It is a fact that the cosmetic industry is highly unregulated! You may not know but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) responsible for protecting the health of 400 million people does not require skincare products to be examined before being available on the market. Our skin is the largest, most porous organ of our body, so we should do everything in our power to protect it!
According to dermatologists, we should never put these 10 products on our skin and face!
10 Products to Never Put on Your Face
Physical Exfoliants
Meghan O’Brien, MD, a dermatologist at Tribeca Park Dermatology in New York City claims that physical exfoliation can cause irritation and dryness, particularly in colder months. Abrasive pads or wipes can also lead to skin condition such as eczema and acne.
Mineral Oil
It has been shown that mineral oil can clog pores. This can cause blackheads, acneiform eruptions (acne resembling deep skin lesions), and milia (small skin cysts). Petroleum oil, white mineral oil, liquid paraffin, paraffin oil, white oil, liquid petroleum, and petrolatum liquid are the most commonly-used mineral oils.
Regular Soap
You should never use a harsh, regular soap as a face or body cleanser. Ellen Marmur, MD, associate clinical professor in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center claims that the regular soap can deprive our skin of essential nutrients. This soap contains unnatural chemicals that can make our skin dry, itchy, and rough.
Fragrances
Most skin-care products have some form of artificial fragrance that can cause breakouts and skin irritation. These fragrances are often associated with allergies, dermatitis, reproductive problems and respiratory diseases. It can be found in perfume, moisturizers, cologne, body wash, and conditioner.
Coarse Face Scrubs
Brooke Jackson, MD, Founder and Medical Director of Skin Wellness Dermatology Associates in Durham, North Carolina claims that we should not use abrasive face scrubs. To prevent skin irritation, use a cream-textured wash. You should use your hands to wash the face. Dry off with a washcloth.
Self-Microneedling Devices
According to Dr. Ava Shamban, a Beverly Hills-based dermatologist and author of Heal Your Skin, these devices create tiny holes that can disrupt the natural foundation of your skin and increase your risk of infection. Expert-administered microneedling is a much safer alternative!
Home Chemical Peel Kits
You may think that home chemical peeling kits are an inexpensive way to get that flawless skin, but in fact it can only lead to further complications including scarring of the skin, swelling, blistering and allergic reaction. According to experts, chemical peeling does not respond well with skin bags, bulges, and more severe wrinkles.
Injected, Permanent Fillers
According to authors at the University of Warwick, Botox is the most acutely poisonous substance ever! For instance, if you get a lump or a bump or redness or firmness, you can’t dissolve it. So, you are stuck with it, unless you cut it out, which would result in a scar.
Alcohol-Based Skin Products
Always read the label! Products that contain alcohol can dry and irritate our skin and lead to skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, and acne. According to Dr. Gervaise Gersstner (the owner of a dermatologic practice in New York City), we should use tonics that are water-based. In this way, you will protect your skin from the above-mentioned conditions.
Shampoo
Let’s get this straight! Shampoo is okay only if you use it on your head. Many people in case of emergencies tend to use shampoo instead of their regular cleansers. The director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, Joshua Zeichner, claims that shampoo is a product designed to clean our hair, not our skin. Shampoos contain compounds that can remove oil and dirt from your hair. However, they are harsh to be absorbed by your skin.