Skincare is essential for maintaining youthful, healthy skin, but not all skincare products are created equal. Some contain harmful ingredients that can actually accelerate aging, “increase wrinkles,” and cause dryness and irritation over time. Certain chemicals, artificial fragrances, and harsh preservatives can break down collagen and damage the skin barrier, making fine lines more prominent.
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Robert Love, a neuroscientist, and pharmacist and skincare expert Ben Fukes revealed the three things you should avoid in your skincare products to minimize the look of wrinkles. According to them, preservatives, fragrances, and vegetable oils are the ones to skip. Read on to learn more.
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1. Preservatives
While preservatives in skincare products may be necessary for preventing microbial growth and extending shelf life, some can be harmful to the skin. Certain ones, such as parabens and formaldehyde-releasing agents, can cause skin irritation, disrupt the skin’s barrier, and trigger inflammation.
“Preservatives kill things, especially kill cells,” Fukes says. These include bacterial cells, fungal cells, and also “skin cells!”
2. Fragrances
Fragrances are harmful to the skin, especially when it comes to aging and wrinkle formation. While they smell pleasant, synthetic ones in particular can irritate the skin and trigger inflammation.
“Fragrances are endocrine disruptors, and they have a toxic profile,” Fukes reveals.
3. Vegetable oils
While some vegetable oils contain beneficial fatty acids, many refined oils are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which, when used excessively, can promote inflammation in the skin. Chronic inflammation damages collagen and elastin fiber, two essential proteins that keep skin looking youthful. Furthermore, they may also clog pores, leading to breakouts and congested skin.
“Vegetable oils oxidize, and the worst culprits are the fancy ones like grapeseed oil and carrot oil,” he explains.
