Can you use dimethicone every day?

What does dimethicone do for skin?

Dimethicone is a silicone used in moisturizers. It forms a thin, nongreasy layer on the skin and acts as an emollient, meaning it softens and smooths the surface. It fills gaps between cells in the outer skin layer, helping rough skin feel smoother. Dimethicone is also used in barrier creams, including products for hand dermatitis, an inflammation of the skin. The purpose is softer, smoother skin, not a bathroom shelf with a dimethicone department.45

Is dimethicone good for skin?

Dimethicone is a useful moisturizer ingredient for dry skin. For more substantial dryness, choose a fragrance free cream or ointment rather than a lotion: creams and ointments add more moisture. "Unscented" is not the same as "fragrance free." An unscented product can contain ingredients that hide other smells and irritate dry, sensitive skin.1

Dimethicone is considered noncomedogenic, meaning it does not tend to clog pores, and silicone based facial moisturizers can suit oily skin. Choose the finished moisturizer carefully, though. For acne prone skin, look for "oil free," "noncomedogenic," or "won't clog pores" on the container. Those descriptions mean the moisturizer is unlikely to cause acne. Some occlusive moisturizers can aggravate acne or inflame hair follicles, so an ingredient's properties do not replace choosing a suitable formula.245

How should you use it each day?

1. 1Wash gently. For dry skin, use warm rather than hot water and keep baths or showers to five to ten minutes.
2. 2Pat your skin dry without rubbing, leaving some moisture on the surface.
3. 3Apply your dimethicone moisturizer promptly. Smooth an emollient gently in the direction your hair grows rather than rubbing vigorously.
4. 4Reapply after handwashing or whenever your skin feels dry or tight. Follow any additional directions on the container.

There is no single application schedule for every level of dryness. Slightly dry skin can need only a light moisturizer at night, while very dry skin can need an occlusive moisturizer every couple of hours. Creams are practical for daytime use; thicker, greasier ointments suit very dry skin and nighttime use. Daily use does not mean limiting yourself to one application.56

If acne medication dries or irritates your skin, a daily moisturizer can help you tolerate treatment. This includes benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, topical retinoids and isotretinoin. If you use an emollient with a steroid cream or another treatment for a skin condition, leave 20 to 30 minutes between applications and ask your doctor which should go first.26

What should you expect?

Expect moisturizing and surface smoothing rather than an acne treatment. Moisturizers help reduce dryness and support the skin barrier, the outer layer that protects skin. Their benefits are greatest during the first six hours after application, so regular use matters. Moisturizer claims about reducing signs of ageing can be misleading, even when the packaging seems very committed to the idea.5

When should you stop or get help?

Stop using a moisturizer if an allergic skin rash develops. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about persistent burning, stinging, inflamed hair follicles or worsening facial rashes. See a dermatologist if dryness continues despite regular moisturizing.156

For example, TopCare Daily Moisturizing Lotion with dimethicone 1.3% directs application as needed. Its label says to stop and ask a doctor if symptoms worsen, last more than seven days, or clear and return within a few days. It is for external use, must be kept out of eyes, and must not be used on deep wounds, animal bites or serious burns.3