We are hearing more and more about comedogenic ingredients, a complex term that refers to ingredients that clog the pores of the skin and cause blemishes. This phenomenon involves many nuances since its effects do not attack all skin types in the same way, but attack the most oily or impure skin, as well as the composition of the product, since water dilutes most of the cases the comedogenic effect. With this post we are going to reveal some doubts about this term.
First of all, we are going to explain what a comedogenic substance is.
Definition of comedogenic ingredients
A comedogenic product is one that produces imperfections (blackheads, pimples, pimples) because it clogs the skin pores. There can be several causes that block the pores and favor the appearance of blackheads and one of the most prominent factors is excess oil.
Once explained, it must be distinguished from acnegenic substances, which are substances that cause or provoke the appearance of papules (red pimples) or pustules (pus) and are produced by follicular irritation within a period of 48 to 72 hours after being applied. applied the substance that caused such irritation.
What are the products with comedogenic ingredients?
There are many cosmetic products that can cause comedogenic effects. That is, they clog the pores, increasing sebum production and giving rise to the appearance of blackheads. These can be, for example, oils of mineral origin or synthetic oils (vaseline, paraffin, silicones, etc.).
Similarly, beeswax, wheat germ oil, cetyl alcohol, lanolin, as well as some other products of natural origin, used in amounts that are NOT adequate or not diluted with water, could also clog the pores.
In general, water tends to dilute comedogenic molecules, with the exception of sulfur, which, even in small amounts, is still comedogenic.
Therefore, it is difficult to determine whether a product will not have comedogenic effects because it varies depending on the person's skin type, the amount of each ingredient as well as its amount of water.
Does La Chinata use comedogenic ingredients?
It is important to note that we use natural ingredients diluted in water in the appropriate percentages, as well as some of non-natural origin that are also diluted in water and in the appropriate percentages so that the products are not comedogenic, although the truth is that there are very oily skin types. or reactive that can manifest this behavior at any given time.
Not even studies on comedogenic ingredients could guarantee the same reaction in all skin types, since especially oily skin is the most reactive to suffer these effects.
However, it is important to follow the recommendations for use of all cosmetic products. That is, if for example a body oil It is recommended for the body, as it is a greasy oil-based product, it is designed and intended exclusively for the body and its use on the face, especially on certain skin types, could cause a comedogenic reaction. This does not mean that these are comedogenic oils, hence the importance of using each product where appropriate.
The 5 basic keys of comedogenic ingredients:
- Heavy Oils: Oils that are very heavy or greasy, such as mineral oil or coconut oil, can clog pores and contribute to comedones. It is better to choose lighter oils like jojoba oil or grapeseed oil.
- Silicones: Silicones are very common in skin care products, but some can be comedogenic. Silicones can trap dirt and sebum in your pores, which can lead to the formation of blackheads. Some non-comedogenic silicones include dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane.
- Lanolin: Lanolin is an ingredient derived from sheep's wool that is often found in skin care products. However, it is also comedogenic and can clog pores. It is best to avoid products that contain lanolin if you are prone to comedones.
- Alcohol: Some types of alcohol, such as isopropyl alcohol, can be comedogenic and over-drying the skin. Although some skin care products contain alcohol, it's best to avoid them if you have acne-prone skin.
- Fragrances: Artificial fragrances can be irritating to the skin and contribute to the formation of comedones. It is better to opt for products without fragrances or with natural fragrances such as essential oils.
