6 Products Dermatologists would Never use on their Skin

We often share our Dermatologists’ preferred routines and products. But what about the things they NEVER use?

#1: Polysporin/Neosporin

• Can cause severe allergic contact dermatitis

• Can even cause anaphylaxis!

• Studies show only antibacterial soap, water and vaseline are needed to prevent infections

#2: Ivory Soap

• Contains harsh surfactants

• Can strip away skin barrier leaving behind tight, itchy, irritated skin

• May contain sodium lauryl sulfate, which will dry and irritate the skin

#3: Toothpaste

• Typical ingredients in toothpaste like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can dry up acne, but also leave the skin extremely irritated

• Overly dry skin → overproduction & overcompensation of oil glands → oily skin → more breakouts !

#4: Dermarollers

• They don’t work - don’t go deep enough to penetrate skin to the level needed

• Can harbour harmful bacterial, which can cause skin infections

• Can trigger rosacea, eczema or melasma

• Increased risk of scarring

#5: Lemon Juice

• Very acidic, alters pH of skin, can damage epidermis and lead to inflammation/scars

• Can make you more sensitive to the sun, resulting in burning more easily or a dark rash called phytophotodermatitis

#6: Harsh Physical Exfoliators

• Scrubs with large particles, crushed nut or beads are too aggressive for the skin

• Leads to uneven exfoliation

• Creates micro-tears

• Increases inflammation and disrupts the skin barrier

Follow us on @dermcafecanada to learn more tips directly from Board-Certified Dermatologists!