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Things I would never use on my skin Theresa Phillips

Writer's picture: DrTheresa PhillipsDrTheresa Phillips


Items I Would Never Apply to My Skin

Face

#1 Baby Oil

 

Baby oil can lead to skin irritation, allergic reactions, and other adverse effects.

Skin Irritation

  • Redness, Itching, and Burning: These symptoms may arise if you're allergic to a component in baby oil or have sensitive skin.

  • Rash: A rash might indicate an allergic reaction.

  • Slippery Surfaces: Baby oil can make surfaces slick, so exercise caution when using it in the shower or bath.

Allergic Reactions

  • Hives: Hives might signal an allergic reaction.

  • Wheezing: Wheezing could be a sign of an allergic reaction.

  • Trouble Breathing: Difficulty breathing may indicate an allergic reaction.

Other Side Effects

  • Breakouts: Baby oil may cause acne in individuals prone to breakouts.

  • Trapped Moisture: Baby oil can trap moisture on your skin, hindering your body's ability to cool down.

  • Staining Clothing: Baby oil might stain clothes or bedding if not fully absorbed by your skin.

 

#2 Vaseline

 

Petroleum jelly can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and breakouts. It might also lead to infections, clogged pores, and aspiration pneumonia.

Skin Irritation

  • Petroleum jelly can result in skin redness, soreness, itching, swelling, or inflammation.

  • Individuals with sensitive skin or allergies to petroleum-based products may be more susceptible to irritation.

Breakouts

  • Petroleum jelly can trap oil and dirt, leading to breakouts.

  • Excessive application of petroleum jelly can clog pores.

Infections

  • Applying petroleum jelly to unclean or damp skin can result in bacterial or fungal infections.

  • Inhaling mineral oils from petroleum jelly can cause aspiration pneumonia.

Allergic Reactions

  • Some individuals may be allergic to petroleum jelly or other petroleum-based products.

Other Risks

  • Petroleum jelly can leave a greasy film on the skin.

  • Petroleum jelly might be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known carcinogens.

To minimize side effects, you can:

  • Cleanse your skin before applying petroleum jelly

  • Avoid applying petroleum jelly around your nose, especially for children

  • Use a small amount of petroleum jelly

 

 

 

#3 Tallow

Beef tallow can be harmful due to its high saturated fat content, which can elevate the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. It may also clog pores and exacerbate acne.

Heart Health

  • Saturated Fat

Beef tallow is rich in saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol and the risk of heart disease.

  • Atherosclerosis

Saturated fat can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, known as atherosclerosis.

Skin Health

  • Clogged Pores: Beef tallow can block pores, worsening acne.

  • Sensitivity to Sunlight: Some research suggests beef tallow can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight.

  • Dryness and Irritation: The high oleic acid content in beef tallow can cause moisture loss, leading to dryness and irritation.

Other Concerns

  • Contamination: Beef tallow may be contaminated.

  • Phthalates: Some beef tallow products may contain phthalates.

  • Skin Allergies: Beef tallow may not be suitable for those with skin allergies.

If you're thinking about using beef tallow, consult your healthcare provider, especially if you have dietary fat restrictions or specific skin conditions or allergies.

 

 

 




Lips

#1 Carmex

 

Carmex can cause allergic reactions, skin infections, and other side effects. You should contact a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. 

Allergic reactions 

  • Rash

  • Hives

  • Itching

  • Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin

  • Wheezing

  • Tightness in the chest or throat

  • Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking

  • Unusual hoarseness

  • Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat

Skin infections 

  • Oozing

  • Heat

  • Swelling

  • Redness

  • Pain

  • Bleeding that is not normal from the affected part

Other side effects Diarrhea, Eye irritation, Intestinal blockage, Nausea and vomiting, and Shortness of breath. 

Warnings 

  • Carmex is for external use only

  • Do not use Carmex on damaged or broken skin

  • Keep Carmex out of the eyes

  • Keep Carmex out of reach of children

You should also avoid using Carmex if you have a history of allergies to local anesthetics

 

 

 

#2 Chapstick

 

Some ChapStick products contain cetyl alcohol. Cetyl alcohol is an inactive ingredient in many ChapStick lip balms. 

Explanation

  • Cetyl alcohol is an inactive ingredient in many ChapStick lip balms. 

  • Alcohol can dry out lips by removing natural oils, which can make them more prone to irritation. 

  • However, dermatologists say that lip balm ingredients, including alcohol, are not addictive. 

Other ingredients in ChapStick 

arachidyl propionate, camphor, carnauba wax, isopropyl lanolate, isopropyl myristate, lanolin, light mineral oil, octyldodecanol, paraffin, and phenyl trimethicone.

 

Exfoliant Scrubs




#1 Sand #2 Sugar #3 Salt All are abrasive

Exfoliating scrubs can cause skin irritation, dryness, and other side effects if used too often or with harsh ingredients. 

Side effects

  • Skin irritation: Exfoliating scrubs can cause burning, stinging, redness, and inflammation. 

  • Dryness: Exfoliating scrubs can dry out your skin, especially if used too often. 

  • Sensitivity: Exfoliating scrubs can make your skin more sensitive to light and other products. 

  • Breakouts: Exfoliating scrubs can cause breakouts, especially small pimples. 

  • Skin conditions: Exfoliating scrubs can make existing skin conditions like eczema or rosacea worse. 

  • Aging: Exfoliating scrubs can break down collagen and elastin, which can lead to wrinkles and sagging skin. 

Ingredients to avoid 

  • Sodium lauryl sulfate: A foaming agent that can irritate your skin and eyes

  • Parabens: A preservative that can be found in many cosmetics and moisturizers

  • Mineral oil: A comedogenic oil that can clog your pores and exacerbate breakouts

  • Synthetic fragrances: Can aggravate allergies or cause skin irritation

  • Polyethylene glycol (PEG): A petroleum-based compound that destroys valuable protective oils on the skin

What to do if you over-exfoliate 

  • Take a break from exfoliants and let your skin recover

  • Use a moisturizer designed for sensitive skin

More another time

Thank you

Theresa

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