These days, on TikTok, you see a ton of people getting rid of products they loved, because they contain ingredients that “clog” the pores of the skin. Is this a real phenomenon and, if so, which ingredients should be avoided?
There are a ton of products on the market, both in skincare and makeup, it can get confusing! If your skin is acne-prone, you may be looking for ingredients that will be beneficial. This is where several difficult-to-unravel pseudoscientific terms come in.
What causes pimples on the skin?
Since the dawn of time, we have heard of “non-comedogenic” products. These promise not to clog the pores of the skin, and therefore not to cause blackheads or pimples.
First, understand that acne can be caused by a ton of different factors. Some pimples come from a hair follicle, which can also be called pores, which is blocked by dead cells. Others are caused by bacteria in the pores, while others occur when the oil-producing glands are overactive.
However, in many people, especially women, acne can have a hormonal cause. Add to that diet, genetics, lifestyle, and pimples may have nothing to do with the products used.
So, yes, a blocked pore can cause a pimple, but it’s not the only cause.
Can a product clog the pores of the skin?
There are several sites that name certain ingredients as offending. Among these, there are scientific names that are scary, but also known ingredients such as coconut oil or shea butter.
If you think your skin products are causing your blemishes, it might not be. Additionally, the majority of ingredients that have been claimed to be “comedogenic” have been tested on rabbits in the 1970s. Since our skin differs from that of animals, the validity of these tests is questionable.
The best way to tell if a product is causing pimples is to test it on your skin and see if the blemishes go away when you stop using it.
What Ingredients to Avoid for Pores?
Some ingredients have been proven to cause problems in many people. They are also easily replaceable and sometimes useless in skincare and makeup. Here are a few.
- Fragrances: Fragrances added to products can cause irritation, especially in products that stay on the skin for a long time, such as creams and foundations.
- Essential oils: like fragrances, these contain irritating components.
- Coconut oil: if your skin is prone to acne, this ingredient should be avoided, as it could indeed block the pores. On the other hand, it will be very beneficial if you have eczema.
What to do to avoid blocking your pores?
Be sure to cleanse your skin thoroughly at night. If you wear makeup and/or sunscreen, opt for a double cleanse.
This technique involves first removing makeup with an oil-based or balm-based makeup remover, followed by a second wash with a facial cleanser suitable for your skin type.
If a product is right for you and it contains “comedogenic” ingredients in the list, don’t stop using it! Please keep in mind that this list is out of date and has not been adequately tested.
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