Dimethicone is often used in cosmetics. This substance is one of the varieties of liquid silicone. It is part of many skin creams, lipsticks, as well as hair care products, etc.
Controversial issues
There is much debate about the usefulness of this ingredient. Many people know that dimethicone is used in cosmetics to improve the properties of a particular product. What is it in the broad sense, few are interested in this, which gives the ground for the emergence of certain rumors and legends.
Officially, it is believed to be neutral and unable to react with the skin. Dimethicone in cosmetics is relatively safe, except that it can cause an allergic reaction in some cases.
The properties
Dimethiconol is a very viscous substance. Most often it is used in conjunction with cyclomethicone. In this case, Dimethicone in hair cosmetics has the feature of being easily distributed along their entire length and not causing greasy. Such products give shine and silkiness. The structure of the substance is such that it has a softness and water-repellent effect. All this is able to create special protection on the skin and hair.
Such a barrier allows the skin to “breathe”. Often, dimethicone in cosmetics is present in sunscreens, in addition, it can temporarily hide wrinkles. Often it is used for the production of moisturizers and lotions, as well as a number of decorative products.
Substance features
Many buyers believe that dimethicone in cosmetics is harmful, but it is officially believed that it has large molecules that practically do not enter the skin. Therefore, the product can be successfully taken for personal hygiene.
Most often it is used in the form of an emulsion. Dimethicone in cosmetics is used as an antifoam and reduces excessive foaming of the product.
It also does not dissolve in water, which, on the one hand, facilitates hair and skin care. But on the other hand, the ingredient must be effectively removed after use, so you need to use products that contain
lauryl, laureth sulfate or lotions with a high fat content.
Reviews
The areas of use of this ingredient are very wide. But what is dimethicone in cosmetics - harm or benefit? There is no definite answer, since the feedback on the application is different, and the opinions of experts, too.
For example, there is a review about the regular use of silicone-based masks. As a result, one day the stylist drew attention to a noticeable stretching of the hair. He said that this is due to a violation of their structure. Among the reasons for this is the use of silicones. In this case, it turned out that dimethicone in cosmetics is harmful. However, there was no other objective reason for hair damage.
As it turned out, the film formed on the hair by dimethicone, which was constantly there, prevented moisture from entering. It can be concluded that it is possible to use such funds, but not on an ongoing basis. For example, before important events, you can please yourself with a shine on the skin, but for every day it is better to use more natural products.
And what exactly dimethicone in hair cosmetics is harm or benefit, then it is up to you individually.
Where are silicones used?
Dimethicone in cosmetics is a common phenomenon. There are other silicones that are used in a similar way, but this type is the most popular in this case.
Dimethicone is also used in medicine. So, it is the basis for the production of carminative drugs, against flatulence and colic in babies.
In cosmetics
Dimethicone allows you to make the structure of makeup more smooth. This allows you to apply lipstick or eye shadow more easily. In creams, it is able to create a waterproof protection that keeps the skin from losing fluid. Dimethicone also improves their consistency. The cream is better distributed over the face and not sticky. However, silicone can clog pores on the face and aggravate allergy symptoms.
As for hair products, it has already been mentioned that it gives them shine and a healthy look, and also reduces static. But on the other hand, dimethicone can be layered and cause dryness and brittleness. Periodically, you need to use shampoo for deep cleaning.
disadvantages
It has already been said that dimethicone in cosmetics, in hair products in particular, can be harmful to them, worsening their structure. But this is not the only drawback of this ingredient. So, according to some studies, silicones are toxic, can cause allergies and have a negative effect on our body as a whole. For example, adversely affect the functioning of the immune system.
One of the most common problems associated with the presence of silicones in hair cosmetics is the question of their accumulation on the head. When the product is applied and there is no subsequent purification, dimethicone may fall off the cells. Together with it, it captures particles of hair, which subsequently provokes their fragility and loss of volume. If you wash the silicones well and on time, they will not be dangerous.
Contraindications
In some cases, the substance does not have time to fall off and begins to accumulate. All this leads to heavier hair and stress, which then provokes their loss.
If you have thin ones by yourself, it is better not to use dimethicone products at all. Because the hair may not withstand such a load. It is not recommended to use them if your curls are finely wavy.
To check the volume of hair, collect it in a ponytail and measure its circumference. If it is more than 5 cm, then silicone-based products will not be scary.
What should be done in order not to cause harm?
Dimethicone in cosmetics intended for the head creates a special film that prevents the liquid from escaping. It can also form not only on the hair, but also on the skin underneath. To prevent this, do not use conditioners and root oils.
Many silicone-based products provide that a particular detergent will be used with them. This is not very good if you have long hair, because only the roots are washed. But after applying silicones, you should wash your entire hair so as not to dry the ends with harsh means. It is worth paying attention to if you are worried about the problem with their loss.
Positive sides
However, dimethicone in cosmetics is not as terrible as it seems to many. He has his own advantages, which are already mentioned above. Below we list only a few of them:
- Moisturizing. This applies to both skin on the face and hair. In some cases, it is simply necessary.
- Protection against harmful effects, in particular UV radiation and those that are thermal in nature. The film on the hair, which was discussed above, does not allow their scales to cling to each other. With their cross-section and fragility in some cases, it plays a positive role.
- Aesthetics - the skin shines and looks healthier, and the hair gains shine and becomes soft and docile.
- Relief when combing. This is very important when we are in a hurry somewhere, and in general it is much better when you do not experience pain and discomfort during such a simple procedure.
It can be concluded that in some situations, dimethicone, like other types of silicones present in cosmetics, is not so bad. But you can not take it as a remedy, as many do, why then reap the benefits of frequent use.
All of them are designed, first of all, to improve the appearance and simplify the procedure for facial and hair care. And here the most important thing is not to overdo it, otherwise these funds can harm your health. Beauty is excellent, but health is much more important for each of us, and this should not be forgotten.