Debunking the myth behind scary ingredients
The internet can be overwhelming and knowing the difference between myths and truths when it comes to skin care can be difficult. Dermatologists and estheticians can give you the best insights as skin gurus, and we encourage you to seek their advice when it comes to your specific skin needs or concerns. Here are some ingredients we’re ready to demystify with the help of Susannah, Advanced Esthetician.
Ointment from petroleum distillation. “Isn’t that Vaseline®? This clogs the pores!” The downside of petroleum jelly is that it is cheap and pore clogging/oily. Although this may be true for industrial use, highly refined and purified petroleum jelly can be used beneficially in cosmetics and skin care to give the skin additional moisture with minimal risk of irritation. Susannah adds, “In fact, many dermatologists turn to petroleum jelly as a first line of defense against eczema, psoriasis, and even diaper rash.” This conditioner is a great way to create a gentle barrier to keep moisture locked in and soothe that skin. It also adds a silky texture to skin care products.
Hyaluronic acid might make you think corrosive and harsh, but this ingredient is far from that! Found naturally in the skin, this replenishing ingredient has the ability to boost your skin’s moisture content and prevent moisture loss. By adding moisture, wrinkles appear plump and skin is firm and smooth. Plus, this skin-loving ingredient pairs beautifully with other ingredients in many skin care formulas.
Cetyl alcohol. This ingredient may conjure up images of rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad for cuts and scrapes, but this ingredient is far from the harsher and better-known isopropyl alcohol. This fatty alcohol is a mixture of mild cetyl and stearyl alcohols. It is used as an emulsifier, emollient and texture enhancer in skin care products. Even cosmetics labeled “alcohol-free” may contain cetyl alcohol, which demonstrates the gentle and soothing effect of this ingredient over the more familiar and aggravating forms of alcohol.
Dimethicone is a type of silicone that is extremely gentle and effective. Ever wonder why your makeup looks so much better after moisturizing? Dimethicone helps smooth and blur imperfections leaving a smooth canvas for foundation. It can be the difference between a silky-smooth face cream and a sticky texture you can’t wait to wash off.
Parabens have created a lot of buzz recently with products claiming “paraben-free” or “preservative-free” on their label, but why? Some studies suggest a link with cancer. Susannah notes, “however, these studies are usually based on extreme amounts of preservative (up to 100% when less than 1% is commonly used in cosmetics). I mean, drinking a gallon of vodka can kill you…but a perfectly proportioned cocktail can be delicious!”
Parabens protect our skin care products by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, ensuring they remain safe and effective. The risk of NOT using parabens or preservatives would be overgrowth of germs and bacteria causing your products to expire and lose their effectiveness very quickly. If you choose to use paraben-free products, that’s a personal decision — but know that parabens are among the safest and most researched ingredients to preserve the makeup and skincare products we love.
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