When you set yourself a mission to get a clear, glowing, complexion, a frantic dash around your local branch of Boots can seem like the quickest way to get there.
But a leading dermatologist has warned that some products which are readily available on the High Street actually have the potential to unleash a skin NIGHTMARE.
Dr Sina Ghadiri, Consultant Dermatologist and Founder of Sinaesthetics, told the Daily Mail that there are some products he would never recommend to his clients—or use himself.
Whether they are packed with artificial fragrances, harsh chemicals which strip the skin’s natural oils, or abrasive fibres—or are just not fit for purpose—below he lists four products which should NEVER make it to your bathroom shelf.
St. Ives Apricot Scrub
The kernels in this cheap facial scrub can cause microtears in the skin, says our expert
It’s a staple of many teenage skin routines, but Dr Sina believes that a tube of St. Ives Apricot Scrub plays havoc with the skin barrier.
This is the outer layer of the skin which keeps moisture and nutrients in, and bacteria and irritants out.
‘I don’t recommend St. Ives Apricot Scrub because the walnut shell particles are too abrasive and can create uncontrolled microtears in the skin.
‘This not only damages the skin barrier but can worsen inflammation, especially in acne or sensitive skin,’ he said.
Eager to slough off the top layer of dull, dead skin cells?
‘There are far gentler, evidence-based exfoliants,’ said Dr Sina, advising people to look for products which contain AHA and BHAs ‘that smooth the skin without trauma’.
Facial cleansing brush
Using a gadget to clean your face can ’cause flare ups of acne or rosacea’ said Dr Sina
Washing your face with a cloth—or your fingers—seems so old fashioned compared to using a new fangled cleansing gadget.
One of the first to hit the market was a handheld face cleansing brush produced by L’Oreal under the brand name Clarisonic, which claimed that the rotation of its soft bristled brush heads helped gently exfoliate the face, removing any dead skin cells which made your face look dull.
Consultant dermatologist Dr Sina shared four common products he would always avoid
The makers of Clarisonic claimed that using the £150 beauty tool helped pricey skincare products work better as they were more easily absorbed, and makeup would glide on smoothly.
The brush spawned an army of cheap imitations, before it was mothballed by beauty bosses in 2020.
Dr Sina says that these sorts of face brushes have the potential to leave sensitive skin red raw, especially when used as part of a routine which involves harsh cleansers or products packed with actives.
He said: ‘Cleansing brushes tend to over-exfoliate and disrupt the skin barrier.
‘The repetitive mechanical scrubbing can cause irritation, redness, and even flares of conditions like rosacea and acne.
‘For cleansing, a gentle cleanser using fingertips is safer and just as effective.’
Blackhead strips
For people who love to relax by watching Dr Pimple Popper, pulling out your blackheads in one go is the stuff of dreams.
But Dr Sina warned that one moment of joy can lead to long-term disappointment—and more serious blemishes.
He said: ‘Blackhead strips might give a temporary sense of satisfaction, but they physically strip the top layer of skin, damaging the barrier and sometimes causing broken capillaries.
‘They don’t prevent blackheads from returning either.’
Instead, he recommends picking up a salicylic acid product, which ‘is a much more effective and skin-friendly approach over time.’
Salicylic acid is oil soluble, which allows it to seep deep into your pores. Here, it can dissolve the grime which is causing blackheads, reducing the unsightly black dots.
Makeup removal wipes
Dr Sina recommends taking the time to remove your makeup carefully, don’t just use a wipe
After a long day at work (or hectic night out) taking your makeup off properly can seem like a Herculean task. Hence the invention of makeup wipes, which promise to do it all in just one swoop; shift eyeliner, plough off foundation and bronzer, and shift dried on lipstick.
However, Dr Sina said it’s best to take the time to remove your face properly.
He explained: ‘Wipes can often be harsh on the skin, many of them containing irritant alcohols and leave behind residue rather than properly cleansing.
‘The repeated rubbing action can cause irritation and accelerate aging changes around delicate areas like the eyes.
‘A gentle oil or micellar water cleanse is a far better choice.’
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .