You do not need to spend a lot of money on expensive face creams. Instead, picking out a good, reliable moisturizer from the drugstore is a good idea, especially if you are on a budget. Dove dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, explains to Byrdie, “People spend way too much money on fancy creams when you just need something that is going to keep the skin barrier healthy.”
However, that does not mean that you should be picking out any drugstore face cream. Instead, try paying attention to the ingredient list and looking out for any potentially harmful substances. Avoiding these ingredients is an important component of keeping your skin healthy.
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Benzaldehyde
Benzaldehyde is one ingredient you should cut out of your skincare routine asap.
Dr. Yoram Harth, Board Certified Dermatologist and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, explains, "Benzaldehyde is a synthetic fragrance used by many moisturizer producers. As with other fragrances, it can clog pores."
With that in mind, benzaldehyde can cause more harm than good, exacerbating skin conditions like acne by clogging your pores.
In fact, avoiding synthetic fragrances altogether is a smart idea, especially if you have sensitive skin.
New York City-based dermatologist Dendy Engelman told Allure, "Fragrances are usually made up of other harmful chemicals, like parabens, benzene derivatives, aldehydes, and more that are linked to cancer and nervous system issues, which in the short term can cause irritation and redness on the applied area."
That doesn't necessarily mean you should switch over to natural fragrances like essential oils either, which can also lead to skin irritation, allergic reactions, and breakouts.
Likewise, if you are opting for a moisturizer with essential oils (or using them anywhere in your skincare/beauty routine), definitely do a patch test first to see if you have any adverse reactions.
With this in mind, it's important to be selective about your skincare products--drugstore or otherwise. Opting for fragrance-free skincare is always a good idea, and, if you are experiencing any new skin problems or irritation, check your bottle for any potentially harmful ingredients!
