Clogged pores: 7 ingredients to avoid if your skin is prone to acne

Pores: We all have these tiny openings in our skin to release sweat and oil, but for some people, they can be more temperamental than others. Or rather, clogged pores happen more often to some of us than others.

Clogged pores occur when oil doesn't or can't pass through them properly, says a board-certified dermatologist. Geeta Yadav, MD.

"Typically, this is caused by the overproduction of oil, which is then trapped by dead skin cells that have not properly shed from the pore lining. Makeup, dirt and/or comedogenic ingredients can also block the pore and prevent this flow. Comedogenic is basically a word for clogging the pores, and while these types of ingredients are not the only cause of acne and breakouts. There are several factors, they certainly won't help the situation."

Pore-clogging ingredients make it much more likely that pimples will form," says a board-certified dermatologist. Rachel Nazarian, MD.

"In someone who has naturally oily skin or harbors the bacteria that causes acne, using these ingredients is like adding gas to the fire. It's a dangerous combination that can exacerbate acne and cause constant breakouts."

So what makes an ingredient likely to clog your pores? Short answer: we don't really know for sure. "Comedogenicity is not fully understood," says Yadav. "In some cases, ingredients may interact poorly with your sebum, making it thicker, while other ingredients are too thick for the sebum to pass through."

At this stage, pore-clogging ingredients are usually occlusive, adds a board-certified dermatologist. Mélanie PalmierMD. They sit on the skin, forming a seal that ends up trapping oil, especially when someone has oily skin to begin with. Palm also points out that some pore-clogging ingredients add more oil to the skin, causing the cells to stick and adhere more tightly instead of coming off the pore lining as they usually should.

Now that you understand why comedogenic ingredients can increase your breakouts, it's time to learn which ones to specifically avoid.

Here's a non-exhaustive list of seven ingredients that tend to leave the and that dermatologists say are worth avoiding if you're prone to acne.

1. Mineral oil
2. Coconut oil
3. Shea butter
4. Palm oil
5. Soybean oil
6. Beeswax
7. Sunflower oil

However, it is important to note that the comedogenic effects of these ingredients can vary depending on their concentration in products and each person's individual sensitivity. Therefore, it is recommended that you consult a dermatologist if you have specific skin problems or concerns related to cosmetic ingredients.