When we take charge of our well-being journey choosing the right skincare products is our next biggest task. Landing a product that works well for our skin boosts our confidence greatly and makes us more comfortable in our skin. However, some products can reverse any potential gains as we experiment.
There are certain ingredients used in skincare products that are known as comedogenic that can cause issues. Comedogenic products clog pores and can result in blackheads and acne breakouts. Not to worry, there’re non-comedogenic products to use instead if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
What is Non-Comedogenic?
Non-comedogenic substances don’t clog your pores. The term is used in the cosmetic and beauty industry to let consumers know the product won’t block pores that can lead to acne breakouts or worsen current skin conditions.
Although not everyone needs to stay away from comedogenic ingredients, it is recommended that you use non-comedogenic products if you suffer from acne. It should be noted that because a product is non-comedogenic that doesn’t guarantee that the product will treat existing cases of acne, they simply have a better chance of not blocking pores that create breakouts. Some examples of non-comedogenic include aloe vera, glycerin, jojoba oil, almond oil and others.
How Do I Choose Non-Comedogenic Products
You can interact with non-comedogenic products in most stages of your skincare routine. Beginning with your cleanser to your moisturizer. Unfortunately, the term non-comedogenic has become a selling point in the skincare industry, and it’s often used loosely. Often oil-free products are passed off as non-comedogenic, which can be misleading as not all oils are comedogenic. True non-comedogenic products share the same base as oil-free skincare products but cover a wider spectrum which sets them apart.
With this issue not being clearly defined, it helps to know some of the common natural ingredients to look out for. Jojoba oil, cottonseed oil, soybean oil, and sulfated castor oil have a comedogenic rate of less than five, making them less likely to clog your pores. People with oily skin tend to avoid oils, fearing that they will set back their progress, but these oils are rated friendly enough to use on acne and oil-prone skin.
On the other hand, dermatologists and specialists advise people with acne-prone skin and those who get regular blackhead breakouts to avoid denatured alcohol and emollients with a high comedogenic factor such as Isopropyl Myristate, Isopropyl Palmitate, and Isocetyl stearate. Also high on this red flag list are cocoa butter, wheat germ oil, and avocado oil.
How Do Non-Comedogenic Products Help My Skin
The major plus of non-comedogenic products is that they don’t clog your pores. This improves your overall skin well-being as clear pores have their own benefits.
With clear pores, you have a one up against acne. These products are not magic, and we can’t confidently claim that they will take care of all acne. Nevertheless, research indicates that residue trapped in the skin pores is a major cause of acne, whiteheads, pimples, and blackheads. While reducing the comedogenic factor in your skincare products won’t get rid of acne entirely, it’s a bold step in prevention.
Other products work better. When your skin pores are blocked with residue, it’s difficult for other products such as moisturizers and cleansers to penetrate. However, when your pores are open, your skin can easily absorb useful elements from your natural products.
Your skin becomes smoother. A major side effect of clogged skin is pimples, blackheads and other issues that leave your skin looking rough. This comes from sebum, dirt residue, or dead skin cells in the pores. Getting rid of all these irritants will give you a smooth appearance and an even skin tone.
Do They Work For All Skin Types
The paradox with face care products is that they can give varying results for different skin types. Non-comedogenic products work best with oily skin as their main benefit is unblocking clogged pores. People with acne-prone skin may also find these products helpful. However, this is not a one fits all analysis, and your experience may differ even if you have oily skin.
On the other hand, if you have dry skin, you may want to avoid non-comedogenic products as they have little oil quantity. The effects of non-comedogenic products on sensitive skin are not clearly defined yet. We advise you to seek help from a dermatologist if you have sensitive skin before switching to these products.
There’s not much to gain for those lucky to have normal skin by reducing the comedogenic factor in your products. As much as they help clear your pores, your skin is already doing a pretty good job without the extra input. Nonetheless, it doesn’t hurt to try out something new, especially when your skin can withstand the side effects.
The Final Word
Looking good and feeling confident in your skin is the goal; so finding the right products is key. We advise consulting with a dermatologist about whether non-comedogenic products are good for you and making the transition slowly if it’s recommended. Keep in mind that natural products are always better.
Have you used these products before? We’d love it if you shared your experiences with non-comedogenic products with us. Let’s interact to grow together.
