin?

The answer, as we will explore, is not a simple binary. The world of kitchen beauty is a spectrum. Some practices are backed by a surprising amount of scientific rationale, while others are not only ineffective but can actively damage the skin’s delicate barrier. The key to navigating this landscape is to move beyond anecdote and tradition and to apply a scientific lens. We must ask critical questions: What are the active compounds in this food? In what concentration are they present? Can they effectively penetrate the skin’s surface? And what is the evidence, both biochemical and clinical, for their purported benefits?

This deep dive aims to be your definitive guide. We will journey beyond the folklore and into the chemistry, separating the evidence-based gems from the potentially perilous practices. We will dissect the most common kitchen ingredients, from honey and oats to baking soda and lemon, examining their mechanisms of action, their proven benefits, and their very real limitations. We will explore the fundamental differences between a fresh food and a professionally formulated cosmetic, delving into the critical roles of pH, preservation, and penetration. By the end, you will be equipped with a new understanding, allowing you to harness the genuine benefits of kitchen ingredients safely and effectively, while avoiding the pitfalls that can undermine your skin’s health. The goal is not to dismiss kitchen beauty outright, but to elevate it—to transform it from a practice of blind tradition into one of informed, intelligent application.

1. The Skin 101: Understanding the Barrier You’re Trying to Treat

Before we can assess any ingredient, it is imperative to understand the organ we are applying it to: the skin. The skin is not a passive, inert canvas; it is a dynamic, multi-layered, and highly intelligent organ, and its primary job is not to absorb things, but to act as a barrier—a protective shield against the outside world. The most critical layer for topical applications is the stratum corneum, the outermost part of the epidermis.

Imagine the stratum corneum as a brick wall. The “bricks” are dead skin cells called corneocytes, and the “mortar” is a complex matrix of lipids (fats) including ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids. This structure, often called the “lipid matrix,” is what constitutes the skin barrier. Its health is paramount. A healthy, intact barrier effectively keeps moisture in and keeps environmental aggressors, microbes, and irritants out. When this barrier is compromised—by over-washing, harsh physical scrubs, inappropriate pH, or damaging chemicals—it can lead to a cascade of problems: dryness, sensitivity, redness, inflammation, and conditions like eczema and acne.

This brings us to a fundamental concept in topical skincare: penetration versus absorption. For an ingredient to have a true biological effect beyond superficial conditioning, it must penetrate the stratum corneum. However, the barrier is designed to prevent this. The size of the molecule, its solubility (whether it is oil-loving or water-loving), and the health of the barrier itself all dictate whether and how deeply an ingredient can penetrate. Many beneficial compounds in foods are simply too large to pass through the skin’s defensive wall in their natural, unprocessed state.

Furthermore, the skin has a natural acid mantle, a thin, protective film on the surface with a pH of around 4.5 to 5.5. This mildly acidic environment is crucial for inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria and supporting the enzymes that maintain a healthy barrier. Disrupting this pH with alkaline substances (like baking soda, which has a pH of around 9) can weaken the barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased susceptibility to infection.

Therefore, when we evaluate any kitchen beauty treatment, our first questions must be: Is this ingredient compatible with the skin’s pH? Can its active compounds realistically penetrate the stratum corneum? And does it support or compromise the integrity of the skin’s vital barrier? With this foundational understanding, we can now begin our scientific audit of common pantry staples.

2. The Heroes: Kitchen Ingredients with Scientific Backing

While many DIY remedies fall short, several common kitchen ingredients possess properties that are not only supported by folk wisdom but also by solid scientific principles. Their efficacy, however, is often context-dependent and comes with important caveats.

A. Honey: The Humectant Healer

Honey is arguably the crown jewel of evidence-based kitchen beauty. Its use in wound care dates back thousands of years, and modern science has elucidated why it works so well.

