With so many DIY beauty product recipes out there today, it’s tempting to think that you can create an entire skin care routine just by rummaging through your kitchen for some lemon, cinnamon and coffee grounds. We’ll tell you why it’s better to cook up something tasty with these ingredients, rather than putting them on your face.

1. Coffee ground exfoliators

One of the most unusual DIY beauty product trends we’ve seen is using coffee grounds mixed with olive or coconut oil as a facial exfoliator. There are a lot of reasons we don’t recommend this, but the most important one is this: coffee grounds have sharp edges, and using them to scrub your face can lead to microtears that not only hurt, but can cause skin infections, too. To get some physical exfoliation into your routine, our new favorite is LovelySkin LUXE Microdermabrasion Polish. With smooth bamboo, jojoba and diatomaceous spheres, this creamy polish provides controlled exfoliation while orange and caper floral bud extracts help soothe inflammation and calm sensitive skin.

2. Spicy face masks

Spices are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals and taste great in your favorite recipes, but taking them from the cupboard to use on your face can lead to problems. Paprika is especially dense in nutrients and there are benefits to applying it topically, but only when you’re sure that you’re not using too much. When you overdo it, spices like paprika can irritate sensitive skin and even lead to skin reactions in some people. The bottom line: if you want spice up your skin care routine, trust your complexion to a product like Eminence Eight Greens Phyto Masque - Hot, rather than a random YouTuber.

3. Yogurt probiotic face creams

The power of topical probiotics for acne, hydration and overall anti-aging has gotten a lot of press lately, but that doesn’t mean the tub of greek yogurt in your fridge makes a very good face treatment. If the yogurt from your fridge is spoiled or contaminated in any way, you could be left with a serious bacterial infection. Additionally, probiotics are best for your skin when they’re paired with other anti-aging ingredients in a formula that’s carefully balanced to give you the best results. We love GLOWBIOTICS MD MYHERO Probiotic Moisture Rich Age Reversal Cream because it’s packed with probiotics, antioxidants and active peptides to replenish dry, dull skin, smooth fine lines and wrinkles and reveal a glowing, youthful complexion!

4. Citrus fruit toner mists

Citrus extracts brighten, clarify, exfoliate and more, but because these fruits are really acidic (think lemon juice in a cut, ouch!), they can irritate your skin if you apply them the wrong way or in the wrong concentration. To get the benefits of citrus fruits in your skin care routine, go for Natura Bisse C+C Vitamin Splash. This hydrating, balancing toner by Natura Bisse is infused with mandarin orange, lemon and grapefruit in a revitalizing mist that awakens your senses and protects your complexion with vitamin C.

Which products are you excited to add to your routine? Let us know in the comments below!