7 Pore-Clogging Ingredients to Avoid if Your Skin Is Acne-Prone

7 Pore-Clogging Ingredients to Avoid if Your Skin Is Acne-Prone

Introduction

If you have acne-prone skin, avoiding these common ingredients can keep your pores clean and healthy.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a detergent that's used in many commercial products. It's an irritant to the skin and can cause irritation, redness, rashes and acne breakouts.

Parabens

Parabens are preservatives that are added to many products, including shampoos and lotions. It's important to note that parabens have been linked to breast cancer in some studies.

Parabens can also be found in other products such as deodorants, body wash, moisturizers and makeup — they're used as preservatives because they last longer than alcohols or vegetable gums do when exposed to moisture (which causes them to lose their potency). While paraben levels may not be high enough on their own for concern about acne-prone skin types like yours (or mine), it's still something you should look out for when shopping around town!

Propylene Glycol (also used as a chemical solvent and a food preservative)

Propylene glycol is a chemical solvent and food preservative. It's found in many cosmetics, including moisturizers, shampoos, deodorants and soaps. Propylene glycol can cause skin irritation and allergy reactions as well as asthma attacks in some people.

Some of the side effects from propylene glycol include:

Skin irritation/allergy/irritation of mucous membranes (e.g., mouth)

Headache

Dizziness

Nausea

Other symptoms include vomiting or diarrhea followed by abdominal cramps after eating food that contains high doses of propylene glycol such as salad dressings or marinades for meat.* Muscle weakness

Artificial dyes

Artificial dyes are used to color foods and cosmetics. They're also found in a wide variety of products, including:

Cosmetics such as lipsticks and nail polish, which can be absorbed by the skin and cause irritation or allergic reactions. Some dyes can stain your teeth if you eat them, too!

Foods like pretzels, cereal boxes, candy wrappers—you name it! The list goes on. The point is that artificial colors aren't good for your health; they're just designed to make everything look better (and more fun).

Synthetic Fragrance

Synthetic fragrances are made from chemicals, and they can cause allergic reactions. They also cause skin irritation, headaches and respiratory problems.

If you are acne-prone and have sensitive skin, it's important to avoid these ingredients:

Alcohols and Alkalis in Soaps and Shampoos

Alcohols and alkalis are also known to be pore-clogging ingredients. These can be derived from natural or synthetic sources, which means they’re not necessarily harmful in themselves but they may contribute to the development of acne by drying out your skin and making it more sensitive to bacteria.

Alcohols are found in soaps, shampoos, hair conditioners, and other personal care products like cleansers or toners. Alkalis such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) are commonly used as surfactants in cleansers; these ingredients strip away moisture from the outer layer of your skin so that you can better see what's on top of it—but this also means that you're stripping away moisture from deeper layers too!

If you have sensitive skin, avoid over-the-counter acne treatments and prescription medications that may exacerbate your condition.

If you have sensitive skin, avoid over-the-counter acne treatments and prescription medications that may exacerbate your condition.

Avoid harsh chemicals: Many over-the-counter products contain alcohols and other ingredients that can dry out your skin.

Use products with natural ingredients: These are gentler on your face because they don't contain as much preservative or fragrances to keep them stable in the bottle for longer periods of time. They also work more effectively than chemical formulas do by delivering more active ingredients directly into pores where they're needed most—not just on top of the surface like some cosmetics do (think foundation).

Use products that are non-comedogenic: This means they won't clog up pores with built up matter from dead cells inside our bodies; instead, these kinds of formulas help prevent breakouts by keeping sebum production under control so it doesn't cause clogging first!

Conclusion

A good skincare routine is key to keeping your skin clear, but it’s important to use the right products and avoid harmful ingredients. Finding the perfect regimen can be a challenge, but with these tips you should be able to get started on the right foot!