Pores are a common skin feature, but they can become troublesome when clogged.
Clogged pores occur when excess oil gets trapped by dead cells or blocked by makeup, dirt, and comedogenic ingredients, leading to acne and breakouts.
Comedogenic ingredients are notorious for aggravating these issues, especially for individuals with naturally oily skin. The science behind comedogenicity is not fully understood, but it involves interactions with sebum and the skin’s inability to shed dead cells properly.
These pore-clogging ingredients often sit on the skin’s surface, forming a barrier that traps oil, exacerbating breakouts.
Dermatologists warn against seven specific pore-clogging ingredients. Coconut oil, though beneficial in some aspects, is highly comedogenic and can trap bacteria. Petroleum jelly, popularized by the slugging trend, creates a pore “traffic jam.” Cocoa butter’s high oleic acid content makes it problematic, while silicone and its derivatives are commonly found in makeup and haircare products. Lanolin, another occlusive ingredient, worsens acne, and flaxseed oil’s oleic acid concentration is also problematic. Instead, consider alternatives like shea butter, grapeseed oil, squalane, and skip the pore-clogging pitfalls for healthier skin.