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Phenoxyethanol is an ingredient in many cosmetics used as a preservative. In the same way that preservatives in food allow them to have a longer shelf life before spoiling, phenoxyethanol preserves the quality and effectiveness of some skincare ingredients that would otherwise spoil or be rendered ineffective when exposed to too much light, temperature changes, or exposure to oxygen.
Phenoxyethanol is a good ingredient in a wide variety of cosmetics and skin care products. It has been shown to have anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties, which makes it a good preservative to use in skin care products to keep them from spoiling or becoming contaminated. It is also used for stabilizing skincare products without the use of parabens. This means that skin care products can include chemical ingredients that deteriorate over time or are ineffective when exposed to sunlight, temperature changes, or oxygen, because the phenoxyethanol acts as a stabilizer.
There aren’t any major drawbacks to using this ingredient. Studies have shown it to be very safe with very few people showing an adverse reaction of any kind. However, as with any topical ointment, it is possible those with sensitive skin or allergic reactions to the ingredient can experience redness, irritation, or allergic rashes from using products with this ingredient.
Age spots on your skin is known as hyperpigmentation, dark spots, or liver spots. There are several reasons you might experience hyperpigmentation, but those we are referring to here are those that are caused by acne scarring or sun exposure. Age spots are most common on the face, the shoulders, and the back. There are some age spots that might appear as a side effect of certain medications. Age spots are typically harmless, but we always recommend conferring with your dermatologist if you’re experiencing a larger-than-usual area of age spots, or if they are changing in color, thickness, or appearance in any way.
To prevent age spots, 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 vitamin C, acai oil, jojoba 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 age spots. Hydrolyzed is also good for restoring the overall vitality of the skin.
phenoxyethanol may be effective for age spots, 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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