Alcohol in Skincare products

Alcohol in skincare products is one of those widespread internet debates, Is alcohol in skincare bad? Should it be avoided in your skincare routine? Which types of alcohol should be avoided in your skincare? And much more!

What is alcohol and why is it used in Skincare?

There are many different types of alcohol in most skincare products. Alcohol basically is a molecule that has a hydroxyl group at one end, a hydroxyl group is an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom. Alcohol functions vary, based on alcohol structures and weights.

The most important thing to realise is that it’s extremely hard to avoid alcohol in life and your skincare. There are alcohols everywhere, in your body, nature and most of your favourite topical products.

Even though it is unpopular by many, the function of alcohol in skincare can be very helpful. Alcohol in your skincare products are determined by the alcohol’s molecular weight and size. It’s not purely about the alcohol function but also how it interacts with the other ingredient of the skincare product. This can determine the effect of alcohol on your skin.

Types of Alcohols in Skincare products

Low Molecular Weight

Types of low molecular weight alcohols found in skincare products include isopropyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, as well as denatured alcohol.

Low molecular weight alcohols are liquids that evaporate very quickly and their primary function in skincare products is to allow ingredients to dissolve better along with contributing to the overall feel and aesthetic of the product. Since these alcohols evaporate very quickly on the skin, they give products a non-greasy feel. For anyone with oily skin, products that contain alcohols with low molecular weight alcohols can feel nicer, less greasy, and less heavy on the skin. This will also allow ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin C serum and retinol products to rub into the skin a little better.

When applying skincare topically, the ingredients need to cross this wet wax lipid barrier. Alcohol assists to disrupt this skin barrier and assists in ingredients to penetrate better, its solvent properties also allow for ingredients that otherwise would dissolve, to dissolve. For example, sunscreen ingredients need dissolving before being placed on your skin.

High Molecular Weight

The opposite of the low molecular weight alcohols is the high molecular weight alcohols. These are also present in skincare products, these usually go by the names cetyl, stearyl, and cetearyl.

These are also known as fatty alcohols and remain solid at room temperature. They are primarily used as a thickener in skin care products. You would find them in heavier creams. These larger molecules keep solids and liquids from separating and add volume to the product which creates the softer skin feeling, along with smoother and more radiant skin.

Some examples include Behenyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Lanolin Alcohol and Stearyl Alcohol.

These fattier alcohols trap hydration and reduce trans epidermal water loss, you will also notice these are derived from more natural sources such as plants. These will ultimately reduce skin dryness and irritation. The only major disadvantage is that they cannot be mixed with water. 

Skin reactions to Low molecular weight alcohols

As they evaporate quickly they will a product to feel less heavy which can feel great if you have oily skin. The downside is that the quick evaporation can sometimes cause your skin to feel dry and irritated. This can also be also worst if you are using too many low molecule weight alcohol products.

Skin reactions to High Molecule weight alcohols

Usually, as these come from plant sources, we assume its safer and more natural. Unfortunately in higher concentrations, it can irritate. There are also those unlucky people who might also have reactions to these plants or the man made plant substitutes found in some products.

Final thoughts on alcohol for skincare

If your skin is irritated or you feel you might be having a reaction to an alcohol based skincare product or prescription topical, then take a look at the type of molecular alcohol used, its content along with the concentration. 

When the alcohol content is 5% or less this will have lesser negative effects on the skin because it evaporates completely while the product is applied to the skin. Another way to check this is by checking your product’s ingredient list and if the alcohol appears from the middle to the top of the list, the concentration is stronger.

By looking at these factors, it might assist in deducing which ingredient or alcohol is causing the irritation. Alcohol can be extremely important in the effectiveness of skincare products, so its essential check before purchasing and assess if the skincare product is right for your skin type.

We have listed a few quick ideas for those who might be looking for some skincare tips for men. Traditionally, men’s skincare isnt a priority for most males, although, recently there has been an insurgence in men looking to skin care products and health products to boost their skin’s health and appearance.

