If you have oily or acne-prone skin, clogged pores are your worst enemy. Clogged pores are the result of dead skin, excess oils, dirt and debris getting trapped in your skin.
Clogged pores or non-Inflammatory acne or can look like:
Blackheads or open comedones are typically a small plug of darkened sebum and dead skin cells that fills the opened pore.
Whiteheads or closed comedones are an accumulation of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria blocked by a layer of skin.
Now that we know what clogged pores are, let's talk about pore clogging ingredients.
Ingredients that clog your pores are high on the comedogenic scale. This is a scale that ranks products from 0-5, 0 being it won't clog your pores and 5 having a higher likely chance of clogging your pores.
1. Coconut Oil: Rated 4 On The Comedogenic Scale
Coconut oil is one of the heavier oils. The heavier the oil, the harder it is to absorb into the skin. It essentially sits on top of the surface and forms a film over the skin restricting anything from penetrating in or out of the skin. This results in bacteria and dead skin cells getting trapped, causing the body to produce excess sebum, which can result in acne.
2. Cocoa Butter: Rated 4 On The Comedogenic Scale
Cocoa butter is a fatty acid. Because of its chemical structure, the molecules of the ingredient are packed very tightly together. Similar to coconut oil, the fat in cocoa butter forms a protective barrier over skin. If you’re oily or acne prone- cocoa butter is best used on the body than on the face.
3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: Rated 5 On The Comedogenic Scale
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS is a low cost surfactant. Surfactants are responsible for removing dirt and oils from the skin and are found in many products such as dental care, hair, bath and skincare. Throughout studies, SLS has been found to irritate the skin. If a person is sensitive to SLS, they may find the area that has been in contact is red, dry, scaly or itchy.
The best way to avoid clogged pores is to check the ingredients of your skincare products against a comedogenic scale like this one. But also, being consistent with your skincare routine and getting monthly facials! If you're in Brooklyn and dealing with clogged pores, book a facial with us at our skin studio and we’ll help achieve your skin goals!