Silicone and skincare
Silicones are synthetic formulations that are commonly used in the production of skincare products in order to add shine and lubrication to the skin. While they may sound beneficial to the untrained ear, a closer inspection of the chemicals may reveal that they are actually counterproductive to the overall health of the skin. In fact, the long-term implementation of silicones in skincare regimes could be quite detrimental.
Silicones are known to block pores, which can lead to acne, breakouts, and other skin irritations. This is because silicone is a sealant, which means that it seals the skin off from the environment, preventing it from receiving the necessary oxygen and moisture it needs in order to function correctly. By forming this barrier on the surface of the skin, it makes receptivity to nutrients, hydration, or any therapy nearly impossible. So that vitamin E, or whatever nutrient a skincare product with silicone is touting may not even penetrate the skin!
Additionally, silicones add synthetic shine to the skin, which makes it appear healthy and hydrated, though it is only an artificial illusion. These chemicals can give the impression that the skin is doing well, but, in fact, it is doing poorly, and you begin to wonder why after months of a skincare routine you are going backwards in results. Silicones capture impurities as well, so it can quickly lead to the accumulation of dirt, sweating, and oil on the skin’s surface, which can further progress into additional skin issues. Blackheads and pimples just thrive on that nasty stuff!
Another detrimental effect of the use of silicones in skincare is their ability to reject hydration. Silicone sprays like WD-40 were designed to disperse water! It’s hydrophobic guys! Skincare with silicone is like spraying your face with WD-40! This is an especially important point if one has a dry or dehydrated skin condition, which is quite common, as applying any moisturizer could be a waste of time as moisture adding other ingredients such as Sodium Hyaluronate just can’t do it’s thing. And again, you wonder why your year of skincare regime is getting little or no results for your dry skin...
So it is essential to be aware of the potential side effects of silicone in skincare products and choose natural formulations that are actually beneficial to the skin's overall health. At Octane we know what works, and the long-term benefits of silicone-free skincare. Octane is a worthwhile investment in the health of your skin and not merely superficial, problem perpetuating rubbish creating a synthetic illusion. Octane’s Hi Octane moisturiser is just one of our products that help combat acne and dehydration. Salicylic acid from natural sources such as willow trees, rose hip oil, and licorice root help remove buildup of dead skin cells, pollution and silicone from you the crap skincare you just threw in the trash, balance your skin’s oils and hydrate your skin naturally.
Here are some of the names used for silicone ingredients in skincare. Please do your homework on what might be in your current skincare, and maybe throw it out if you are concerned.
- Cetearyl Methicone
- Cetyl Dimethicone
- Cyclomethicone
- Cyclopentasiloxane
- Dimethicone
- Dimethicone Copolyol
- Dimethiconol
PS, silicones are extremely popular in hair conditioners. They coat the hair to give that fake shine which people believe is working great. It’s not. For all the same reasons as above. I can speak from experience. A long time ago, when I wasn’t as educated on self care products I was using a hair conditioner and was getting a weird persistent break out of pimples around my hair line….Turns out the conditioner was loaded with silicone, which was blocking pores and agitating my skin! AND there is also evidence that silicone clogs hair follicles, and for guys as we age….. well you can put two and two together…
written by
Adam Taylor