So much nonsense is being spouted on this topic that I can hardly know where to start!
Let’s just review the job of our skin, which, by the way, is our largest organ.
– Protection of internal organs is number one. This is why water, gases (oxygen is a gas, remember) and oils CANNOT penetrate the skin.
If they could, you’d swell like a whale after every shower.
There are very few, select substances, like essential oils, which can penetrate because their molecular structure is very small and similar to that of the skin.
Estrogen patches and nicotin patches are full of similar substances – small mollecular size which helps them penetrate the skin barrier.
– Elimination is another job for the skin. It eliminates sweat and produces oils that lubricate and protect.
The pores of the skin are just tiny openings, like the donut holes. Just like donut holes, the pores have no active role. They simply allow sweat and sebum (oil) to flow OUT.
When we apply make up and allow it to stay on for a long time (not remove it at the end of the day) it will mix with the sebum and sweat we produce and let pollutants adhere on top, creating a nasty soup that we can see as blackheads or just very dull skin.
This is why cleansing daily is most important and so is regular exfoliation.
But to get back to the topic, our skin does not breathe. That job is left to the lungs.
There are numerous claims on the market for products that “let skin breathe”.
BOGUS, all of them.
It is a good idea to avoid heavy make up and an even better one to cleanse your face daily. This will avoid occlusion of the pores (plugging), blackheads and creation of breeding grounds for the bacteria responsible for acne.
That is all. Next time you hear about “skin detoxifying”or “skin breathing” you’ll know it it for what it is : nonsense.
Have a Sunny Day

by Nadia Danay