Before falling for a cream or serum that promises wonders, dermatologists recommend taking a look at the composition. Three very specific ingredients should be banned.
At this time of year, many swap the rich textures of winter for lighter treatments, meant to hydrate, mattify or limit imperfections. On the shelves, the promises are numerous and the packaging convincing. However, what really interests specialists is neither on the front of the bottle nor in the slogans printed in large letters. It all comes down to the back, in terms of the list of ingredients.
For dermatologist Ludovic Rousseau, this list could not be more important. In a video published on his YouTube channel, he explains that it only takes around thirty seconds to get a first idea of a cosmetic. However, its objective is not to state that a product is necessarily dangerous, it all depends on the quantities used, the overall formula and, above all, the skin type. A cream that works great for one person may be a terrible idea for another. It is precisely for this reason that dermatologists invite us to look beyond the marketing statements that appear on the packaging.
Ludovic Rousseau then explains in his video that there are three ingredients that he immediately spots when he examines a label. The first is denatured alcohol, better known as Alcohol Denat. When it appears at the top of the list, it usually means it is present in significant quantities. However, this ingredient can tend to dry the skin and weaken the skin barrier. Even certain products intended for skin with imperfections contain it, even though the skin is already sensitized.
The dermatologist is also wary of mentions of perfume or fragrance. They are used in many cosmetics and make application more pleasant. Who has never wanted to buy a cream that smells like vacations or fresh flowers? But behind this olfactory touch also hides one of the allergens most frequently found in cases of contact dermatitis. The specialist also points out that a product displayed as “fragrance-free” is not exactly the same thing as an “unscented” product, a nuance often unknown to consumers.
The third ingredient mentioned concerns coconut oil, when used on acne-prone skin. Very popular in the world of beauty, it has a particularly positive image. However, some skin types do not tolerate it well. Its comedogenic nature can promote the obstruction of pores and accentuate the appearance of pimples in affected people.
Conversely, Ludovic Rousseau recommends favoring ingredients whose benefits are widely documented. He cites in particular niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and panthenol. These active ingredients are appreciated for their moisturizing, soothing properties or their action on certain imperfections, while being generally well tolerated by most skin types.
