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The text discusses how beauty influencers on social media often promote DIY skincare remedies that they claim are ancient family secrets or miracle cures for achieving flawless, glowing skin. These "magical" ingredients like rice, honey, chickpea flour, and turmeric are already found in many kitchens, leading people to start applying them to their faces or adding them to drinks without doing much research. The influencers behind these viral videos tend to be based in the West, and they may have their own skincare brands or affiliations, which raises questions about the authenticity of their claims.
The social media influencer @byzareefa has amassed over 400,000 followers with just 48 posts. She is well-known for sharing face mask and drink recipes that promise glowing skin and a healthy gut, some of which feature her own brand. Her fame skyrocketed when one of her videos went viral, revealing the 'secret' behind her 'perfect' hair and skin, which was simply drinking okra water. Zafeera claimed that drinking okra water for six months significantly reduced her bloating because it releases soluble and insoluble fiber, which aids digestion and reduces bloating. She recommends consuming it 3-4 times per week. However, experts caution that excessive consumption of okra water can lead to side effects like gas, bloating, electrolyte imbalances, and even kidney stones, so it's best not to overindulge.
The bird's nest trend, which also claimed to provide glowing skin, was rather unusual. Some influencers swear by honey and turmeric, while others have turned to the skies for their skincare, focusing on bird's nest extract derived from the saliva of swiftlets. Beauty influencers assert that it contains proteins, amino acids, and minerals that promise radiant, well-hydrated skin. This trend originated in Chinese cuisine, but experts caution that scientific evidence on its skincare benefits is limited. Additionally, large-scale production raises ethical and sustainability concerns. While bird's nest may have potential, there are better alternatives available. Israa Abdullah, a Pakistani influencer based in the UK, has gained a significant Instagram following by sharing DIY hair and face mask treatments.
Horsetail, a plant, has been used to make natural hair oil and toner, but studies have shown that there's not enough evidence to support its effectiveness in treating hair loss. While it may contain antioxidants and beneficial compounds, the research on its ability to regrow hair is still inconclusive. It's best to stick to proven hair care routines for now until more reliable research is available. DIY beauty trends may seem convenient and natural, but they may not work the same way for everyone. Each person has unique skin and hair needs, and a remedy that works well for one individual might cause problems for another. Factors like skin type, hair texture, and underlying conditions can all affect how an ingredient or treatment reacts. The same applies to what we consume. Due to environmental and dietary changes, our skin now requires more advanced care to achieve the desired condition, as we face higher levels of pollution, less nutritious food, and increased stress compared to previous generations. Blindly imitating popular do-it-yourself fads can be more detrimental than helpful. Natural products are not necessarily safe for all individuals.
