Belaray Dermatology - Jericho, Plainview, Long Island, NY

Did you know that some ingredients in cosmetics, medications, make up, sunblocks, shaving creams, and hair care products can cause pimples and skin irritation? The only way to tell if your products may be contributing to your skin problem is to know what ingredients might be bad for your skin.

Here is a list to help you of common ingredients, rated for both comedogenicity (COM), and irritancy (IRR). “0” is a good score, and “5” is the worst score. If you have acne prone, or sensitive skin, you should use caution when using a product with an ingredient that scores a “3”, “4”, or “5”.

If you find an ingredient not on this list, let us know and we will add it.

This list is alphabetized for your convenience. Print it out, and bring it with you to your next visit to the cosmetic counter.

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Here are some tips to keep you looking your best for 2008! 

DISCARD OLD, USED BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Because bacteria is transferred from your fingers to your cosmetics, we suggest you discard your products one year after opening them. Products used near the eye (like mascara) should be replaced after three months. 

STOP SMOKING

We have already discussed several reasons to stop smoking here.  Smokers are more likely to have psoriasis, and to loose their hair.  It is also readily apparent that smoking makes your skin age prematurely - giving you wrinkles around your lips and eyes.

UNHAND THOSE PIMPLES!

Squeezing pimples is not the best thing for you.  Though it may appear as if you are getting the “bad stuff out”, often you are actually pushing bacteria and debris deeper into the skin.  Think of a pimple as a balloon under the skin.  When you squeeze it… you pop the balloon.  But balloons rarely pop in one direction.  They shatter.  The same thing is happening to you when you go for a zit.  You are much more likely to develop scars from pimples that you popped.

MORE SLEEP, LESS STRESS

Stress plays an important roll to our body, & our skin is no exception.  Studies have shown that stress can decrease the skin’s barrier, slow down wound healing, and lead to flairs of inflammatory skin disease like psoriasis, eczema, and hair loss.

WEAR SUNSCREEN & BE SUN SMART

Regular use of sunscreen, sun protective clothing, and avoiding the peak hours of the day can help you avoid some types of skin cancer as well as keep your skin looking its best.  The sun’s rays may make you feel good, but it is making you look older.  Exposure to UV light makes the skin blotchy in color and wrinkle prematurely.

The best sunscreen is the one that you use regularly!  There are several good sunscreens to choose from… but it might be worth looking for a broad spectrum sunscreen that also contains strong antioxidants like green tea polyphenols.  We will discuss the benefits of green tea in future posts. 

SIMPLIFY YOUR BEAUTY

Going to the pharmacy can be overwhelming!  There are so many products, and many many claims of efficacy!  Being on too many creams can be not only confusing, but also counterproductive.  If you want to do the best you can for your skin, you should ask your dermatologist about products that they recommend.  They can help you through the marketing, and get you products that are easy to use and effective.

WASH YOUR FACE

As we make our way through the day, our skin picks up environmental debris.  It is a good idea to wash your face nightly before bed.  After washing your face, we often recommend a variety of night creams - to help you achieve the goals you are after.

On the busiest travel days of the year… we wanted to remind you of the TSA rules on cosmetics and toiletries.   I’ve often thought that the Thanksgiving travel rush must be one of the TSA’s favorite holidays.  Long lines, with lots of travelers packing expensive cosmetics that will be confiscated as they go through the security gate.  What happens to all of that stuff?  I bet that airline employees play one of the best secret santa’s games ever!

Tip:Airline Approved Beauty from Belaray:  Put your favorite products in a 1-Quart Zip-Top Bag with Plastic Bottles - available from our on-line store.

If you would like to review the details from the TSA…. here they are. 

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