Strange Beauty Tips - Are They Harmful or Helpful?

With so many beauty products on the market today and the economy in such disarray, some people have gone the way of homemade beauty treatments. Granted, these treatments have been around a long time, but do they actually work. This article offers ten beauty treatments; some work and some do not. These tips are combed from such places as Cosmopolitan Magazine, the lifestyle section at MSN.com and the article "Beauty Tips that Work" by Shailini.

1. White glue on nose to remove blackheads. This does not work. It can actually make matters worse as it can damage skin cells and clog pores. It is better to break down and purchase made especially for the skin.

2. Deodorant to help stop blisters and stinky feet. This does work as it helps create a barrier which decreases friction and stops sweat glands from producing moisture (just like it works under the arms). Another way to help prevent blisters is to wear socks as it helps which away moisture and make sure you are wearing the proper size shoes - neither too small or too tight.

3. Raw oats can be used to stop itchy feet and soothe dry skin. Yep, another one that is true. The oats have lipids and proteins that help replenish the skin's barrier and decrease water loss. Just one to two cups of oats to lukewarm water and soak for five minutes. Rinse, dry and apply your favorite lotion.

4. Bleach to be used to cure nail fungus. This is a catch-22 home remedy. On one hand, it will stop and remove nail fungus, but on the downside, it can kill healthy skin and can cause a rash to develop. For better results and less damage, try tea tree oil - it is a better solution and better for your skin.

5. Use toothpaste to help remove zits or pimples. This is a no-no. It may give the appearance that the toothpaste is working, but in reality it is damaging and possibly burning the skin making matters works. It is the additives (i.e. fluoride) that cause the damage. It is best to stick with products that are specially designed for acne.

6. Apple cider vinegar for dandruff. Yes, it can help as it changes the Ph balance of the scalp, making it hard for the yeast that produces dandruff to grow. Use one cup of vinegar and one cup of cool water (using cool water keeps blood vessels constricted) after washing your hair normally. Let the vinegar mixture sit for one minute and rinse with cool water.

7. Preparation H reduces "bags" under the eyes. Nope it does not work even though models swear by it. It can do more damage than help, as it can burn the eyes, skin and it does not smell that good. The best way to help reduce bags is to use cool wet used tea bags as the tannic acid within tea can help reduce the puffy, baggy look.

8. Milk can soothe skin after waxing or shaving. Yes, it can. It can also help reduce the pain of sunburns and poison ivy itching. It is the Ph balance in the full fat milk that has a soothing effect. Soak a cloth in a cup of full fat milk that has a few ice cubes and lay the cloth over the area for five to ten minutes and repeat with the soaking and covering until the area feels better. Rinse the area with cool water.

9. Super glue to help close extreme cracking on heals and hands. This is a big no as the super glue can cause more damage such as irritation or worse, infection as the ingredients are not sterilized and contain other contaminants. The best way to handle this matter, it to use a liquid bandage which can be found at any local drug store.

10. Beach sand for smooth skin. Yep, it can. Sand is a natural exfoliating product. So the next time you are at a beach, give your legs a rub down with the sand found at water's edge as it is damp. Rinse in the ocean and then cool water. Apply your favorite lotion.