You deserve to feel confident about the choices you make for your skin, and one of the best ways to do that is by understanding commonly used skin care ingredients. Dimethicone is one such ingredient. Maybe you've seen it listed on the back of a cleanser or sunscreen, but you're unsure of what it is and what it does to your skin. What is Dimethicone used for, anyway?
Read on for the most frequently asked questions about this skin care ingredient.
What Is Dimethicone?
If you've ever wondered what makes your favorite moisturizer or skin care product so silky, Dimethicone will most likely have played a part. Silicone-based Dimethicone is an emollient that helps skin care products glide across your skin and keep moisture in the dermis by creating an occlusive barrier. As a result, this ingredient can improve your skin's softness and flexibility.
How Is It Used in Skin Care?
Dimethicone is used in skin care products as a non-comedogenic (meaning it doesn't clog pores) occlusive ingredient that helps lock moisture into the skin while protecting it from irritants. On a more practical level, it's also used to stop a skin care formula from separating or splitting and makes products pleasurable to apply by smoothing the surface of the skin. In turn, this helps to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles while leaving a matte, non-greasy finish.
Is Dimethicone Right for Your Skin?
Seeing as Dimethicone is gentle and non-comedogenic, it's suitable for just about everyone—even if you have blemish-prone skin. It's particularly good, however, for helping to soften dry and itchy skin that feels rough to the touch. It can also help improve inflammatory skin conditions, like eczema. Best of all, it's suitable for daily use on your face and body.
How Can You Add Dimethicone Into Your Routine?
Everyone can benefit from adding Dimethicone into their skin care routines, but it's especially helpful if you have a dry, sensitive skin type. One of the best ways to use it on a daily basis is with a lightweight moisturizer, like EltaMD AM Restore Facial Moisturizer. This oil-free formula helps to smooth the skin's texture while increasing its ability to absorb and retain moisture.
You can also find Dimethicone in sunscreens like EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 to boost your skin's hydration while protecting it from ultraviolet radiation. This sheer facial sunscreen also helps to diminish the appearance of fine lines and leaves your skin looking smooth and radiant, thanks to its tinted finish.
Now that you know more about Dimethicone, you'll probably start to notice it popping up everywhere in your favorite products. If not, consider introducing a moisturizer or sunscreen formulated with Dimethicone into your daily routine and discover how this ingredient can help your inner glow shine through.
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