In fact, this group of chemicals is not as scary as it is described. In simple words, we talk about the principle of action of silicones.
Bloggers and inexperienced cosmetologists unanimously say: silicone clogs pores! Girls are recommended not to use products that contain silicones, so as not to provoke the appearance of inflammation on the skin and overdried hair on the head.
Chemists dispel myths, popularly explaining the action of silicones
Silicones – what is it?
Silicones are a group of synthetic polymers that is divided into several subgroups with different properties:
- Water soluble – they are easily washed off with water, leaving a thin protective film. Examples: Dimethicone Copolyol, Polysioxane, Lauryl Methicone Copolyol and others. It is part of creams, serums, bases for facial skin, grouts for enlarged pores and many other cosmetics. The percentage in the composition is up to 8%.
- Partially water-soluble – they are also washed off, but with a detergent. Examples: Behenoxy Dimethicone, Amodimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone and others. It is added to shampoos, balms and hair masks, sometimes it can be seen in the composition of hair dyes. The percentage in the composition is up to 20%.
- Poorly soluble – they can only be washed with a deeply penetrating detergent. Examples: Methicone, Cyclomethicone, Cetyl Dimethicone and others. Usually found in styling products: hair spray, fixing spray, styling gel, can also be seen in thermal protective and sunscreens, antiperspirants, body cream. The percentage in the composition is up to 20%.
- In essence, silicones are inert – they themselves have no effect on our skin and hair. The role of silicone in the product is to form a thin, breathable film that slows down the evaporation of moisture.
- Under a layer of silicone film, the active ingredients of the composition work better – more efficiently nourish the skin, treat rashes and remove irritation.
- Silicones help the product to distribute more easily and evenly on the surface, aligning the relief of the skin and hair.
- Since silicones are inert, they do not promote the growth of bacteria, contrary to myth.
- There can be no allergy to silicones, since they are non-toxic and are contained in a safe concentration in the product.
- The only negative effect is faster hair contamination. Polymer molecules attract water molecules together with environmental factors – dust, fat.
It is believed that silicones clog into the pores of the skin, which provokes the appearance of rashes. However, people blaming this group of chemical components of the composition do not understand that the inertness of silicones alone refutes their myth. First of all, you need to pay attention to the individual reaction – everyone’s skin is different, which in its own way reacts even to natural substances. The composition of the same cream may contain at least ten other components, one of which will cause pore contamination. To understand which one is possible only empirically.
Others fear that the skin will not breathe under a layer of silicones. Chemists in response to this say: remember that the skin does not breathe at all. Experienced cosmetologists specially choose care with silicones, which allows active substances to quickly heal the skin from acne and moisturize dry areas.
Moreover, you should not believe that silicones are carcinogenic. No research has yet proven the effect of cosmetics on the onset of cancer, otherwise it would be on the front page of all media. Lab workers in cosmetics factories are carefully working on each formula so that customers are happy with the product and constantly buy it. To add to the composition of an element that worsens the health of the client, no one would.
Summing up, we repeat once again – silicones are completely safe for your health and beauty, provided that they are used correctly and regularly cleanse your skin and hair. Do not deprive yourself of the pleasure of walking with shiny smooth hair and even complexion. Approach chemistry wisely, then it will bring you only benefit.