It’s All about the Alcohol

All alcohols are not created the same and although there are some that may not be best for your skin, others contribute to healthy, hydrated skin.

Let’s take a look at various kinds of alcohol together.

First, Short chain alcohols. These include SD alcohol 40, isopropyl alcohol, denatured alcohol and ethanol and are the ones that pose detrimental effects to skin. They will aggravate and are cruel to skin. The consequences include dryness, which is not the most detrimental effect as you can drink water and mind your business. The disruption of the surface of skin’s microbiome(beneficial microorganisms like bacteria) and the barrier which affects how skin replenishes, renews, and rejuvenates itself are the most concerning. These alcohols weaken everything about skin. They are appealing because of their quick drying nature and ability to remove oil to leave a matte finish. People with oily skin love this because it produces desired results. They are also favored because of their ability to penetrate the skin surface to deliver beneficial actives into deeper layers but the short term benefit is outweighed by the destruction of your skin’s surface and the very substances that keep your skin healthy over the long term. Short, fun sessions resulting in long term pain.

Next, Polyols. These include Glycerin, a sugar alcohol, and Propylene Glycol. These, particularly Glycerin, are very beneficial to skin as they attract moisture to cells aiding in hydration of skin, relieving dryness, and rejuvenating the skin’s surface.

And of course, our fatty alcohols, not to be confused with big belly alcoholics.

These include Cetyl, Cetearyl, and Stearyl alcohol. These long-chain fatty alcohols do not clog pores, are not irritating, and are suitable for all skin types. When naturally derived, high levels of healthy fats feed and nourish the skin. These fats assist with hydration and the formation of a protective barrier. They improve skin’s feel and texture, making skin soft and barrier renewed.

I compare short chain to long chain alcohols like a train coming into a subway station with 1 or 2 cars versus another with 16 cars. With 1 or 2 cars you come in and out of the station quickly while the longer train will take more time as per size and volume but also activities. Costumed revelers heading home from Eastern Parkway or break dancers for example.

In Conclusion, avoid short change alcohols as much as possible but embrace long change alcohols that bring much benefits to your skin. Skinhairsolutions.com

Skinhairsolutions.com #healthyskin #hydratedskin #moistursedskin