Pore-Cloggers Exposed The Recommended by “the Experts” Edition
These popular skincare lines contain staples we see time and time again in our new acne clients' product lineups. While they come often recommended by a doctor or the internet, the truth is that they contain ingredients that will make your skin break out over time.
Dermatologists cover a wide range of skin conditions and diseases, so trust an acneologist when it comes to looking for acne-safe products. An acneologist is an aesthetican that specializes in acne and results-driven skincare and treatments. We only work with facial modalities and skincare and we touch your face and get to know your skin, this makes us experts in our craft! Here are our top five (and, unfortunately, way too common) pore-cloggers that are sworn by “the experts'' to work.
5. Elta MD
This sunscreen line is recommended by dermatologists and influencers alike. While we do love any SPF that you agree to wear every day, the problem is that an SPF that contains pore-clogging ingredients perpetuates the myth that sunscreen breaks you out. But, the sunscreen agents themselves are never pore-clogging, it’s actually a separate ingredient in the sunscreen that is to blame. While some of Elta MD’s SPF products may be acne-safe, it’s too risky that you will choose (or get sampled) the wrong one.
Biggest Offender:
Elta MD UV Glow Broad Spectrum SPF 36. It contains isopropyl myristate which ranks 5 out of 5 on the pore-clogging scale. This will most likely cause deep, inflamed breakouts.
4. PanOxyl
Our skin hurts just thinking about using these abrasive (and outdated) products. We love pretty, glowing skin. Not only will these types of products make your skin irritated, but they also can contain cheap filler ingredients that will clog your pores. How can they get away with that? It takes months for comedones (pimples) to form. And sometimes, your skin may get better before it breaks out again – so you won’t know to blame your products, especially if a doctor recommends them.
Biggest Offender:
Both their cleansers (Acne Foaming Wash and Acne Creamy Wash) contain palmitic acid which is an emollient that ranks 3 out of 5 on the pore-clogging scale. Even though they may not be a 5, we call these products out because they are given specifically to save acne-prone skin. All the benzoyl peroxide in the world won’t help you if the formulation is also filled with pore-cloggers.
3. Rodan + Fields
Always beware of a kit that will claim to give you “the best skin of your life”. While Rodan + Fields may give off a vibe of medical-grade skincare, it is quite the opposite – it’s a pyramid scheme that is sold by people who know little to nothing about skincare. When you get multiple products as a set, you risk using some ingredients that will clog your pores. Again, if this is the first time you are using a regimen you may see improvements and think the products “stopped working” or your skin “got used to them,” when in fact it was these icky ingredients that just gave you your pimples back.
Biggest Offender:
Their Acne Treatment Sulfur Wash has sodium laureth sulfate (3 out of 5) and cetearyl alcohol and ceteareth 20 (4 out of 5). That’s a 2-for-1 on pore-cloggers!
2. Walgreens Brand Acne Products
Here is another medicine sold specifically to treat acne that will end up feeding acne bacteria over time. These topicals with harmful ingredients are a dime a dozen. Plus, they come with irritated skin. Let a professional pick a regimen that will give your bright, clear, hydrated skin and ditch these cheap formulations.
Biggest Offender:
With only 5 ingredients and one of them being a 5 out of 5 (Laureth-4), Walgreens Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Gel is best left on the shelf.
1. Acne Prescriptions
Tretinoin is a drug that is made from vitamin A that is marketed to fix a variety of skin conditions, including acne. It, unfortunately, most often comes in the form of a cream under a variety of names – that will all clog your pores. While the gel version is an acne-safe option, sometimes insurances don’t cover it or it can be too irritating to use regularly. Retinols can be really helpful for acne though, ask your aesthetician if there is one they would recommend.
Biggest Offender:
Tretinoin cream contains isopropyl myristate, which is one of the most pore-clogging ingredients there is. Why is it in the ingredient deck? It makes the formula more moisturizing… and also more cost-effective for the drug companies that produce it.