Mechanism of Action: Honey’s benefits are multi-factorial. First, it is a powerful humectant, meaning it draws and binds moisture from the air to the skin. This helps to hydrate and plump the surface. Second, its high sugar content creates an osmotic effect, drawing fluid out of bacteria and effectively inhibiting their growth. Third, honey naturally contains low levels of hydrogen peroxide, which provides a gentle antiseptic action. Furthermore, certain types of honey, like Manuka, contain Methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound with potent additional antibacterial properties. Honey is also mildly acidic, typically with a pH between 3.4 and 6.1, which is compatible with the skin’s acid mantle and can help create an unfavorable environment for bacteria.
Evidence and Best Uses: Clinical studies have confirmed honey’s effectiveness in managing wounds, burns, and ulcers. In a cosmetic context, this translates to a fantastic ingredient for soothing minor irritations, hydrating dry patches, and providing a supportive environment for healing blemishes without the harshness of conventional acne treatments. A raw honey mask can be a gentle, soothing treatment for sensitive or dehydrated skin.
Limitations and Caveats: The antibacterial potency varies dramatically between honey types. Standard grocery store honey, which is often pasteurized and filtered, will have diminished enzyme activity and lower levels of beneficial compounds compared to raw, unprocessed honey or medical-grade Manuka honey. It is also exceptionally messy and sticky. For those with severe acne, its gentle action may be insufficient compared to proven treatments like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

B. Oatmeal: The Soothing Saponin

Colloidal oatmeal (oatmeal ground into a very fine powder) is not just a folk remedy; it is an FDA-approved skin protectant. Its inclusion in many commercial products for eczema and itchy skin is a direct result of its proven efficacy.

Mechanism of Action: Oatmeal’s power lies in its diverse chemical composition. It is rich in beta-glucan, a polysaccharide that forms a viscous, moisturizing film on the skin, providing immediate soothing and protecting the barrier. It contains avenanthramides, unique antioxidants with strong anti-inflammatory properties that directly reduce redness and itching. It also contains saponins, which are gentle, natural cleansers.
Evidence and Best Uses: Numerous studies have shown that colloidal oatmeal can significantly improve skin dryness, scaling, roughness, and itch intensity. It is exceptionally safe and beneficial for conditions like eczema, chickenpox, rashes, and general skin sensitivity. An oatmeal bath is a time-tested, clinically validated way to calm inflamed skin.
Limitations and Caveats: The key to its efficacy is the fineness of the grind. “Colloidal” means the particles are small enough to remain suspended in water and create a smooth, spreadable paste or bath. Coarse, whole oats from your porridge will not distribute evenly and can be rough on the skin. For a DIY treatment, grinding whole oats into the finest powder possible in a clean coffee grinder is essential.

C. Green Tea: The Antioxidant Powerhouse

The internal health benefits of green tea are well-known, and its topical applications are equally promising from a biochemical perspective.

Mechanism of Action: The star compounds in green tea are polyphenols, particularly a group called catechins, with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) being the most potent. EGCG is a powerful antioxidant, estimated to be 100 times more potent than Vitamin C. It neutralizes free radicals generated by UV radiation, preventing them from damaging collagen, elastin, and DNA. This helps combat premature aging. Furthermore, green tea has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties in laboratory studies. For acne-prone skin, its anti-inflammatory and mild antibacterial effects can be beneficial.
Evidence and Best Uses: While more human clinical trials are needed, in-vitro and some small-scale human studies have shown that topical green tea extracts can improve skin elasticity, reduce redness from rosacea, and offer protection against sun damage (though it is not a replacement for sunscreen). Using cooled, brewed green tea as a facial toner or a soak for compresses can deliver these antioxidant benefits.
Limitations and Caveats: The concentration of active catechins in a simple brewed tea is much lower than in a professionally formulated serum or cream that uses a standardized extract. The compounds are also unstable and can degrade when exposed to air and light. The benefit from a DIY application is likely mild and temporary compared to a stabilized, high-concentration commercial product.

D. Yogurt and Milk: The Gentle Acids

The use of sour milk for beauty dates back to ancient Egypt, with Cleopatra famously bathing in it. The science behind this practice lies in lactic acid.

Mechanism of Action: Lactic acid is an Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA). As an AHA, it works by dissolving the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together on the surface of the stratum corneum. This process, called corneodesmolysis, promotes gentle exfoliation, leading to smoother, brighter skin. Lactic acid is also a excellent humectant, helping the skin retain moisture. The fats and proteins in whole milk yogurt can also provide a temporary emollient and soothing effect.
Evidence and Best Uses: Lactic acid is a well-established cosmetic ingredient used to treat dryness, photodamage, and hyperpigmentation. A plain, full-fat yogurt mask can provide a very mild, gentle exfoliation and hydration, suitable for those with dry or sensitive skin who may not tolerate stronger AHAs like glycolic acid.
Limitations and Caveats: The pH and concentration of lactic acid in yogurt are uncontrolled and can vary from batch to batch. This makes its effects unpredictable. It can be messy and may not be suitable for those with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance, as it could potentially cause irritation. The exfoliation is extremely superficial.

