Three Beauty Products the Experts Won’t Use

There are a few beauty products that experts wouldn’t touch with a twelve-foot pole. Here are some products that dermatologists avoid—and that you’ll probably want to steer clear of, too.
 
1. Lip Gloss Without SPF.
According to Dr. Christine Brown, a dermatologist at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, “These lip glosses can make more of the light rays penetrate directly through the skin, instead of getting reflected off of the skin’s surface.” At worst, this can can lead to “…the degeneration of collagen and elastin, which leads to a loss of lip fullness, increased lines, and an increased risk of skin cancer,” according to Dr. Leslie Baumann, Chief of the Department of Cosmetic Dermatology at the University of Miami and author of The Skin Type Solution.

In other words, for better lips tomorrow, stick to a lipstick or gloss with SPF today. I’m saving my lip glosses without SPF for nighttime use only! My daytime favorites now include Clinique Moisture Surge Lipstick SPF 15 and Neutrogena Moisture Surge Lipgloss with SPF 20 ($12 for two, Amazon.com).
 
2. Apricot Scrub.
The reason? Apricot granules tend to have rough, almost triangular edges. When apricot scrub is applied roughly, it can actually rip or stretch the pores. That’s why it’s best to stick with dermatologist-administered microdermabrasion or a gentler scrub, like my personal favorite, NIA 24 Physical Cleansing Scrub ($26.50, Amazon.com).
 
3. Pore Strips
The pore strip was my original skin sin. I applied it to my face, thinking I would have clear pores. One box of pore strips later, and I have been succumbed to a lifetime of needing to clean out my pores.
 
The reason? A pore strip contains a hairspray-like substance on one side that sticks to the material within your pores. When you rip the strip off, the gunk gets lifted out, but the pore gets stretched. Over time, this leads to permanently enlarged pores, in which material collects, leaving you with a nose full of blackheads. Best to stick with these methods for making your pores look smaller!
 
Bottom Line
For your best skin over time, it is best to avoid all of these products, which do more harm than good.

Read more from Nicki at Future Derm. To ask her your skincare question, visit her Facebook page.