Non Comedogenic Products: What This Means And Why They’re Important

Let’s face it. No matter your age or your gender, you like to have clear skin free from blackheads, zits, bumps, and acne. Adolescents are most susceptible to these ravages due to hormones, excess oil, and bacteria collecting on skin surfaces. As we get older, the frequency of these episodes is reduced, but they can still happen. We always wonder why. The answer may be to become acquainted with non comedogenic products: what this means and why they’re important.

Woman washing her face and smiling

Clogged Pores At Any Age

No matter how perfect your skin, you are aware of clogged pores and what they can do to your skin. They are known as comedones.

You know immediately as that bump becomes red and swells that it’s the beginning of a clogged pore and ultimately an ugly zit or blackhead. Unfortunately, if you have one, there will be multiples.

We know it’s important to clean our skin every night and remove all makeup to prevent those ugly clogged pores. What if we are using products on our skin that actually exacerbate the problem. Many of us do.

Non Comedogenic Products

A non comedogenic product is defined as one which:

Is less likely to cause pore blockage and breakouts and can reduce the number of comedones and breakouts.

Obviously if you have oily skin and/or you have lots of comedones and breakouts, look for products which are non comedogenic. It will be on the labels.

The Rating Scale

Certain oils are rated on a scale of 1 to 4. For example, sunflower oil has a comedogenic rating of 1. This means it is unlikely to clog pores. However, coconut oil has a rating of 4 meaning it is more likely to clog pores.

Non comedogenic oils are used alone or in other facial products. Sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, castor oil, rosehip oil, safflower oil, and shea butter are some of the best.

Benefits of Non Comedogenic Ingredients

  • Smoothes uneven skin that doesn’t absorb moisturizer or foundation well.
  • Reduces the appearance of dull skin and restores a natural glow
  • Reduces visible signs of aging by keeping pores clean
  • Promotes an even skin tone

Cautions

Although non comedogenic ingredients are beneficial for most skin types, they are not for everyone. Check with Goodless Dermatology if you are unsure.

Anyone with oily skin should look carefully at labels and be using non comedogenic products. Even in your 20s and 30s, try to avoid comedogenic products. If you have uneven texture or wear a lot of makeup, stay away from comedogenic products and check the ingredients in your foundation.

Contact Goodless Dermatology at (407) 566-1616 if you are unsure about the products you are using and would like some non comedogenic recommendations.