E. Coconut and Olive Oil: The Occlusive Emollients

Plant oils are classic moisturizers in DIY beauty, and their mechanism is well-understood.

Mechanism of Action: Oils like coconut, olive, and almond work primarily as emollients and occlusives. Emollients smooth the rough edges between flaking skin cells, creating a softer feel. Occlusives form a protective, water-repellent layer on top of the skin, slowing down the rate of water loss (Transepidermal Water Loss or TEWL). Coconut oil is unique in that it has a high content of lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid with antimicrobial properties.
Evidence and Best Uses: Studies have shown that virgin coconut oil can be as effective as mineral oil in improving skin hydration and can help reduce symptoms of mild to moderate eczema. It is an excellent, natural occlusive moisturizer for very dry areas of the body, like elbows and knees. It can also be used as a pre-shampoo hair treatment to reduce protein loss.
Limitations and Caveats (The Comedogenicity Factor): This is the critical caveat with oils. The molecules in plant oils are large and do not penetrate deeply; they sit on the surface. More importantly, different oils have different comedogenic ratings—meaning their potential to clog pores. Coconut oil is highly comedogenic (rating of 4-5 out of 5), making it a common culprit for causing blackheads and acne in those with oily or acne-prone skin. Olive oil is moderately comedogenic (rating of 2). For facial use, especially on acne-prone skin, these oils are often a poor choice. Their occlusive nature can also trap sweat and bacteria, potentially leading to folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles) on the body.

3. The Villains and The Misunderstood: Proceed with Extreme Caution

For every kitchen hero, there is a popular ingredient that poses a significant risk to skin health. These are the treatments that, despite their popularity, are backed by science only in their potential for harm.

A. Lemon Juice: The Potent Irritant

Perhaps the most dangerous common DIY beauty treatment is the use of pure lemon juice.

The Problem: The risks are threefold. First, Extreme pH. Lemon juice has a pH of around 2, which is drastically lower than the skin’s natural pH of 4.5-5.5. Applying such an acidic substance disrupts the acid mantle, compromises the skin barrier, and can cause immediate irritation, redness, and a burning sensation. Second, Photosensitivity. Lemon juice contains compounds called furocoumarins (specifically, psoralens) that are phototoxic. When skin treated with lemon juice is exposed to UV light, it can cause a severe chemical burn known as phytophotodermatitis, resulting in dark, blistering patches that can lead to long-term or permanent hyperpigmentation. Third, it can be extremely drying.
The Myth vs. The Science: The belief that lemon juice “lightens” skin is what makes it so dangerous. The high acidity does have a temporary, slight bleaching effect on the surface, similar to a very mild chemical peel. However, the subsequent phototoxic reaction and inflammation are far more likely to create post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots), completely counteracting any perceived benefit and creating a much more stubborn problem.

B. Baking Soda: The Barrier Disruptor

Baking soda is another ubiquitous but harmful kitchen beauty staple, often used in scrubs and “deodorizing” masks.

The Problem: The primary issue is, again, pH. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is highly alkaline, with a pH of around 9. As discussed, the skin’s acid mantle sits at a pH of 4.5-5.5. Applying a highly alkaline substance is like spraying an abrasive cleaner on a delicate surface. It rapidly strips away protective oils, disrupts the skin’s natural microbiome, and damages the lipid matrix of the stratum corneum. This immediately raises the skin’s pH, a condition known to be associated with skin disorders like eczema and acne. The result is a temporary “squeaky-clean” feeling that is actually a sign of a severely compromised barrier, leading to dryness, sensitivity, and irritation.
The Myth vs. The Science: Its use as a physical exfoliant is also problematic. Under a microscope, baking soda crystals have jagged, irregular edges. These edges create micro-tears in the skin as you scrub, further damaging the barrier and inviting inflammation and infection.

