Which Skin Care Products Should I Avoid?

Your skin type determines which products to avoid and which will help you keep your skin clean and supple.

No matter what skin type you may have, the first rule is to avoid skin products with harsh astringents such as alcohol. Often called toners, they can strip away all of the skin’s natural oils. Only people with excessive amounts of oil on their skin that result in blemishes should use astringents. Everyone else should use a mild toner which only removes make up.

This is true for cleansers also. Skin cleansers for the face and body should not remove all of the body’s oils leaving the skin dry and flaky. Some people recommend never using soap on the face, because most soaps have astringent chemicals in them. If you have very oily skin, the best kind of cleanser to use is an oil-binding liquid cleanser. These cleansers have salicylic acids which removes excess oil without stripping the skin.

People with sensitive skin also ask: Which skin care products should I avoid? If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid using cleansers and moisturizers that have ingredients which can cause allergic reactions. Products which are labeled hypoallergenic are ideal for sensitive skin.

When picking the right moisturizer, it’s important to use common sense. If you have oily skin, you want to avoid oil-heavy lotions and creams which can block pores. If you have dry skin, use moisturizers that contain moisture sealing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Sensitive skin should not be subjected to moisturizers that are chemical or plant laden. Instead, the moisturizer should contain only hypoallergenic ingredients.

There are many skin care products on the market which are too harsh and strip the skin instead of protecting it. It’s important to understand which ingredients are in your skin care products so you don’t inadvertently harm your skin and cause premature aging and wrinkles.