* Products that do double duty
* Easy ways to save money and get multiple benefits
* Safe for most skin and hair types
Off-label uses of beauty products are more and more common these days and if you can get more than one intended use out of any of your products, then more power to you.
Below are a few products that have been known to do double-duty when it comes to providing additional, sometimes unexpected beauty benefits. It goes without saying that if you do try to use any beauty or skincare product in an off-label way, it is important to do your research as only you know your skin best.
1. Use Deodorant to Blot Oily Parts of The Face
It’s important to note that the suggested use of deodorant on your face as an oil blotter only works if you use natural, aluminum-free deodorant made from organic, non-toxic ingredients. One options is Underarmed, an active, botanical luxury deodorant. Natural and aluminum free, this formula contains skin-friendly ingredients such as lavender, eucalyptus and honey. This deodorant is also non-toxic, PH balanced to work for sensitive skin and goes on clear and invisible.
2. Use an Apple Cider Vinegar as Facial Toner
Apple Cider Vinegar has been touted for ages as a cure-all for all of its supposed health benefits. From drinking down a spoonful a day, to deep-cleansing your scalp, ACV has a long health history. When choosing an apple cider vinegar, we love the famous, certified organic and raw Apple Cider Vinegar from Bragg. This vinegar is unfiltered, unheated, unpasteurized and contains 5% acidity. This acidity is what will make ACV work as a toner for the skin as it can help balance the skin’s pH, exfoliate, acts as an antiseptic and is antibacterial. When and if you use as a facial toner, it is recommended to dilute with water as ACV alone might be too harsh for the delicate facial skin.
Related Stories
3. Neosporin as a Pimple Spot Treatment
Neosporin is the original topical antibiotic ointment for treating minor cuts, scrapes and burns. It is formulated with ingredients that provide 24-hour infection protection while nourishing the skin to minimize the appearance of scars after healing. The trend towards using Neosporin as a spot treatment in an emergency can work when and if you are faced with a mini wound that you may have caused by picking your pimple. In this case, a tiny dab of Neosporin might speed up the healing process and prevent scarring.
4. Diaper Rash Cream as an Anti-Acne Mask
Weleda Diaper Care Cream is a rich formula made with calendula extract and contains no parabens, phthalates, fragrance or animal testing. The main ingredient, zinc oxide, forms a protective barrier against excessive wetness while the calendula (along with almond and sesame oils) create a nourishing and gentle cream on your baby’s bottom. As mentioned, the main ingredient is zinc oxide which is helpful for many types of irritation (like acne) and can help reduce instances of it. It is also packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can be useful in certain situations.
5. Preparation H For Eye Puffiness and Bags
Preparation H is a clear, non-greasy hemorrhoid treat formulated to temporarily shrink swollen tissue. That being said, it has been a well-known secret in the beauty industry forever that it can help reduce puffiness and bags around the eye area as well. Preparation H is a vasoconstrictor which means it narrows the vessels thus reducing puffiness. When using it for reducing bags, it is recommended to be careful not to get into the eye, use a tiny amount and keep it on for only a short amount of time.
6. Use Spray Starch as Dry Shampoo
Faultless Premium Professional Starch offers a like-new luxurious texture to all your washables. In addition to your clothing, a well-known beauty hack is using a spray starch in place of your dry shampoo to absorb excess oil in the hair, making it look freshly washed. Starch is one of the ingredients contained in most dry shampoos which is what absorbs any excess oil and is a good last-minute option. Additionally, Faultless Premium Starch doesn’t flake on dark colors which will also come in handy for all you brunettes out there.