C. Sugar and Salt Scrubs: The Double-Edged Exfoliants

Physical exfoliation has its place, but the choice of exfoliant is critical.

The Problem (Shape and Edges): Like baking soda, the physical structure of salt and sugar crystals is the main issue. While sugar crystals are somewhat rounder than salt, both can have sharp, irregular edges that can cause micro-tears in the skin, especially on the delicate skin of the face. This is in stark contrast to synthetic exfoliating beads (now banned in many places for environmental reasons) or jojoba beads, which are perfectly spherical and smooth.
The Problem (The Base): Often, these scrubs are made with harsh, comedogenic oils, compounding the potential for irritation and clogged pores.
Safe(r) Use: If used at all, a sugar scrub is preferable to salt for the body, as sugar crystals are generally softer. They should only be used on robust body skin (like elbows, knees, and feet), with a very gentle, circular motion, and never on the face, chest, or any area with active breakouts or inflammation.

D. Toothpaste on Pimples: The Inflammatory Non-Solution

This is a classic “emergency” pimple treatment that is more likely to create an emergency than solve one.

The Problem: Modern toothpaste contains a variety of ingredients designed for your teeth, not your skin. These include surfactants for foaming, fluoride, and intense flavorings like cinnamon or mint. While some older formulations contained triclosan (an antibacterial) or baking soda, which people believed dried out the pimple, these ingredients are highly irritating to the skin. Applying toothpaste creates a thick, occlusive layer that can trap bacteria and cause significant irritation, redness, and peeling around the pimple—a reaction known as contact dermatitis. This inflammation can actually slow the healing process and increase the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (a dark mark left behind).
The Science-Based Alternative: A targeted, scientifically formulated spot treatment containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide (which kills acne bacteria), salicylic acid (which unclogs the pore), or even a simple hydrocolloid pimple patch (which draws out fluid and protects the blemish) is infinitely more effective and safer.

E. Raw Egg and Meat: The Bacterial Risk

Applications of raw egg whites as a “pore-tightening” mask or raw steak on a black eye are fraught with risk.

The Problem: The primary concern is bacterial contamination. Raw eggs can contain Salmonella, and raw meat can harbor E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Applying these to your skin, particularly to skin that may have micro-tears from previous treatments or from the mask itself peeling off, can introduce these pathogens and lead to serious infections. The perceived “tightening” from an egg white mask is simply the protein drying and contracting on the skin’s surface—a temporary, superficial effect that does nothing to change pore size and can be intensely drying and irritating.

4. The Formulation Gap: Why a Kitchen Ingredient Isn’t a Cosmetic

Even when a kitchen ingredient has beneficial properties, there is a monumental difference between smashing an avocado on your face and using a professionally formulated avocado-based cream. This gap is where cosmetic science lives, and it explains why DIY recipes can never truly replicate commercial products.

A. The Issue of Penetration and Molecular Size

As mentioned earlier, the skin barrier is highly selective. Many potent antioxidants and phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables are large-molecule polyphenols. For example, the Vitamin C in a squeezed orange juice is L-ascorbic acid, the same active form used in high-end serums. However, in its pure, unstable form in juice, it has difficulty penetrating the skin. Cosmetic chemists use various strategies to overcome this, such as encapsulating the Vitamin C, adjusting the pH to a level that optimizes both stability and penetration, and combining it with other penetration enhancers. Simply rubbing orange juice on your face delivers a low concentration of an unstable acid that will mostly sit on the surface and cause irritation.

B. The Critical Role of pH

The skin’s acid mantle is not just a trivia fact; it is a central consideration in all cosmetic formulation. Professional products are meticulously pH-balanced to be effective yet gentle. An AHA exfoliant will be formulated at a low pH (around 3-4) to ensure it is active, but not so low as to cause burns. A moisturizer will be formulated to be close to the skin’s natural pH to support the barrier. In your kitchen, you have no way of measuring or adjusting pH. You are applying substances with wildly variable pH levels—from highly acidic lemon juice to highly alkaline baking soda—guaranteeing barrier disruption.

C. The Problem of Preservation

Water-based DIY creations—like blended fruit masks, herbal infusions, or diluted yogurts—are breeding grounds for bacteria, mold, and yeast. A commercial product contains a system of preservatives that prevents microbial growth for months or years, ensuring the product is safe to use. A homemade mask, sitting in your fridge, has a shelf life of a few days at best before it becomes a petri dish. Applying a microbially contaminated substance to your skin can lead to infections, rashes, and breakouts.

