How to choose makeup that won’t clog pores
We’ve all been there: a breakout appears, and the instinct is to reach for concealer.
But here’s the catch — the very makeup you’re using to cover that pesky pimple could be making it worse. If your products aren’t labeled non-comedogenic, they might be clogging your pores and triggering even more breakouts.
So, what’s a beauty lover to do? Before you say goodbye to your favourite makeup products, here’s how to prevent makeup-induced acne without sacrificing your glam.
What Causes Acne?
To understand how makeup causes breakouts, it’s important to first understand what typically causes acne. Usually, it’s clogged pores.
As we go through puberty (i.e our hormones go berserk), our skin’s sebaceous glands become stimulated, which produces sebum, an oil that lubricates the skin and hair. Too much of this lubricating sebum can cause pores to clog with oil and dead skin. Add bacteria into the mix and suddenly acne rears its ugly head.
How Makeup Can Make Acne Worse
Your pores are clogged with oil, dead skin and bacteria, and you’re left with a zit smack dab on your chin. Gross. Of course, your first inclination is to cover it up with tons of concealer or foundation. But wait, did you know that makeup can worsen your acne condition by clogging your pores further?
This is due to the simple fact that many formulas out there are jam packed with pore clogging oil. For this reason, you need to look for a non-comedogenic formula that will not clog your pores.
What Does Comedogenic Mean?
If you’ve ever battled clogged pores, blackheads, or whiteheads, chances are comedogenic ingredients may be to blame. Comedogenic is a term used to describe substances that are likely to clog pores, leading to breakouts and congestion. Blackheads, or open comedones, occur when pores are exposed to air and oxidize, turning dark. Whiteheads, on the other hand, are closed comedones that trap oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells beneath the surface.
Products labeled non-comedogenic are specifically formulated to avoid ingredients that block pores, making them a better choice for acne-prone or sensitive skin. Surprisingly, even some natural ingredients, like coconut oil, can be highly comedogenic. Other common pore-cloggers include certain dyes, thick emollients, and synthetic additives.
When shopping for skincare or makeup, always check the label and ingredient list to ensure it’s non-comedogenic—especially if you’re prone to breakouts or looking to maintain clear, healthy skin.
Understanding Non-Comedogenic: What to Look for on Labels
A lot of products identify themselves as “non-comedogenic,” meaning that they won’t clog your pores and contribute to acne. Make sure you read the labels carefully on the packaging for makeup, moisturisers and even face wash, and be sure to choose one that says “non-comedogenic”, “non-acnegenic”, or simply “non-pore clogging”. You can also find formulas that do double duty with salicylic acid in them, which helps fights acne. Or go with a mineral formula that’s less likely to aggravate skin and clog pores than its oily counterparts.
Tips for Concealing Acne
Dealing with a breakout? Don’t worry: covering blemishes with makeup doesn’t have to make things worse, as long as you use the right products and techniques. The golden rule? Always choose non-comedogenic makeup to avoid clogging pores and aggravating acne.
Start with clean hands. Yes, seriously. Touching your face with fingers that carry natural oils or food residue can undo all your efforts before you’ve even started. Next, apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic foundation as your base. To conceal a blemish, use a small synthetic-tipped brush (they’re easier to sanitize than natural bristles) to gently dab a dot of concealer directly onto the spot. Lightly blend it into the surrounding skin for a seamless finish.
For all-day wear, set your concealer with a mineral or non-comedogenic powder. This final step locks everything in place while keeping your skin looking fresh and not cakey. With the right routine, you can confidently cover up while letting your skin breathe.
Removing Makeup at the End of the Day
At the end of the day, make sure you wash your face to remove all the makeup before you go to bed. And no, scrubbing harder will not clear your pores fast.
Our BeKind Hydra Purifying cleanser does just the trick! This botanical-based gel cleanser harnesses the potent anti-inflammatory powers of honey and plant extracts. It maintains the skin’s ideal ph balance at 5.5, removing excess oil and impurities without drying the skin.
If your skin feels congested from layers of makeup, pollution, and long days without a proper cleanse, it might be time to hit reset with My Cozy Room’s Ultimate Pore Extraction Facial. Specially designed for clogged, acne-prone, and sensitive skin, this award-winning treatment goes beyond the surface to gently yet thoroughly extract blackheads, whiteheads, and buildup caused by heavy makeup. With a reputation for being one of the best extraction facials in Singapore, it’s the go-to solution for clearing out impurities, refining skin texture, and restoring a fresh, healthy glow without the harshness or trauma typical of extractions.
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