Silicones are a common ingredient in skincare products, especially moisturizers, that are cheap and help the skin feel soft and velvety. That may all sound nice, but companies are steering more toward silicone-free moisturizers and products for a reason: people are starting to find out the truth.
So what is the truth?
The truth is, silicones in skin care don’t really do much. In fact, with regular use, they could even cause winter acne. Amy Brenner, MD & Associates believe understanding ingredients is important for choosing the right products for your winter skincare routine.
Keep reading more about why you should avoid silicone in your skincare products to achieve the best winter skin possible.
Why should I avoid silicones in my skincare products?
Silicones are a type of occlusive. Many occlusives are great for the skin such as shea butter and jojoba oil because they seal in moisture. However, silicones seal in moisture and everything else. Initially, companies added silicones to their products because they are cheaper than higher-quality ingredients and they create the illusion of soft skin. The moisturizer may feel great when you apply it, but in reality, the silicones are creating a barrier that traps bacteria, dead skin cells, dirt—the perfect environment for acne and breakouts.
Plus, silicones are hydrophobic, meaning they’re typically harder to wash off. As a result, you may be adding more and more silicones to the layer already there. Instead the moisture may have hoped for (silicones don’t actually add moisture), you could be reversing your hard work and causing your skin to look worse than it did before.
How to find and avoid silicones in skincare products
The easiest way to find products without silicones is to search for labels saying “silicone free.” However, if you don’t see any around, then the second best option is to read the ingredient list. While it won’t flat out say “silicones,” there are signs that an ingredient is a silicone—anything that ends in -cone or -siloxane. Especially if it’s in the top five ingredients on the list, you should put the product back down and move on.
What ingredients should I look for instead?
Great question. If you’re looking for extra hydration during the dry winter months, our go-to ingredients are:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Glycerin
- Occlusives (that aren’t silicones)
- Ceramides
These skin-loving ingredients are great for penetrating the skin with the moisture it needs without causing clogged pores. If you’re not sure where to start, medical-grade skincare products are a great way to go to ensure you receive the best of the best.
Learn more about silicones in skincare with Amy Brenner, MD & Associates.
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