Silicone in skincare - Boon or Bane..??

Silicones and its usage

This universe comprises of n number of elements each of which has it's own pros and cons. Every different element has its benefits as well as drawbacks. Some of these elements are widely used in skincare and haircare products. One such element is silicone. Silicones are a diverse family of high-performance materials used widely in various medications and beauty products. 

But often before buying healthcare or a beauty product, people want to be convinced about its efficiency and productivity so that they don’t regret later. Therefore you must know completely about the product you are using

Coming back to silicones, you might be having questions such as, What are silicones? Why are they required? Should they be avoided?

Don’t worry. You are at the right place. All your questions will be answered here.

 

What are silicones?

“Silicones- the second most abundant element in Earth, are a group of semi-liquid substances derived from silica”, as quoted by dermatologist Dr Joshua Zeichner. Silica is a component of sand which undergoes a specific process to become silicone. 

Silicones are best known for their occlusive properties. The unique fluid properties of silicone give it a great deal of slip, and in its various forms, it can feel like silk on the skin and thereby impart softness. It acts like a water-binding agent that holds up well even when skin becomes wet. “They have a unique texture, giving skincare products a slick feel,” says Dr Zeichner. This is why most serums and moisturizers comprise silicone. It is also used extensively to heal wounds and improve scars.

This was just a brief on silicones. Come, let’s find out in detail about them.

 

What is the use of Silicones?

Silicones are used in cosmetic products, particularly leave-on skin-care products, all manner of hair-care products and also in medications. Not only is silicone an essential element found in healthcare and beauty products but it is also used as an effective medication for healing wounds and much more.

Sounds interesting right? Let’s see how it works.

 

How does Silicone help your skin/hair?

Do you know what is the first thing that people notice when you meet them for the first time? It’s your hair and skin, as they say, the first impression matters a lot. It is for this reason that it is important to take care of your skin and hair yet many people are simply ignorant about it.

You know skin is a unique organ that can immediately tell us what is going on within our bodies. For instance, a vitamin deficiency or an illness can be detected through the skin's appearance. Likewise, the texture of hair predicts a lot about our body. For example, sudden hair loss may be indicative of new drug use, stress or maybe any kind of illness.

So who does not want to have radiant skin and healthy hair? If you are looking to achieve radiant skin and healthy hair, then consider silicone as your new best friend.

Here is how silicone will help to nourish your skin and hair:

On the skin, silicone is important for optimal collagen synthesis and activation of hydrolyxating enzymes, improving skin strength and elasticity. Having sufficient and well-toned collagen will make your skin look soft and young which in turn helps with suppleness and an increased capability of being moisturized. Not only this, but silicone is also an excellent supplement in combating mild to moderate acne. It does so by enhancing collagen production and side-by-side removing toxins from the blood.

Regarding hair benefits, it has been proven that higher silicone content in the hair results in a lower rate of hair loss and increases shine. An intake of silicone helps to prevent thinning of hair, restores vitality to hair and gives back that lustre to your hair.

 

Use of Silicones in medication :

Medications and health-care products made from silicones satisfy the highest quality standards demanded by health-care professionals and patients. Resistant to bacteria, silicones are easy to sterilize They do not react with other materials and do not irritate the body. Used externally, internally, or intravenously, silicone materials do not generate unwelcome by-products or trigger allergic reactions.

Silicones soften and smooth topical medications so they can be applied without leaving a greasy residue, and they can help form a seal that protects wounds during the healing process. Silicone tubing in some medical devices—such as drug delivery systems or heart pacemakers—helps reduce the risk of infection.

We have now discussed the pros of silicones. But wait, are there any cons too? Should silicones be avoided? Come, let’s find out!

Should silicones be avoided?

Though silicones provide a lot of benefits to skin and hair, yet sometimes it may also prove to be harmful depending upon the different skin and hair type of every individual. Silicone may provide instant gratification, but unfortunately, it does not have long-term benefits. So here are a few reasons why silicones may prove to be bad for your skin:

• Silicone clogs your pores: It traps everything like bacteria, impurities, dirt, and sebum in your skin by forming a barrier on the skin. Silicone also causes pores to enlarge, and can also encourage blackheads. It can affect the natural process of sweating which can lead to blemishes forming. It does not let your skin breathe!
• Silicone blocks other ingredients from absorbing into the skin: Silicone prevents other ingredients and products from working to their full potential. Since it leaves a residue and builds upon the skin, it creates a barrier that does not let your skincare products absorb into the skin like they should be able to. This makes them less effective and you will not be getting the full effect and benefits from that product or ingredient.
• Silicone can dehydrate your skin: It prevents moisture from getting into your skin which can affect your skin’s pH level and the skin’s barrier. This can dry out your skin and cause it to be dull. When your skin is dehydrated, your skin’s moisture barrier becomes damaged and unbalanced. Having dehydrated skin can cause fine lines, wrinkles, flakiness, and dullness.
• Silicone is a chemical after all: Silicone is a chemical element and this is one of the main reasons as to why should be avoided. The silicone in products is modified into many different formulas. Silicone goes through a chemical process which makes it synthetic. The best skin care and makeup products are ones that have natural, organic, and gluten-free ingredients. 

 

To conclude, Silicone in healthcare and beauty products can prove to very effective if you use it correctly and in the guidance of your healthcare professional. But at the same time, it may prove to be harmful to be ignorant about it. After all, you must choose your healthcare products wisely according to your skin and hair type.