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Cetearyl alcohol is fatty alcohol (not to be confused with rubbing alcohol) commonly used in skincare and beauty products. It’s a white, waxy mixture of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, which are both fatty alcohols. These combinations can be either synthetic or naturally sourced from palm or coconut oil. Unlike rubbing alcohol, fatty alcohols are moisturizing to the skin.
Lotions, creams, and other topical ointments include cetearyl alcohol to create a smoother texture, thicken lotions, and stabilize foams.
Cetearyl alcohol is an ingredient best used in creams, lotions, and ointments. It improves the texture of these products, making them smoother and easier to absorb into the skin. It also keeps other ingredients from separating out into oil and water-based ingredients. It also can act as a moisture barrier for moisturizers and day and night creams.
Unless you have a specific allergy to cetearyl alcohol, there aren’t any real drawbacks as far as side effects or irritation to the skin. It does not have the same chemical structure as rubbing alcohols that irritate and dry the skin.
A scar can form anywhere the skin is broken deeply enough to damage surrounding skin cells. With acne, most superficial blemishes will heal cleanly, leaving no visible evidence of prior breakouts. However, in the case of cystic acne, when a clogged pore leads to infection that travels deep into the dermis, ruptured cysts can break the follicle wall and cause the infection to damage surrounding skin cells. Collagen helps to repair the damage but leaves the skin more firm and tight than the rest of your skin. Some types of acne scarring leave a concave shape, called a pockmark. Contrary to some belief, not all acne scars are caused by picking or popping your blemishes. Some occur even if the acne is allowed to heal without picking.
To prevent sun damage from making acne scars more visible, it’s best to moisturize daily and wear sunscreen. Additionally, antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals that damage cells and speed up aging. Ingredients and nutrients like acai oil, alpha-lipoic acid, green tea extract, retinol/vitamin A, coenzyme Q10, caffeine, alpha-hydroxy acid and salicylic acid are all beneficial for preventing and reducing acne scarring. Jojoba oil is also good for reducing inflammation, fighting bacteria, and keeping in moisture for healthier skin.
cetearyl alcohol may be effective for acne scars, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
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