This article has been updated from its original publication date to include additional information from experts.
Aging gracefully can be achieved with a balanced diet, proper hydration, a regular sleep schedule, regular exercise, and of course, using dermatologist-approved makeup and skincare products. However, some products can do more harm than good for aging skin. We consulted dermatologists and certified skin care professionals to find out which products to avoid for healthy skin.
Read tips, advice, and insights from Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, board-certified dermatologist and author of My Psoriasis Group, and Dr. Nadir Kazi, DO, board-certified physician, cosmetic dermatologist and owner of the Kazi Cosmetic Clinic. . and dr Iram N. Elias, MD, MBE, FAAAD, Schweiger Dermatology Board Certified Dermatologist and Founder and CEO of Ambernon.
1. Vitamin E Products
Whether it's foundation, concealer, or even serum, avoid vitamin E in your makeup products, especially if you have oily skin, says Kazi.
This is another reason to avoid this ingredient if you have frequent adult acne. "In many skincare products, oil-soluble antioxidants are touted to have beneficial effects on the skin, especially when it comes to sun damage and overgrowths like freckles," she says.
Vitamin E, often listed as tocopherol, "is a comedogenic ingredient that can unclog your pores and even increase your skin's natural oil production," she notes. “Sebum is an oily, waxy substance that our bodies produce to protect our skin. When this sebum gets out of control, the result is oily or oily skin.
Instead, Kazi recommends anyone over the age of 40 "look for a vitamin C serum that has antioxidant properties similar to vitamin E."
Due to these properties, vitamin C serums are great for people looking to repair UV damage. "Vitamin C is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help heal acne," she says.
"Vitamin C also helps balance sebum production, especially if you have oily skin." If your vitamin C levels are masked, niacinamide is a good alternative to vitamin E.
“Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. In a serum, it can balance your oily skin by reducing sebum production,” he suggests.
cleaning tool
When it comes to removing makeup at the end of a long day, there's no denying how effective makeup remover cleansers can be. Chacon recommends avoiding these 40+ products, but your skin is so sensitive that vigorous scrubbing can do more damage than you might think. "For skincare over 40, I recommend using makeup remover wipes because the cleansers contain strong alcohol," she says.
While alcohol (a common ingredient in these wipes) is an excellent antibacterial agent, Chacon says it "can strip away the natural essential oils" that are important for healthy skin and skin.
"Dryness and irritation" after use can often "perpetuate and accentuate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," she adds, and can ultimately "make skin look dull."
Instead, Chacon recommends opting for cotton balls, swabs, or a soft towel and a gentle facial cleanser. "Cotton balls may take a few washes to get makeup-free, but I know I'm gentle on my skin," she says of the trick.
"There's a reason so many people wash their baby's sensitive skin with a cotton ball or fluffy towel." To wash her face, Chacon prefers “cotton balls or washcloths over towels” as they are for single use only and “risk creating – and reducing bacteria buildup in subsequent washes”.
3. Products or lipsticks that are very shiny
Glossy lip products can create a temporary glam look, but Elias advises not using them too often after age 40 as they can damage the delicate skin of your lips over time.
“A product to watch out for is a high-gloss lipstick. I find that with age, the delicate skin on the lips thins, resulting in natural lines around the edges of the lips,” she says.
"Lipstick that is thick and glossy has the ability to close the pores in the lip line." "It's constantly getting rid of pockets and milia in the lip line," Elias says of his patients who are over 40 years old. "I have a bag full of lancets every day, from which I expect to last at least a few days." He warned.(Amazing!)
Lastly, she recommends choosing a lipstick that's glossy or plumping without drying out the skin.