This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
If you want to take care of your skin, it’s important to make sure that the ingredients in your skincare will not dry your skin out or irritate it. Specifically, if you notice that your skincare contains alcohol, it’s a good idea to double check that the product won’t harm your skin–making sure that it’s a fatty alcohol, which can actually benefit your skin.
Keep reading for everything you need to know!
Struggling With Sleep? This Rechargeable Sound Machine Is A Total Game-Changer
Alcohol
Jordana Mattioli, NYC-based esthetician, warns against the dangers of alcohol--specifically, denatured alcohol, SD alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol--in skincare while speaking to Bustle.
According to Bustle, "Mattioli explains denatured alcohol (usually listed as "Alcohol Denat."), SD alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol can be irritating to the skin and even strain your skin's normal functions— especially if listed within the first five or six ingredients of a product."
According to Paula's Choice, these types of alcohols can lead to several problems for your skin: "Consequences include dryness, disruption of the surface of skin's microbiome and barrier (the latter being especially bad for skin), and a strain on how skin replenishes, renews, and rejuvenates itself. Alcohol just weakens everything about skin."
With that in mind, if you want an effective anti-aging skincare routine, skipping these types of alcohols is essential.
Speaking to Byrdie, skincare expert Renee Rouleau also touches on how alcohol can cause skin discomfort and irritation by drying the skin out.
"Many toners and creams have alcohol, which delivers a quick-dry finish, but can also sap your skin’s moisture levels, leading to irritation, itchy, uncomfortable skin," the article explains.
With that in mind, if you have sensitive skin or are noticing irritation, check your skincare ingredients for any alcohols that might be drying out your skin and leading to serious skin problems.
