Why Should You Choose Non-Comedogenic Skincare?

Most of us have peered into the mirror in the morning and gawked at the size of our pores and the appearance of our blemishes. Clogged pores can make the skin look dull and lifeless, and we’re not a fan. And nobody wants a host of unwanted breakouts, whiteheads, and spots across their complexion.

One way to combat clogged pores is to choose skincare products that are labeled as non-comedogenic. But what exactly does the term mean?

Keep reading to learn more about non-comedogenic products and why you should invest in them.

What Is Non-Comedogenic Skincare?

The big question is – what is non-comedogenic skincare?

Simply put, non-comedogenic products don’t contain ingredients that are likely to clog pores.

Using products labeled as non-comedogenic is one of the best ways to avoid noticeably large pores and unwanted breakouts.

However, it’s essential to know that even if a product is labeled non-comedogenic, there’s still a chance it may cause breakouts for some people.

Why Do You Need Non-Comedogenic Skincare?

If you suffer from blemishes, congestion, or acne, non-comedogenic skincare is definitely worth exploring. Typically blemish-prone skin types are more affected by comedogenic products because the sebaceous glands create more sebum than other skin types.

Add a load of make-up, creams, and other lotions and potions that further block the pores, and you can say hello to breakouts and blemishes.

With so many chemical exfoliants on the market promising perfectly smooth skin, it’s no wonder we’ve become a little heavy-handed with the skincare acids.

Many patients who overuse chemical exfoliants and acids are the ones who are more likely to develop blackheads. If your barrier function is affected, your skin can’t effectively distribute oils.

When you use ingredients that are richer and heavier, the product simply sits on top of the surface cells and creates clogged pores.

Remember, using chemical exfoliants and acids once or twice a week is usually enough, depending on your skin type.

Another offender is the combination of wearing a robust, long-wear foundation and then needing to double-cleanse to remove it. This practice can also lead to dull, bumpy, and clogged skin.

What Ingredients Should You Avoid?

When it comes to comedogenic skincare, the red flags you should look out for include coconut oil, denatured alcohol, and emollients like isopropyl myrisate, isocetyl stearate, and isopropyl palmitate. These emollients are found in hair care and can leave bumps along the hairline and shoulders – not ideal.

Always remember to cleanse your skin after using shampoo and conditioner to further avoid breakouts.

A good rule to remember is that if you wouldn’t eat it, you shouldn’t use it on your face. Even though some products may smell heavenly, edible ingredients tend to clog the pores.

Ingredients like beeswax, cocoa butter, almond oil, glycerin, and avocado oil are all big no-gos for skin prone to blemishes and congestion.

Our Top Picks

Fortunately, there are plenty of high-quality non-comedogenic skincare products on the market.

Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial

This triple-exfoliating facial is proven to smooth the skin’s texture as effectively as a microdermabrasion facial in one use. The bonus is that it doesn’t contain any ingredients likely to clog your pores.

The exfoliation lifts away dead skin cells, boosting radiance and reducing the appearance of dark spots and an uneven skin tone. Follow up with a serum or treatment for the best skincare benefits.

Of course, nothing replaces a professional in-house facial, but this exfoliating formula is the next best thing. Skin is left radiant and healthy-looking.

The gold-stabilized vitamin C provides antioxidant defense and brightening benefits, while the color-changing formula displays even application to make exfoliation effective and gentle.

Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer

The DermalogicaHydrablur Primer reduces the appearance of fine lines and pores while hydrating and brightening the skin. It’s lightweight and non-greasy, too, so you don’t need to worry about that unwanted shininess many primers deliver.

H20Release Complex and Abyssinian Oil deliver intense, sustained-release hydration that locks in moisture.

Apply over your moisturizer and before your foundation for a long-lasting make-up finish. Skin is left looking flawless and silky-smooth.

Obagi Tinted Physical Defense SPF 50

The powerful Obagi Tinted Physical Defense SPF 50 sunscreen is mineral-based with strong UVA and UVB protection to defend against free radicals.

Blended with antioxidants, the formula is lightly tinted to blend into various skin tones and complexions easily. And as the product is non-comedogenic, you don’t have to worry about the development of large pores that many sunscreens tend to contribute to.

Do you want more skincare advice? Here’s how to deal with dry and flaky skin if you’re suffering from a dry and flaky complexion.