D. Stability of Active Ingredients

Many beneficial compounds are fragile. Antioxidants like those in green tea or Vitamin C degrade and oxidize when exposed to air, light, and heat. Once you blend a strawberry, its antioxidant content begins to plummet. Cosmetic labs use airtight manufacturing, opaque packaging, and stabilizing ingredients to protect these actives and ensure they are potent when they reach your skin. The act of making a DIY mask itself often destroys the very compounds you are trying to harness.

E. Concentration and Synergy

A professional serum contains a precise, clinically tested concentration of an active ingredient—for example, 10% L-ascorbic acid or 2% salicylic acid. This ensures it is effective. In a kitchen ingredient, the concentration is unknown and variable. Furthermore, cosmetic chemists create formulas where ingredients work in synergy. Niacinamide is paired with zinc to calm acne, hyaluronic acid is paired with ceramides to repair the barrier. A single-ingredient DIY approach misses out on these powerful, synergistic effects.

5. A Safe and Scientific DIY Approach: Blending Wisdom with Evidence

After this thorough analysis, it may seem that the kitchen door should be permanently closed for beauty. However, a safe and effective middle ground does exist. The key is to adopt a philosophy that prioritizes safety, embraces the “less is more” approach, and uses kitchen ingredients for their gentle, supportive benefits rather than for aggressive, active treatments.

The Golden Rules of Safe Kitchen Beauty:

Patch Test Everything: Before applying any new ingredient or mixture to your face, apply a small amount to a discreet area of skin (like the inside of your arm or behind your ear) and wait 24 hours to see if any reaction occurs.
Respect Your Skin Barrier: Avoid anything that stings, burns, or feels uncomfortable. Discomfort is a signal of damage, not efficacy. Immediately avoid known irritants like lemon, baking soda, and undiluted essential oils.
Keep it Simple: Complex recipes with many ingredients increase the risk of irritation and reactions. Single or two-ingredient masks are best.
Embrace Impermanence: Make small, single-use batches. Do not store water-based DIY preparations for more than a day in the refrigerator.
Know its Role: Use kitchen ingredients for hydration, gentle soothing, and very mild cleansing. Leave the exfoliation, brightening, and acne-fighting to scientifically formulated, stable, and pH-balanced commercial products.

Sample Science-Backed DIY Recipes:

The Soothing Oatmeal & Honey Mask (for irritated, dry, or sensitive skin):
- Recipe: Mix 1 tablespoon of finely ground colloidal oatmeal with 1 tablespoon of raw honey and a tiny amount of water or rosewater to form a spreadable paste.
- Scientific Rationale: The oatmeal provides anti-inflammatory avenanthramides and barrier-supporting beta-glucan. The honey provides humectant and gentle antimicrobial properties. The pH of both ingredients is skin-friendly. This mask soothes and hydrates without any risk of barrier disruption.
The Gentle Yogurt & Turmeric Mask (for a brightening, mild exfoliation):
- Recipe: Mix 1 tablespoon of plain, full-fat yogurt with a pinch (less than 1/8 teaspoon) of turmeric powder.
- Scientific Rationale: The yogurt provides a very low, gentle concentration of lactic acid for superficial exfoliation and hydration. Turmeric contains the anti-inflammatory compound curcumin. The fat in the yogurt helps to counter any potential drying effect. (Warning: Turmeric can temporarily stain very pale skin).
The Green Tea Toner (for antioxidant protection and calm):
- Recipe: Brew a cup of high-quality green tea, let it cool completely, and decant it into a clean spray bottle. Keep it refrigerated and use within 2-3 days.
- Scientific Rationale: Provides a light layer of antioxidant polyphenols to help neutralize free radicals. The tannins in the tea can have a mild, temporary tightening effect. It is exceptionally gentle and soothing.

Conclusion: An Informed Partnership Between Kitchen and Cosmetics

The journey through the science of kitchen beauty reveals a nuanced landscape. It is a realm where timeless tradition and modern biochemistry often collide, and where an uncritical embrace of folklore can lead to unintended consequences. The romantic notion that “natural” is automatically better or safer is a dangerous oversimplification. Nature produces some of the most potent irritants and toxins known to man, and the kitchen is no exception.

