Everyone talks about noncomedogenic products, but not all of us know what that means. But when you’re trying to take care of your skin, it’s good to have an idea. Before I talk about what exactly a noncomedogenic product is, it’s important to define what comedones are. Comedones are clogged pores. When they’re closed off, they’re whiteheads, and when they’re open, they’re blackheads. These little pests are incredibly tricky to get rid of. Of course, you can always squeeze them out or apply a pore strip, but physical removal of comedones only makes your pores larger, so it’s much easier for them to reform. Not to mention that picking at them can lead to redness, infection or scarring. So, let’s avoid that.
It’s also tough to find pore-cleansing products that actually work. As someone who’s been trying to get rid of my blackheads for about ten years, I’ve probably spent hundreds of dollars on products that didn’t help. I even tried facials and had prescriptions from all kinds of dermatologists, but my skin was still the same. The one thing I never thought about was a preventative approach. That’s where noncomedogenic products come in.
The term “noncomedogenic” is used to describe skin care products and cosmetics that are formulated to avoid causing blocked pores. These products do not contain comedogens, which are ingredients that tend to clog pores and cause comedones and other skin problems such as acne. Here’s a list of comedogens, but instead of combing through the ingredients list of every cosmetic or skin care product you buy, a simple search for noncomedogenic products will show you some of the best options out there.
Switching to these has drastically improved the overall appearance of my skin. Since they don’t form comedones, my existing blackheads eventually dried up without any new ones appearing. These are a few of the noncomedogenic products I love:
NARS Purifying Foam Cleanser
I use this first thing in the morning and after I take my makeup off at night. I love this because it’s very effective at removing dirt, oil, makeup, and anything else that might be on my skin. It’s also a gentle exfoliant, and it’s abrasive enough to remove dead skin but not so harsh as to cause irritation.
Caudalie Moisturizing Toner
I have dry, sensitive skin, so I use this toner to keep my skin hydrated. It’s also useful for strengthening skin and balancing the pH of the skin’s surface, which will boost the effectiveness of your entire skincare routine. Plus, it’ll work for all skin types.
Glossier Priming Moisturizer
This moisturizer also doubles as a makeup primer, which is great because that means one less product you have to remember to use. Again, I have very dry skin, so I love this because it always leaves my skin feeling extra hydrated and soft.
Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation
After years of searching for the perfect foundation, I have officially fallen in love with this one. It stays all day long, it’s very easy to apply and it blends well with other products like concealers. It’s also a beautiful matte with a subtle glow, and they have 56 shades available to choose from. It’s worth noting that it’s listed as non-acnegenic (meaning it won’t cause acne or breakouts) rather than noncomedogenic, but either way it won’t clog your pores.