Introduction:
In this world of cosmetics, thousands of products contain thousands of ingredients. Among them, the most controversial ingredient is silicone. We can find silicone in almost any of the skincare and haircare products we use, but still, we blame it for being detrimental. We should clearly understand that if it is terrible, why is it included in all the products? It is because silicone is found to have some beneficial effects too.
What Is Silicone?
Silicone is a naturally derived, second most abundant element on earth. It is a semi-liquid substance derived from silica. It does not require added chemicals to keep it stable. It is a non-reactive substance, when applied to the skin, forms a layer and does not penetrate the skin and so it is incorporated into skincare products, hair care products, and makeup products to experience the feel of the product.
What Are the Types of Silicones Used in Skincare Products?
There are two types of silicones commonly encountered in skincare products. They are volatile and non-volatile silicones.
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Volatile silicones like siloxanes, Cyclopentasiloxane, etc., are ‘volatile’, which means they evaporate from the skin quickly and do not irritate. These volatile silicones are mostly incorporated into face serums.
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The non-volatile silicones are available in various consistencies, from fluid to gel. They form a layer on the skin, preventing water loss from the skin, and evenly depositing the other key ingredients. Dimethicone is the common non-volatile silicone incorporated in moisturizers.
What Are the Benefits of Silicone?
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Improves the Texture of the Skin: Silicone provides a non-sticky, matte finish to the skin. It makes the product sweatproof and waterproof and allows the product to stay on the skin for a long time. It hydrates the skin and gives a smooth finish to the skin devoid of fine lines and wrinkles. It improves skin elasticity and strength by stimulating the fibroblasts to produce more collagen.
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Treats Acne: The non-irritant property of silicone activates the anti-acne effect and makes the skin even-toned and smooth.
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Locks the Moisture Content: When silicone-containing products are applied to the skin, it forms a layer that acts as a barrier to prevent water loss. It keeps the skin well-nourished and hydrated. It acts as a vehicle for the delivery of the key ingredients in the product.
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Heals Wounds and Scars: Silicones are made up of large molecules which coat the skin like a barrier from any damage. It heals scars, wounds, and damaged skin when applied topically.
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Improves the Consistency of the Product: When silicone is added as one of the ingredients in the product, it acts as a hydrating agent, blends with other ingredients, and makes the product spreadable in consistency.
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Protects From Environmental Damage: As silicone forms a protective barrier, it also protects the skin from environmental damage such as dust and pollution.
Why Is Silicone Said to Be Detrimental?
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Clogs Pores: As we know, silicone forms a layer on the surface of the skin, it traps bacteria, dirt, and other impurities in the skin, and this leads to the enlargement of pores and the formation of blackheads.
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Blocks the Other Ingredients: Silicone in skincare products do not allow the other ingredients to penetrate the skin, thereby making them less effective. This makes the application of the product useless. So it is better to apply the products containing silicone at last.
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Dehydrates the Skin: As silicone forms a barrier, it prevents the entry of moisture into the skin and makes the skin dry. It also affects the pH of the skin. The dehydrated skin appears dull with fine lines and wrinkles.
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Not Easy To Wash: Silicone is an ingredient that cannot be easily washed away. So in order to wash away the residues, double cleansing should be done. Instead, a cleansing oil can also be used.
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Prevents The Shedding Of Dead Cells: The dead cells formed on the skin get entrapped when silicone-containing products are applied. The accumulation of these dead cells causes breakouts on the skin. This also does not allow the regeneration of new cells in the skin.
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No Long-Term Benefits: Silicones are good at hydrating your skin but do not contribute to the health of the skin in the long term. The smoothing and moisturizing effect of silicones gets washed away once you wash your face.
What Should Be Looked For in a Skincare Product?
While purchasing a skin care product and before using it, there are a few things to be checked in regard to silicones. They are,
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The type of silicone in the skincare product should be checked. If an individual has sensitive skin, the volatile type of silicone is safer as they evaporate from the skin in a short amount of time and do not irritate.
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The concentration of silicone in the product.
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Interaction of the product in the skin should be checked by applying it to a small area of the skin.
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The product should be checked for easy removal because silicone is a stubborn ingredient that is difficult to remove if used in higher concentrations.
What Are the Best Alternatives to Silicone?
Since silicones have certain adverse effects, there are other alternative ingredients that can provide the benefits of silicones.
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Hyaluronic Acid: It can easily penetrate the skin due to its small molecular weight, and it has moisturizing and anti-aging properties.
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Essential Oils: They help add moisture to the skin and are used to treat dry skin. They also aid in smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.
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Ceramides: They are incorporated into creams and lotions, can lock the moisture content, and treat dry skin.
Conclusion:
Silicone is proven to be an effective ingredient in skin care products if used properly in the correct concentrations. However, it exposes its harmful effects on certain individuals, which can be due to their skin type. Silicone is not inherently harmful to the skin, so an individual needs to check whether he/she is allergic to silicone and then use it. It is better to get consulted with a healthcare professional before you use products containing silicone.
