Summary of "What to NEVER Put On Your Face! - Dr. Anthony Youn"

Key skin-care takeaways and practical tips

Dr. Anthony Youn (a.k.a. “America’s Holistic Plastic Surgeon”) lists five things you should NOT put on your face, explains why, and suggests safer alternatives. The focus is on protecting the skin barrier, avoiding comedogenic or overly stripping products, and choosing evidence-based, sanitary treatments.

Five things you should NOT put on your face — and what to use instead.

Five things to avoid (reasons and safer alternatives)

1. Bar soap

Why avoid: Bar soaps are very drying to facial skin and often contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a surfactant that strips natural oils.
Alternative: Use a gentle facial cleanser formulated for the face — non-SLS and non-drying.

2. Petroleum jelly

Why avoid: Highly occlusive and can clog pores, potentially worsening acne; it’s also petroleum-derived.
Alternatives: Use non-occlusive facial moisturizers, or natural emollient balms (e.g., beeswax-based) if you need protective moisture that’s less likely to clog pores.

3. Body moisturizer (using body lotion on the face)

Why avoid: Many body lotions are too heavy or comedogenic for facial skin and can cause breakouts.
Alternative: Use a facial moisturizer labeled non-comedogenic and formulated for facial skin. (Dr. Youn notes a calming antioxidant facial moisturizer in his Youn Beauty line as an example.)

4. Rubbing alcohol / alcohol-based astringents / harsh toners

Why avoid: These strip natural oils, produce a “squeaky clean” feeling, and can trigger rebound oil production — worsening oily or acne-prone skin.
Alternative: Skip alcohol-heavy toners. Choose gentler toners or consider safe oil-cleansing methods, which can be helpful for some people with oily skin.

5. Semen / sperm facials

Why avoid: No proven benefit beyond marginal antioxidant or protein claims; there are hygiene and safety risks, including potential transmission of STIs and risk to sensitive areas like the eyes.
Alternative: Stick to evidence-based facial treatments and professional, approved services.

General self-care and practical principles

Use products formulated specifically for the face rather than repurposing body products.
Avoid harsh surfactants and alcohol that strip the skin barrier; protect natural oils.
For acne-prone or oily skin, choose lighter, non-comedogenic formulations.
Consider safe oil-cleansing approaches if appropriate, but use them correctly.
Prefer tested, sanitary, evidence-based treatments over novelty or DIY “facials.”
Look for antioxidant-containing facial moisturizers to support overall skin health.