Don’t Use These Liquids On Your Face

Faces distinguish one person from another, and they’re frequently used to judge beauty. That’s why many of us spend a lot of time caring for our skin. But some treatments you use at home aren’t beneficial and are even detrimental. 

When receiving care from a dermatologist, you want a thoughtful and detailed provider who makes you feel at ease and works with you throughout your treatment. Dermatology for the Family is proud to possess all of those attributes.

Facial skin is thinner and more sensitive than the epidermis on most other areas of your body, so it’s best to steer away from these substances that some folks use as treatments. 

Hydrogen peroxide: Though it combats zits and heals cuts and scratches, it can harm your skin cells, including those that regenerate tissue and heal wounds. Use soap and water instead.

Witch hazel: This botanical astringent fights acne and grease and tightens pores, but it also eliminates your skin’s natural oils, leading to inflammation, dehydration and maybe even allergic reactions. 

Hydrocortisone cream: This steroid is safe and effective on skin that’s swollen, itchy and red. But putting it on delicate facial skin to tone down rosacea can do just the opposite: It thins the skin and can make blood vessels burst (making the skin redder) and force your oil glands into overdrive, leading to “steroid acne.” 

Lemon juice: Sure, it’s full of skin-brightening vitamin C, but it’s also highly acidic and irritating, especially if you use it while outside in the sun. If you use it to lighten your hair while sunbathing, take care that it doesn’t touch your face.

Coconut oil: It’s a large component of tanning lotions and sunscreens for your trunk and extremities, but keep it away from your face. The oil’s high content (90 percent!) of saturated fat will fill up the pores. 

Body lotions: Yes, it’s for your body but not your face, because their thick texture can jam up your pores. Some body lotions go heavy on fragrance and other elements that can inflame delicate facial skin. 

Hot water: Scorching water doesn’t clean your face more quickly or efficiently than warm or even tepid water. Warm water soothes skin, while hot water makes it dry, red and aggravated. 

We here at Dermatology for the Family are courteous, professional and friendly. Please call us today to learn how we can serve you.