Individuality - What is Right For You

This post is about individuality, bias, and silicones in products.  Seemingly a bit of a hodge-podge, I know!

Current Research

Currently within the published science/research and even broadly in the skin care world, silicones are an accepted ingredient.  Over the years I have looked for studies indicating silicones may not the best ingredient to use in skin care products (for whatever reason).  I have not found very much to this effect.  Many state they are both safe and effective, and Paula Begun summarizes this viewpoint nicely (link).

That said, I do not regularly use products with silicone in them, and I advise my clients of my choice and reasons (particularly those who have acne or are noticing large pores).

Personal Bias

My not using silicones regularly is a personal bias.  Not a scientifically backed fact given the information available at this time, but my personal preference.  Based on over 30 years of experience. When I add a product containing silicone to my regular routine, I typically break out or the pores on my face start changing in a direction I don’t like. A number of my clients notice a difference in their skin health when they stop using products with silicone. Does this mean silicones will not work well for your skin? Not necessarily.

Merriam Webster notes individuality can mean a “total character peculiar to and distinguishing an individual from others.” Given the presence of silicone in most hair and skin care products, it appears I do not fit with the majority of people purchasing those products.  And that’s ok!

I am not part of the group that finds silicones to be beneficial or work well due to my individuality. And this is a relatively easy fix, one that simply requires reading product ingredient lists, and avoiding products that contain silicone where possible.

It started with sunscreen

My individual bias against silicones started years ago with sunscreen.  Sunscreen use for me began when I was 18, and I used the same drugstore product for a number of years (it didn’t contain silicone, though at the time I didn’t know to look for it as an ingredient.)

I did not wear a lot of make-up nor did my somewhat oily skin of the time need a moisturizer, just a sunscreen in the morning.  After graduating from University, I began trying new products, and at some point purchased a (more expensive) sunscreen from a department store cosmetic counter.  After using it for a few weeks, I noted my skin had more break-outs than normal.  Thinking it was simply a particular brand didn’t agree with my skin, I went back to my usual sunscreen and things cleared up.  In a little while, I purchased another brand’s sunscreen and the same reaction occurred. 

Trial and Error

Through this trial-and-error approach that began over 30 years ago, I narrowed it down to the silicone in products that would cause my reaction; silicone in some sunscreens and make-up (ex. dimethicone) didn’t agree with my skin.  I later came to realize I didn’t like it in my haircare products either; there came a day years ago when my favorite Blue Malva shampoo was making my scalp itch and hair greasy much faster than usual.  Upon investigation (reading the label!) I realized Aveda/Estee Lauder had changed the formula by adding a silicone.  At that point I started purchasing silicone-free shampoos and conditioners. 

Over the years the list of silicones typically found in hair and skincare has grown; I try a new-to-me product containing a silicone every now and then to see if my personal preference has changed.  It has not.  The latest example of this was trying a sunscreen with cyclopentasiloxane as an ingredient this past summer for a few weeks, with the ‘usual’ results – my pores appeared larger and were clogged more than is typical etc.

Assistance

Silicones, fragrance, green beauty, clean, parabens….the list of contentious words in the health industry abounds. Part of the issue is marketing, and another aspect is that what works (or doesn’t) for YOUR skin and situation may be different than what works for someone else. Silicones don’t work for me but they may work well for you. Parabens are ok for me yet they may be aggravating for others. It’s important to recognize that just because current studies note something is safe at a specific dose doesn’t mean it will work well for you. And that is ok! This is why I offer assistance that’s tailored to You and your situation. There is a vast difference between a coaching program ‘made to fit’ you vs. one that is ‘fit to be made’ for everyone.

If you would like assistance organizing your skin care, sleep, nutrition and more into something personalized precisely for you and your situation, connect with me at elan@skinhealthcoach.ca. Or schedule a free intro call to discuss working with me through the ‘Scheduling’ link!