What Does Alcohol- Free Mean In Skincare?

The harmful effects of liquor are well known to all. It is always advised to consume alcohol in less quantity or not at all. If someone is suffering from any kind of illness the first thing a doctor suggests is to avoid smoking and drinking. Similarly, if one is suffering from acne or for that matter any other skin concern, drinking becomes strictly prohibited. To achieve flawless and radiant skin free from any concerns and in its best health, one has to stop consuming or even applying alcohol on the face. Yes! Many cleansers, toners, serums, moisturisers, and even sunscreen contain alcohol. External application of alcohol affects us the same way as consuming it would. 


We usually don’t give much thought to the ingredient list before purchasing a particular skin care product. Often the popularity gained through advertisements is enough for us to make a purchase. It is only when we have the product in hand and read labels like, ‘paraben-free, SLS-free, cruelty-free or vegan’ that we are propelled to think if those are the ingredients we were never supposed to use in our skincare. The same is with alcohol-free products. Due to much popularity, many of us know that alcohol is bad for our skin and should not be used. So let's get started and understand what alcohol-free means.


What Does Alcohol-Free Mean In Skincare


When we say alcohol-free it does not mean gin, vodka or tequila. The alcohols found in skincare products are called solvents. Solvents are used by businesses because they are inexpensive skin degreasers and provide a quick-drying finish to products. They also help other chemicals to dissolve in water, which is why they're called solvents and give the product a finer, lighter feel on the skin. However, not all alcohols are bad. When we say alcohol-free it generally means bad alcohol and not good alcohol which is also otherwise called fatty alcohol.


  • Bad Alcohol
  • Ethyl alcohols (or ethanols) are extensively utilised in cosmetics due to their antibacterial and astringent properties. It may be disguised in numerous acne or oil-fighting products, for example. When the skin is exposed to too much ethyl alcohol over time, it can become dry and irritated. The skin's natural oil barrier might become reduced, making it difficult to defend itself from UV radiation and environmental germs. The issue is that these denatured alcohols allow compounds to infiltrate your skin by breaking down your natural moisture barrier. As a result, your skin cannot maintain the necessary water and becomes dry. That's why you get the "tight skin" impression. It may offer great short-term effects, such as lightweight application and oil reduction, but the long-term disadvantages exceed any gain.



  • Good Alcohol
  • Fatty alcohols are considerably different, and some may argue that they aren't actually alcohols at all, at least not in the traditional sense. Fatty alcohols are generated from the fatty acids of natural fats and oils such as coconut oil or palm oil and have a wax-like texture as opposed to pure alcohols such as ethanol, which is a liquid.

    Fatty alcohols are regarded as beneficial components because of their nature. They can assist the skin in a variety of ways, including keeping the skin smoother and more moisturised. Their natural fatty acid content functions as a powerful moisturiser, and they are especially beneficial for dry skin. They are non-toxic, skin-safe, and biodegradable. These types of alcohols are commonly used as emollients, emulsifiers, and thickeners in skin care products, and they can be found in skin care products under a variety of distinct names, including Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol.


    Reasons Why You Should Not Use Alcohol-Based Skincare Products

    Alcohol-free moisturisers are an increasingly popular choice for people looking for a non-comedogenic moisturiser and there are reasons for their popularity.


  • Dries Up The Skin
  • Alcohol is a drying agent that can cause the skin to look dull and dry. While it might be tempting to use moisturisers containing alcohol on your face, these products can cause irritation and blemishes. While solvents make substances more water soluble and evaporate rapidly, they also drain water from your skin as they dry. Regular use of alcohol-based cosmetics can cause dryness, erosion and deterioration of natural oils on the epidermis, and increased stress on the skin's capacity to regenerate itself. Cheap alcohols can also cause an increase in oiliness over time, negating the "degreasing" effect and making oily skin appear even shinier.


  • Irritates And Causes Inflammation 
  • Alcohol also contains chemicals which are known to be irritants, so when they are applied to the skin they can cause inflammation. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, using alcohol-containing moisturisers on your face could make your condition worse.If you do decide to use an alcohol-free product, look for moisturisers that contain soothing ingredients such as glycerin or aloe vera juice instead of alcohol. These ingredients will help calm the skin and reduce irritation caused by the product's ingredients.


  • Allergic Reactions
  • It can also trigger allergic reactions in some people, so if you have sensitive skin or eczema then it's best to avoid this ingredient altogether.


  • Skin Barrier Damage
  • Alcohol disrupts the outer membrane of the skin, exposing it to all forms of toxicity and pollutants. Also, alcohol-based products should never be used on damaged skin as they can make it worse.


  • Toxic
  • Ethanol present in higher amounts in topical applications can cause the blood to get toxic, just as alcohol drinking can be upsetting for the body.

     

    Alcohol-Free Moisturiser


    After reading the above, if you realise that you have the wrong set of skincare products, then it's not too late. You can still make your skin better by choosing the truly alcohol-free products presented to you by Doctor A Cosmetics.

    The  Natural Vitamin C Brightening Moisturiser and  Exotic Repairing Night Moisturiser contain no drying alcohol. It contains cetyl alcohol, a fatty, non-drying alcohol which protects the skin from allergies, germs, and moisture loss. These moisturisers are highly recommended if you are looking to moisturise, hydrate and nourish your skin in the safest and clean way. Furthermore, our items are vegan and cruelty-free. Also, it does not contain any artificial colour or preservative as well as fragrances in order to provide your skin with the most natural ingredients and no harm at all. And if you are concerned about parabens and SLS, then don't worry, because it does not contain any of it either. 


    Alcohol can be a helpful element in assisting substances to penetrate the skin, preserving the product, and making it seem lighter when applied. But the cons are greater than the pros. So, it is usually a good idea to read product labels. The first step is to determine which alcohol is used and at what concentration. If alcohol is mentioned as the second ingredient, the product includes a greater concentration of alcohol and is not recommended for those with sensitive skin.


    You must also note that cosmetics labelled as "alcohol-free" may not necessarily indicate alcohol-free. Products may be labelled "alcohol-free" provided they do not include "bad" alcohol, i.e. fatty alcohol, which promotes dryness. 


    Always keep a check on what you feed to your skin the same way you think before feeding yourself. 


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