You’ve probably heard that you should choose non-comedogenic skincare products, but what exactly does that mean? Simply put, a comedone is a clogged pore, so these formulas are designed to keep pores clear. Before incorporating non-comedogenic skincare and makeup in your tried-and-true regimen, here’s what you need to know about whether these products help prevent breakouts.
Defining Non-Comedogenic
Non-comedogenic is actually a marketing term, not a clinical term. The dermatology field does not have an official medical definition, nor do standards exist that govern how the term can be used. Any skincare or makeup manufacturer can use non-comedogenic on its product packaging, but that does not guarantee that the formula won’t clog your pores and lead to blemishes and acne. What’s more, common scales used to rate a product’s likelihood of clogging pores are not standardized and do not account for the concentration of an ingredient in a specific formula.
Ingredients to Avoid
Although you can’t rely on the term non-comedogenic to determine whether a product will cause breakouts, choosing makeup and skincare formulas carefully reduces the likelihood that they will interfere with your clear complexion. Thick, creamy moisturizers and lotions are more apt to clog pores, so you may want to choose gels or serums if you have acne-prone skin. Avoid products that include artificial colors, tar, lanolin, cocoa butter, shea butter, or avocado, jojoba, or olive oil. Other potentially comedogenic ingredients include acetylated lanolin, ethylhexyl palmitate, isopropyl palmitate, and isopropyl myristate.
Breakout-Fighting Formulas
Just as you should avoid certain ingredients, choosing acne-fighting ingredients can help prevent clogs and breakouts. We recommend products that contain benzoyl peroxide, clay, glycolic acid, retinol, sulfur, or witch hazel. Powders, liquids, and gels are a better choice than cream formulas if you are concerned about breakouts caused by skincare products and cosmetics. Before using a new cleanser, moisturizer, or foundation, do a spot test on the jawline to make sure it doesn’t negatively affect your complexion.
When you are experiencing breakouts and want to revolutionize your routine, browse The Dermatology Clinic’s selection of gentle, effective cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and other skincare essentials. Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist online or by calling (225) 769-7546 to get to the root cause of your acne and receive a customized treatment plan to address your complexion woes.
