When you are choosing the best anti-aging product for your skin, you may have had it drummed into your subconscious that alcohol is damaging for the wellness and wellbeing of your skin. Perhaps you find yourself poring over the ingredients list on the back of various skincare products, hoping to find one that is free from alcohol but without really knowing why.
The truth is, that it is simply not true to say that all alcohol is bad for your skin, as there are different types of alcohol. In particular, those who have sensitive or dry skin are often advised to stay away from skincare products with alcohol in them, as there is thought to be a link between red, flaky skin and alcohol-based products. Then of course there is the little issue that very few products are actually alcohol free, so finding a product you deem to be ‘suitable’ can be quite a challenge.
Out of 20 skincare products on the market, it is estimated that around 12 will contain alcohol in some form. Alcohol is actually incredibly useful as a skincare ingredient, and, contrary to popular opinion, is not totally out of the question for those who suffer from dry skin. Alcohol is actually a broad term for an entire group of chemicals that have a common makeup but with some variations. It is the variations that determine how the alcohol works on your skin.
Ethanol, for example, is just one type of alcohol, and it is simply this type of alcohol that can cause skin dryness – no other type. Ethanol is also in wine, beer and spirits (but with a slightly altered taste, of course). It is a thin liquid that evaporates quicker than water and hence it is often used to help a product to dry quicker, but this can be damaging for those with dry or sensitive skin.