5 Things I Would Never Put On My Face As A Dermatologist

Always curious about skincare, we asked board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology, Dr. Geeta Yadav, what five things she would never put on her face. See her list of “absolute dont’s” below! —Vita Daily

toothpaste. Many people use toothpaste as a “hack” for drying out pimples—but this is such a bad idea. I’d never do it, especially knowing how many effective pimple treatments there are out there! Most toothpaste has a very alkaline pH, while skin is on the more acidic side. Toothpaste could cause significant irritation to the skin, making that pimple even more noticeable than it was before you tried to treat it. Look for a spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid instead.

coconut oil. Coconut oil is a wonderful multitasker and is a household staple. It can be used for myriad things from deep conditioning treatments to cooking—but I’d never put it on my face. Coconut oil is comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores and cause breakouts. This is particularly true when using pure, unrefined coconut oil. If I use coconut oil on my skin, it’s only to shave.

waterproof foundation. Ultra-long-lasting makeup formulas like waterproof foundation tend to be very drying on the skin—this makes sense, as moisturizing formulas tend to “travel.” They’re also very challenging to remove, which means they can linger on the skin and in the pores, leading to breakouts. I don’t ever want to sacrifice the health and comfort of my skin for my makeup routine. If I need my makeup to last longer than usual, I’ll use a setting spray instead. I’ll also use an oil-based cleanser like Avene XeraCalm Cleansing Oil to make sure any traces of makeup are thoroughly washed away.

soap. Like toothpaste, traditional bar soap tends to be very alkaline in pH, which disrupts the delicate skin barrier and strips the skin of its natural oils, leaving it susceptible to dryness, irritation, and even infection. Instead, I use a true face wash, like SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser. If you prefer a bar format, Dove Beauty Bars can be safely used on the face as they are pH balanced and very moisturizing.

alpha-hydroxy acids or retinoids without sunscreen. These types of ingredients are absolute musts for fighting signs of aging—but they make your skin very sensitive to sun exposure and more susceptible to UV damage. If you don’t protect your skin with sunscreen daily, but especially after using these types of ingredients, you’ll likely exacerbate the very same skin concerns you’re trying to correct. Not to mention, wearing SPF daily is such an easy way to reduce your risk of skin cancer. Just find one you like and wear it every day, rain, or shine—no exceptions.

facetdermatology.com