We're on the riskier ground with our excessive skin care rituals like never before. We reach out to skincare products for quick fixes, regardless of our skin type or condition, and we expect miracles in return. The same is true for products containing alcohol, which experts believe cause more harm than good. Numerous skincare products contain some percentage of alcohol, which most people are unaware of. We spoke to Dr. Abhishek Pilani, MD Dermatologist, Founder- Assure Clinic, to find if we should be concerned about alcohol in our skin care and makeup products.
How bad are skincare products containing alcohol?
There are two types of alcohol found in skincare products: good fatty alcohols and harmful alcohols. While fatty alcohols found in waxes are excellent emollients and thickeners, denatured alcohols lack fatty chains and tend to dry up the skin, causing inflammation and irritation in the long term. Alcohols like ethanol, methyl isopropyl, and benzoyl alcohol will make you feel wonderful when you apply them to your skin, but they will eventually damage your skin. Ingredients like benzoyl, in particular, stretch your skin and remove 10% of its water content. Furthermore, people with oily skin may enjoy the effects of alcohol on their skin, but using products containing denatured alcohol can stimulate greater oil production.
People with higher melanin (a component in the body that generates hair, eye, and skin pigmentation) content in their skin are more likely to have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and skin irritation as a result of using alcohol-based skincare products.
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What stands out?
According to specialists, fatty alcohols with larger molecular weight serve as thickeners and skin moisturisers and are healthy for your skin. Cetearyl, for example, aids in the absorption of vitamin C and retinol, as well as the retention of moisture and nourishment. Furthermore, Cetearyl-containing skincare products build a barrier on the skin that protects it from further moisture loss. They are frequently used to soften the skin and hair, as well as to thicken and stabilise cosmetic goods like lotions and hair treatments.
Pick what works best for you
If alcohol is the primary element in a product, it is unquestionably an issue. Because our skin is the longest organ in our bodies, it is also incredibly distinctive, and it must be protected. It is therefore advised to avoid using both good and bad alcohol in your skincare routine until you have determined what works best for you. Keep a diary for a few months and observe the changes for yourself. If you have sensitive skin or other allergies, you should always perform a patch test before using any alcohol-containing product. Consult a doctor if you have persistent or worsening burning, blistering, swelling, redness, or irritation.
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