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Home > Select a Medical Service > Dermatology

Cosmetics and your skin


Cosmetics and acne

  • Read labels to see that all cosmetics you use are "non-comedogenic" or non-acne forming.
  • Wash off all cosmetics before going to bed
  • Do not traumatize your skin in an attempt to physically remove white heads or black heads.
  • A moisturizer applied before cosmetics may serve to minimize pore blockage.
  • Shake-lotion bases are the best for acne-prone skin
  • Beta Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid) can enter the oil glands and assist in the treatment of black-heads.
  • Read the Labels

    Comedogenic compounds (read labels to avoid):

  • Isopropyl myristate
  • Isopropyl esters
  • Oleic acid, stearic acid
  • Petrolatum, lanolin
  • Acetylated lanolin alcohols, lanolin fatty acid

Non-comedogenic Compounds

  • Low dose mineral oil
  • Octyl palmitate, isostearyl neopentanoate
  • Cottonseed oil, corn oil, safflower oil
  • Propylene glycol, spermaceti, beeswax


  • Cosmetics and sensitive skin

  • Moisturizers applied before cosmetics may serve to minimize sensitivity.
  • Fragrances in cosmetics are the most common culprit
  • All cosmetics contain preservatives to prolong their "shelf-life". These preservatives differ greatly between cosmetic companies. Cosmetic preservatives are the second most common cause of sensitivity. Try using Almay or Neutragena products, as these companies try to use less-common allergy producing preservatives.

Hydroxy Acids

  • Hydroxy acids are a group of chemicals used to exfoliate the skin leading to smoother skin and a more youthful, pink skin hue.
  • Some studies show an improvement of fine wrinkles, though it is uncertain if this is due to local inflammation, or actual improvement of the deeper skin support.
  • Products may contain Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Beta Hydroxy Acids (Salicylic Acid) or Combination Hydroxy Acid.
  • Beta Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid) can enter the oil glands and assist in the treatment of black-heads.
  • Hydroxy Acids may cause a sensation of burning or stinging. This is largely due to the acid nature of the product. The skin is naturally much less acidic.
   

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