Who doesn’t want crystal clear skin without clogged pores and breakouts? Sometimes it is as simple as the products that you use on your face. You always want to choose your moisturizer carefully. Make sure the label says that it is “non-acnegenic” or “non-comedogenic”. This meant that it will not clog your pores or lead to break outs.
What to Avoid in a Moisturizer
Lanolin is a no-no. Lanolin is actually nothing more than an oil which has been taken from the wool of a lamb. It does soften the skin and moisturize, but it can also reap havoc on those with acne prone skin. It will clog pored without a doubt.
Red Dyes (D7C) and Pigments
There are some dyes that have been approved by the FDA, but these dyes are horrible for anyone with sensitive skin. These are D&C Red #40 and D&C Red #9, so be sure you are looking at the ingredients in your moisturizer. All D7C red dyes should be avoided if possible as they will clog pores and lead to breakouts.
Steric Acids
These nasty culprits are disguised as Isopropyl Myristate in the list of ingredients and it is a serious skin offender! Surprisingly it is in many of our cosmetics and moisturizers. You may also find it listed as isopropyl palmitate, isocetyl stearate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl isostearate or butyl stearate.
What about Sulfates, Alcohol and Fragrances?
This is something that you will find in a foaming cleanser, but you may find it in some moisturizers too. Fragrances are also too harsh and lead to pore clogging. Cetyl alcohol should also be avoided as it can cote the skin causing clogs.
Are Occlusives Bad for Sensitive Skin?
Sure they are! They block your pores, and skin needs to breathe. This will lead to pore clogging and ultimately breakouts. You will find these listed in the ingredients as cocoa butter, sesame oil and petrolatum.
Non-Comogendic Ingredients that Clog Pores
- Hexadecyl
- Algae
- Isoproply
- Isocetyl
- Isopropyl
- Myristyl
- Laureth
- Potassium
- Octyl
- Red
- Sodium Lauryl
- Sodium Chloride
- Wheat Germ Oil
There are a plethora of moisturizers out there, so finding a good one is a personal journey that really pays off. Simply make sure the one you choose id oil free and free of the above ingredients.
Some Good Moisturizers for Your Sensitive Skin
With all of this talk on what not to use, knowing where to start in the journey of finding what to use is pretty essential. Some moisturizers that have been suggested by professionals and consumers like you are easier found that you may think. Remember, everyone’s skin is different, so keep searching until you find your perfect moisturizer. Some suggestions are as follows.
- Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel
- Lacto Calamine Skin Balance Oil Control Nourishing Lotion
- L’Oreal Dermo Expertise HYDRAFRESH All Day Hydration Aqua-Essence
Some moisturizers may contain oil, but oil does not equal acne. If you are using an oil based moisturizer you will wash your face after about 20 minutes of application. It is fighting bad oil with healthy oil. This will not clog your pores and your skin will have a beautiful and healthy glow.