If you are a man looking to improve your skin, don’t worry, you don’t need an intense skincare routine or even to follow all the tips below, implementing just one might make a huge difference to a man that has no current skincare routine.

Our Skin Care Tips for Men

Choose a good cleanser

Why?

If your skin is dirty then pores can become clogged from a mixture of sebum and outside pollutants. This causes a build of sebum, pollutants and potentially bacteria. This is why Whiteheads, Blackheads, Blemishes, cysts, and acne occur.

A great cleanser that could be in the form of foam, gel, or cream will remove the excess dirt and pollutants making your skin look and feel healthier and revitalised.

Our advice-

Analyse your skin type and match it with the best cleanser available. For example, if you have oily skin and acne breakouts, you should look at an oil-free cleanser. Those with sensitive skin should stay away from alcohol-based cleansers which might irritate the skin and look towards natural ingredient cleansers. If you are unsure where to begin, take a look at one of our cleansers, such as the Glycolic cleansing foam. Or the Alpha Beta Cleanser.

Once you find the best cleanser to go with, make sure you wash your face before applying the cleanser!

Wash Your Face Before Going to Bed and Get a good night sleep

Why?

Washing your face before going to bed is a great habit to get into. This directly relates to our last tip as well! Cleaning your skin regularly the correct way will ensure your skin needs less maintenance and the products you are using will have a greater effect.

Our advice-

Wash your hands- So that you don’t release more dirt or bacteria into those pores, wash your hands before cleaning.

Use Warm water- Hot and Cold water is both bad for your skin, unfortunately. Hot water dilates blood vessels and can cause irritation while cold water can prevent the loosening of dirt within the pores. Warm water will be your best bet!

Preparation- Take your time washing your hands, massage in circular motions and you can use your fingers (without the help of fancy scrubs or facial products). Once finished, pat your face dry.

Create a skin care routine- Each night, wash your face before sleep. Poor sleep has shown to increase a person’s cortisone levels, then triggering the skin’s sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Not to mention that you may have those tired blemishes and dark under-eye circles.

Creating that nightly skincare routine will ensure that you don’t miss a night along with allowing the cell rejuvenation process to take place when your body is resting. The 8 hours needed for great sleep will improve your skins luminosity.

Use Sunscreen

Why?

Everyone (well hopefully everyone!) realises the importance of sunscreen to protect the skin from sun damage and prevent skin cancer.

However, the is another UV Ray to think about as well, the UVA rays. These penetrate the skin’s dermis which can cause premature aging of the skin and this aging is known to wrinkle skin and develop brown age spots.

Our advice-

There are a lot of sunscreen options out there! Find the best method of delivery that you prefer…spray or cream. Don’t forget to look for a fragrance-free unless you want to feel like you are at the beach each day!

Any moisturizing broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is ideal.

Use Hyaluronic Acid-

Why?

Hyaluronic Acid Serum (also commonly listed as Sodium Hyaluronate) is great for improving your skin, through softer, smoother, and more hydrated skin. Additionally, HA balances collagen production and degradation, and thereby, slows the aging process. The result: firmer, greater suppleness and reduction of wrinkles due to volume restoration.

Our advice-

Take a look at our Hyaluronic Acid Serum (HA1)  or Hyaluronic Acid Serum (HA2) for  great serums which will have your skin more hydrated along with the possible reduction of a few wrinkles.

Face Masks-

Why?

A Face mask can help with a cleaner and clearer complexion. The best face masks will cleanse, hydrate or exfoliate to create a smoother and brighter complexion.

Our advice-

There are a lot of great face masks out there. Make sure you look at the ingredients and check that it is the right mask for your skin type.

Don’t use it more than twice a week. One to two times a week will benefit your skin, some masks can be harmful  to your skin if any more than this.

The above tips are just a man’s quick guide into the basics of men’s skincare and understanding a few simple products. If you have any questions or need one of our team to point you in the right direction, feel free to send us a quick message!