SILICONE IN SKINCARE

There are numerous forms of silicones used in cosmetic products, particularly leave-on skin-care products and all manner of hair-care products. Perhaps the most common forms of silicone are cyclopentasiloxane and cyclohexasiloxane. Other forms include various types of dimethicone and phenyl trimethicone.

IS SILICONE BAD FOR MY SKIN OR CAUSE ACNE?

Silicone doesn't penetrate below the skin's surface, and it's non comedogenic meaning it doesn't block pores. In fact, Silicones are often included in acne preparations with strong ingredients like Benzoyl Peroxide where they prevent the dryness and FLAKING that active ingredients can cause.

Claims that silicones in any form cause or worsen acne have not been substantiated in PUBLISHED research, nor have reports that silicones are irritating or "suffocate" skin. Almost all of these claims are either MYTHS or based on anecdotal evidence, which isn't the best way to determine the safety or efficacy of any cosmetic ingredient. There are plenty of Indie companies that will claim to know more than what scientists and chemists know because they have a brand to sell for you as well. If there is one thing I cant stand by, its witch hunts. My suggestion is let the pros speak the truth. Below there are links to real published books and blogs by post-grad scholars/scientists and Dermatologists that will set you straight on silicone.

Did you know that Dimethicone is a clinically proven ingredient that will protect skin, increase elasticity in scar tissue, relieves scar redness, pain and itching and can even treat and prevent hypertrophic scars. Well this works for skin without acne or scars too.

WILL SILICONE CLOG MY PORES OR CAUSE BLACKHEADS?

Perhaps the most telling reason why silicones do not clog pores and cause acne (or blackheads) is because, from a chemistry standpoint, most silicones are volatile substances. That means their initially viscous (thick) molecules does not penetrate the pore lining where acne is formed.

Interestingly, silicone has been shown to be helpful for offsetting DRYNESS and FLAKING from common anti-acne active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and topical antibiotics. (Also, silicone fillers are sometimes used for improving the appearance of acne scars. That certainly wouldn't be the case if silicone was a pore-clogging ingredient.)

Instead, they help ensure an even application of other ingredients and leave behind a silky, almost imperceptible feel that noticeably enhances skin's texture and appearance. You can think of this as a breathable barrier that protects skin while barely being felt.

DOES SILICONE SUFFOCATE SKIN?

How do we know that silicones don’t suffocate skin? Because of their molecular properties they are at the same time porous and resistant to air. Think of silicones in a skin-care formula like the covering of a tea bag. When you steep the tea bag in water the tea and all of its antioxidant properties are released. Silicones remain on the surface of your skin and the other ingredients they are mixed with "steep" through. All ingredients have to be suspended in some base formula. Some of those ingredients remain on the surface, some absorb. Either way, the "actives" get through. Think of how many topical medications are suspended in petrolatum or mineral oil and those active ingredients absolutely get through and petrolatum is far more effective at preventing moisture loss than silicones are. Silicones have been used in burn units for years because of their unique healing, protecting, and breathable properties.

Moreover, the molecular structure of commonly used silicones makes it impossible for them to suffocate skin. The unique molecular structure of silicones (larger molecules with wider spaces between each molecule) allow them to form a breathable barrier and also explains why silicones rarely feel heavy or occlusive, although they offer protection against moisture loss.

DOES SILICONE PROTECT SKIN?

For further education on the safety and benefits of silicone please visit; EDUCATED THERAPISTS, She is a qualified Cosmetic Chemist and KNOWS silicone.

For a fuller and extremely thourough chemist view and understanding on Silicone safety, structure and benefits please inspect the following book. Silicones for Personal Care, 2nd Edition Anthony J. O’Lenick Jr.