These days, people often try to create their own versions of their favorite beauty and home cleaning products.

Even though DIY home remedies seem like a healthy, natural way to go, the truth is that most can do more harm than good. Some can even pose a health risk, or cause even more trouble for you than you were dealing with in the first place.

While companies may use ingredients that some may not be fans of, these ingredients are clinically tested to back up their package claims. Today, one can easy find a DIY recipe online, but the thing to remember is that ANYONE can post one of the thousands of home remedies you can now find on the web.

Below is a list of DIY Home Remedies that you should just AVOID:

• Using Lemon Juice to Get Rid of Dark Spots: Some feel that this highly acidic fruit with its citric acid-filled juice can clear your skin of dark spots. But unfortunately, this is not the case. According to dermatologist, Doctor Tsippora Shainhouse, the acid in lemon juice can irritate your skin, causing erosion, burns, and creating redness and inflammation. It can even make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Dr. Shainhouse recommended using like hydroquinone or over-the-counter ones like kojic acid instead. I personally recommend using Avocado Oil on your skin twice a day – it’s what helped me last year to get rid off my dark spots.

• Using Cinnamon to Clear Acne: Cinnamon is thought to improve blemishes along with other skin concerns, but those who try a DIY cinnamon face mask, experience negative reactions, including a burning sensation and rash. “Applying cinnamon to the skin can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, which is likely why many people feel like it’s burning their skin,” said board-certified dermatologist/RealSelf contributor, Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

• At-Home Enemas: Enemas are traditionally done by pouring water up your rear end to try to “evacuate” your stool. According to the director of the Female Sexual Medicine Center at UCLA Medical Center, Jennifer Berman, MD, she has seen people try to attempt these at home, some even using coffee, thinking that the caffeine will help to “clear” their system. This is NOT something one should try to do on their own. According to Berman “-with any enema, you end up running the risk of perforating your rectum—death is even a possibility,” If you’re feeling backed up, consult with your doctor, avoid taking matters into your own hands.

• Using Crisco to Heal Dry Skin: Crisco is a mix of fully and partly hydrogenated soybean and palm oils. While some may use this DIY home remedy with no issues, it can cause breakouts in those who have prone skin. You risk exposing the skin to even more infection by applying Crisco topically. To treat dry skin, use a balm with hydrocortisone. This can help to heal any dry skin, including eczema and psoriasis.

• Using Hairspray to Set Makeup: Hairsprays contain harmful ingredients which are not healthy. While it may be safe to use on your hair, applying this to your face and skin can be quite dangerous. The alcohol-laden spray can clog pores, cause skin irritation, blemishes, or worse! You even risk getting hairspray in your eyes. Instead, stick to quality makeup setting spray instead to seal your look.

• Yogurt for Yeast Infections: The idea behind this unusual home remedy is that yogurts contain a live culture called acidophilus, which may help rid the environment of harmful bacteria. According to Mary Jane Minkin, MD, clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine, it’s not known if these live cultures would even survive in the vagina. And you should NEVER use flavored, sugar-filled yogurt that’s sitting in your fridge. Sugar in or around your vagina can lead to even more infections.

• Using Witch Hazel as an Astringent: Witch hazel is a known natural anti-inflammatory which is commonly used as the main ingredient in several DIY astringents. However, witch hazel is usually distilled by alcohol or immersed in it which can tear apart the skin’s hydrating layer, in turn leaving it dry and flaky. Plus, the natural fragrance in witch hazel is eugenol, a potent irritant.

• Using Toothpaste to Treat Pimples: Toothpaste contains drying alcohols as well as harsh hydrogen peroxides and irritating menthols, as well as potentially acne-inducing fluoride. The tingling sensation you feel when applying it to the skin may make it feel like it is working, but in truth, the toothpaste will only just dry out your skin. And even though it brings down inflammation temporarily, it will eventually create irritation. When treating acne, it is best to stick to an over the counter treatments for acne which contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, or better yet just consult a dermatologist.

• Covering Up Body Odor with Apple Cider Vinegar: Today, people have been avoiding OTC deodorants due to their potential link between aluminum chloride and breast cancer. Although there is no data confirming the link of the two, DIY deodorants have become increasingly more popular over time. Apple cider vinegar is a common base because it can kill yeast and bacteria which causes B.O. Although it is not bad for your skin, the vinegar is not all that fragrant, and it even more difficult to mask. Even trying to add your favorite essential oil may not be that helpful in masking the vinegary scent. So while this home remedy may mask your body’s B.O, it leaves another unpleasant scent.

• Using Baking Soda as an Exfoliate: Baking soda is often used in baked goods, but when it is placed only our skin, it can affect its natural pH balance. This can irritate, and leave your skin open to infection and serious damage.

**In Conclusion: NEVER try a DIY treatment without doing your homework first. Even if the ingredients seem harmless and natural, the wrong combination could scar you for life. It is best to triple check your DIY sources, consult with your doctor and/or dermatologist, and please don’t just take the internet’s word for it.