Ever questioned how peel-off masks work? I imply, you kind of know use them: you apply them in your pores and skin and after 20 minutes, you peel them off such as you would an orange – therefore the identify. However what makes this motion attainable? Polyvinyl Alcohol. It’s the key juice that makes them magically peel off your pores and skin… and irritate it actual unhealthy. Yep, there’s a purpose I not often assessment peel-off masks right here. I’m simply NOT a fan -and this alcohol is a giant purpose for it. Right here’s every part it’s essential find out about it:
What Is Polyvinyl Alcohol?
Polyvinyl Alcohol is a water-soluble artificial polymer of Vinyl Alcohol . It appears to be like like a white, odourless, and tasteless powder. There actually isn’t way more to say about it.
What Does Polyvinyl Alcohol Do In Skincare Merchandise?
A mulit-tasker, Polyvinyl Alcohol has three jobs in skincare:
- Binder: It holds collectively the elements of a compressed pill or cake, so that they don’t crack or crumble again right into a powder or disagreeable texture.
- Movie-former: It reacts with the air to kind a tough, plastic layer in your pores and skin that may be peeled off your face. Actually. That is how peel-off masks work. Whereas it’s at it, this layer additionally retains moisture into the pores and skin, serving to it keep softer and smoother. In fact, the impact is simply short-term.
- Thickener: It will increase the thickness of the oil portion of skincare and private care merchandise.
Need to know what elements you actually need to keep away from in your skincare merchandise? Signal as much as the e-newsletter beneath to obtain the “Skincare Elements To Keep away from” cheatsheet:
Polyvinyl Alcohol Aspect Results?
The Beauty Ingredient Overview Professional Panel claims Polyvinyl Alcohol is protected and non-irritating. That’s true – in small concentrations. Should you discover some in a moisturiser or lotion, it’s not a purpose for concern.
Peel-off masks are a distinct story. Right here, Polyvinyl Alcohol is utilized in a lot larger concentrations (as excessive as 90%!). That, coupled with the mechanical elimination of the masks (which is traumatic in itself and may take away lifeless pores and skin off your face – and never within the cool, exfoliating means), makes them irritating.
That’s why I DON’T advocate peel-off masks. I attempted a charcoal masks as soon as and by no means once more. Taking it off damage a lot. Ouch! However for those who’d like to make use of one, go for a peel-off masks with hydrating and skin-repairing elements, like Hyaluronic Acid and ceramides, that may offset its drying uncomfortable side effects just a little.
The Backside Line
Polyvinyl Alcohol is protected in small doses. However steer clear of peel-off masks. Within the excessive concentrations used right here, it may be drying, irritating, and total unhealthy for pores and skin.
About Gio
Hello, I am Gio. I am a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is pores and skin coach and author on a mission that can assist you obtain your finest pores and skin day ever – every single day. I bust skincare myths and debunk advertising jargon that can assist you determine what’s well worth the splurge and what’s finest left on the shelf – utilizing science, not hype. I additionally supply skincare consultations that can assist you create the most effective skincare routine on your distinctive wants.
