Dermatologists Unveil 10 Things To Avoid Putting On Your Face

Jan 21, 2019 by apost team

We've all been there. Uneven skin tone and unsightly blemishes appearing at exactly the wrong time! You are willing to do almost anything to clear up your skin and fast. With so many skin care products out there promising miracles, it's hard to know what you should and shouldn't use.

It doesn't help that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) allows skincare products to be released on the consumer market without considering effects on the face.

Luckily, dermatologists care about you and your skin. To find out how to protect your largest most exposed organ, check out the below list of 10 products dermatologists warn to never put on your face.

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We've all heard those wonderful tales of exfoliating away those dead skin cells to uncover smoother fresher looking skin, so why is this on the list? New York City dermatologist Meghan O'Brien, MD, warns that abrasive exfoliating pads and wipes can further irritate existing skin conditions such as eczema and acne. She further explains that she found, for both herself and her patients, physical exfoliation often lead to irritation and dryness, especially in colder months.

Oily skin is a double-edged sword. Oily skin slows the aging process and makes wrinkles less visible. On the other hand, it causes clogged pores and increased acne breakouts. This is exactly why Dendy Engleman, a doctor in New York City at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, wants you to avoid mineral oil treatments. She states the clogged pores can also lead to blackheads, acneiform eruptions (acne that looks like deep skin lesions), and milia (small skin cysts).

What to look out for when avoiding mineral oils: white oil, white mineral oil, petroleum oil, liquid forms of paraffin, liquid forms of petroleum, paraffinum liquidum, petroleum liquid, and paraffin oil.

Yes, plain old bar soap must be avoided. MD Ellen Marmur works at Mount Sinai Medical Center in the department of dermatology as an associate clinical professor. She says, "I never use a harsh regular bar soap as a face or body cleanser". She explains that regular soap uses harsh and unnatural chemicals that strip your skin of its essential nutrients while also depriving your skin of essential moisture. If you are experiencing rough, dry, and itchy skin, take a look at how you wash your face.

Of course, you want every inch of you to smell nice. The cosmetic industry agrees; that's why you will some form of artificial fragrance in most skin care products. Honestly, brands use the term "fragrance" on your skincare product to mask their proprietary formula. If you need another reason to avoid fragrances, the EWG (Environmental Working Group) says fragrance mixes can be linked with allergies, dermatitis, reproductive problems, and respiratory distress.

Much like exfoliants, face scrubs can do more damage than good. Brooke Jackson is the founder of and medical director at Skin Wellness Dermatology Associates in Durham, North Carolina. She has been quoted as saying she can see no reason to use abrasive face scrubs. Her recommendations for avoiding skin irritation are to use a wash with a creamy texture, using your hands to wash your face, and using a washcloth to dry it.

Micro-needling is intended to stimulate your skin and increase collagen production. This will lead to a lightening of acne scars and brown spots as well as reducing pore size. Beverly Hills dermatologist and the author of Heal Your Skin, Dr. Ava Shamban feels there is too much risk for infection and the spread of bacteria using these devices at home.

Shamban recommends expert administered micro needling, "We do micro needling with radio frequency, but...in a cleaner environment that is more controlled, so it's safer."

You can purchase a peel kit for $15-$200, while a professional chemical peel can cost more than $1,000. The huge difference in price is enough to make at home kits appealing. Experts warn, however, of significant risks associated with home peel kits. You can experience blistering, scarring of the skin, allergic reactions and swelling. These possibilities definitely make it not worth the risk of saving a few bucks.

Authors at the University of Warwick have identified Botox as the most poisonous filler substance known to man. It's going to be a hard "No!"

When absorbed by the skin, Alcohol not only dries and irritates it; but may also cause skin conditions you are trying to treat such as acne, eczema, and rosacea. Dr. Gervaise Gerstner owns a dermatologic practice in New York City. She suggests that rather than using an alcohol-based cleanser, you should look for an essence or toner that is water-based so you're not drying your skin out."

Does this need to be said? Shampoo is intended for use on your hair, and when done so is perfectly fine to use. It is not intended to be used in "emergency" cases of "I'm out of my cleanser". Shampoos contain surfactants which are chemicals that help to remove oil, dirt, and skin from your hair, but are far too harsh for your skin.

Did any of these surprise you? And did we miss any? Let us know in the comments below!