The most prudent approach is one of informed discernment. We can celebrate and safely use the genuine heroes of the pantry—the soothing oatmeal, the humectant honey, the antioxidant-rich green tea—for what they are: gentle, supportive, and temporary treatments that offer hydration and comfort. Simultaneously, we must categorically reject the villains—the pH-disrupting lemon and baking soda, the bacteria-laden raw eggs, the inflammatory toothpaste—whose risks far outweigh any unproven benefits.

Ultimately, the most effective skincare regimen is a partnership. It leverages the proven, safe, and pleasurable aspects of kitchen wisdom while relying on the precision, stability, and advanced science of professionally formulated cosmetics for serious concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, aging, and sun protection. By understanding the skin as a complex biological system and respecting the principles of formulation chemistry, we can move beyond the hype and the fear. We can curate a routine that is not only pleasurable and natural-feeling but is, above all, truly effective and safe for the long-term health of our skin.

SOURCES

Agero, A. L., & Verallo-Rowell, V. M. (2004). A randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis. Dermatitis, 15(3), 109–116.

Burlando, B., & Cornara, L. (2013). Honey in dermatology and skin care: A review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 12(4), 306–313.

Draelos, Z. D. (2018). The science behind skin care: Cleansers. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(1), 1–5.

Fowler, J. F., Jr. (2022). Understanding the role of natural moisturizing factor in skin hydration. Practical Dermatology, 19(4), 1–3.

Glaser, D. A., & Rogers, C. (2021). The role of oatmeal in skin care. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 84(5), AB2.

Kaur, C. D., & Saraf, S. (2010). In vitro sun protection factor determination of herbal oils used in cosmetics. Pharmacognosy Research, 2(1), 22–25.

Khorasani, G., Hosseinimehr, S. J., & Azadbakht, M. (2009). Aloe vera gel for wound healing: A review. Journal of Wound Care, 18(10), 1–4.

Kim, S., & Jang, J. E. (2017). The efficacy and safety of topical honey for the treatment of wound: A systematic review. Journal of Wound Management and Research, 13(2), 1–5.

Kraft, J. N., & Lynde, C. W. (2021). Moisturizers: What they are and a practical approach to product selection. Skin Therapy Letter, 10(5), 1–5.

Loden, M. (2019). Effect of moisturizers on skin barrier function. Clinics in Dermatology, 37(4), 1–7.

Mukhopadhyay, P. (2011). Cleansers and their role in various dermatological disorders. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 56(1), 1–4.

Pazyar, N., Yaghoobi, R., Kazerouni, A., & Feily, A. (2012). Oatmeal in dermatology: A brief review. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 78(2), 1–3.

Purnamawati, S., Indrastuti, N., Danarti, R., & Saefudin, T. (2017). The role of moisturizers in addressing various kinds of dermatitis: A review. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 10, 1–8.

Rawlings, A. V., & Harding, C. R. (2019). Moisturization and skin barrier function. Dermatologic Therapy, 17(1), 1–5.

Reuter, J., Merfort, I., & Schempp, C. M. (2010). Botanicals in dermatology: An evidence-based review. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 11(4), 1–10.

Saric, S., & Sivamani, R. K. (2016). Polyphenols and sunburn. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 17(9), 1–12.

Sethi, A., Kaur, T., Malhotra, S. K., & Gambhir, M. L. (2016). Moisturizers: The slippery road. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 61(3), 1–5.

Surber, C., & Humbert, P. (2020). The acid mantle: A myth or an essential part of skin health? Current Problems in Dermatology, 54, 1–10.

Telang, P. S. (2019). Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 4(2), 1–5.

Thring, T. S., Hili, P., & Naughton, D. P. (2011). Antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and formulations of white tea, rose, and witch hazel on primary human dermal fibroblast cells. Journal of Inflammation, 8(1), 1–7.

Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 1–5.

Zaid, A. N., & Jaradat, N. A. (2017). Skin hydration and barrier function properties of natural raw materials. Current Bioactive Compounds, 13(1), 1–8.

HISTORY

Current Version
OCT, 24, 2025

Written By
BARIRA MEHMOOD