Katie Piper urges simpler care for skin as Brits risk skin disasters with DIY hacks
A new study by Surcare of 2,000 Brits finds one in three try DIY skincare – with nearly one in five suffering a reaction in the aftermath.
Now, Katie Piper and the brand are urging Brits to simplify their methods instead of trying viral DIY hacks they might see on socials.
What DIY hacks are Brits using?
The bizarre skincare hacks Brits swear by include applying teabags to puffy eyes, using egg
yolk to treat rough skin – and even injecting salmon sperm.
The new study from Surcare has revealed a series of interesting DIY cosmetic habits. Including using
avocado as a face scrub, hand treatments made out of strawberries and applying honey as a
facemask.
While others use baking powder as an exfoliant, indulge in oatmeal baths and apply yoghurt
as a facemask, all with the aim of achieving healthier skin.
The research discovered one in three, or 32% of us have experimented with DIY regimes –
with 18% experiencing a negative reaction as a result.
As many as 15% revealed they use at least one weekly, with seven per cent admitting
they are happy to try ‘anything’ which will improve their appearance.
What does Katie Piper say?
The research was commissioned by laundry detergent brand Surcare, which have appointed
Katie Piper OBE as their brand and wellness consultant, to encourage people to not
overlook the impact clothes can have when touching your skin.
Katie explains: “When you think about how often our skin is in contact with clothing, bedding and
towels, it becomes clear that skincare doesn’t start in the bathroom, it starts with what
touches your skin every day.
“When we wash our clothes, traces of the detergent can remain in the fibres, and those
fabrics stay in close contact with our skin for much of the day.
“In many ways, fabric acts as
our second skin, so how we care for it really matters.
“Yet so many people will look at all sorts of ways to protect and improve their skin when it
comes to skin care products, yet often overlook the role their everyday environment plays.
“Small, thoughtful choices – like using dermatologically approved laundry products – can help
support your skin without adding complexity or risk.”
Why are Brits resorting to DIY hacks?
The study found three in 10 use DIY hacks as they use natural ingredients, 19% to
avoid harsh chemicals and 21% because they are cheaper than store-bought
products.
It comes as the average participant admitted to spending £146 a year on skincare products.
This increases to £205 for Millennials – the highest of any generation – compared to just £80
for Boomers.
Mainly, they are used to prevent skin issues (49%), however 33% use them for
a sense of self-care and wellbeing, while four per cent turn to them because influencers and
celebrities do.
In total, 56% of those polled have experienced a skin issue or condition, such as
eczema, dermatitis, acne or sensitive skin.
Using skincare products such as creams or serums (48%) is the most common
method to try and help with these issues, followed by drinking more water (45%) or
getting prescription medication from a doctor (36%).
While 26% use supplements, 24% have tried changing their diet – and 30 per
cent have switched laundry detergent to improve skin health.
Yet, more than a half (52%) don’t consider what laundry detergent they use as part of
their skincare routine to avoid irritation, and only 75% are confident their detergent is
suitable for the health of skin.
Simple care is best
Despite this, participants on average spend just under 16 hours in contact with fabrics a day.
Katie Piper, speaking in partnership with Surcare, added: “From toothpaste on spots to apply
honey as a face mask, people often experiment with different beauty trends in the hope of
better skin.
“But I’ve learned that true care is usually found in simple, everyday choices that support your
wellbeing over time.”
“For me, that includes thinking beyond traditional skincare – I’ve always believed in simple,
preventative care, and sometimes it’s not about adding more products, but trying to remove
irritation.
“Choosing laundry formulations that are kind to skin, without fragrances, dyes or enzymes, is
just as important as the skincare you apply directly.”
Top 21 skincare hacks tried by Brits
- Cucumber slices on eyes
- Toothpaste on spots
- Aloe vera gel for soothing skin
- Using SPF lip balm
- Applying sun cream even in the winter
- Coconut oil as a moisturiser
- Applying teabags to puffy eyes
- Using a silk pillowcase
- Keeping skincare products in the fridge
- Bathing in sea salt
- Honey as a facemask
- Lemon juice for brightening skin
- DIY sugar scrub for lips
- Avocado face scrub
- Applying yoghurt as a soothing mask
- Using egg yolk to treat rough skin
- Oatmeal baths
- Green tea rinse for skin
- Baking soda as an exfoliant
- Strawberry hand treatments
- Injecting salmon sperm
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