Skin Care Ingredients that Cause Acne

If you’re like most people who suffer from acne, you probably look for the term “non-comedogenic” when shopping for skincare products. But in many cases, this isn’t enough, as there are many other acne-causing ingredients lurking in your skincare products that can lead to breakouts. Although it takes about eight weeks for a blemish to rear its head (literally), certain ingredients can prompt a pimple within hours by irritating the hair follicle.

Since you’re prone to pimples, you probably keep an eye out for labels that say “oil-free,” but not all oils cause acne.  For example, tea tree oil can treat acne by killing bacteria on the skin. But perhaps the worst oil of all for those with acne is coconut oil, and although it smells heavenly, it can wreak havoc on your skin.

Isopropyl myristate (often used to make creams and lotions feel good on the skin) and myristyl myristate are also big no-nos for blemish-prone skin. They are often in hair products. And to be on the safe side, avoid lanolin (and its derivatives) as well. Myristyl lactate is another common ingredient in moisturizers and sunscreens, and you should keep an eye out for it as well.

So now you’re probably wondering what you can use. Keeping your skin clear is easier than you think. First of all, wash twice a day (no more!) with a salicylic acid cleanser. You can find many inexpensive options at the drugstore from Neutrogena and Clean & Clear. Then find an oil-free moisturizer with SPF 30 (you don’t have to spend a lot of money on this either), such as Purpose Dual Treatment Moisturizer with SPF 15 or 30. You can also treat your skin to bacteria-busting blue light at home with the Tria Skin Clarifying System. Lastly, talk to your dermatologist about a prescription retinoid. Not only does is keep pores clear and blemishes at bay, it helps with lines and wrinkles as well!

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