What does non comedogenic mean on a moisturizer?

What does pore clogging actually mean?

A comedone is a pore or hair follicle plugged with skin oil, called sebum, and dead skin cells. Closed comedones are whiteheads; open comedones are blackheads. These bumps often appear on the forehead and chin. Non comedogenic describes pore clogging rather than acne treatment, which is a lot of syllables for one job. A moisturizer carrying the label belongs in the moisturizing part of your routine; existing clogged pores can need treatment that helps clear them.345

What else should you look for?

For skin prone to clogged pores, look for an oil free, water based, non comedogenic moisturizer. Check fragrance separately: choose a fragrance free product and avoid essential oils if irritation is a concern. Fragrances and essential oils can irritate skin, and irritation can worsen acne. The phrases non comedogenic and non acnegenic are useful shopping clues, but you still need to watch how your skin responds. A higher price is not a requirement for effective skincare, even if the jar looks ready for a board meeting.123

Do you need moisturizer if your skin is oily?

Yes. Moisturizer helps trap water in your skin, and oily skin still needs moisturizing. Moisturizers can attract water, reduce water loss and smooth spaces between skin flakes. Those are moisturizing functions, not the same thing as treating acne. Some moisturizers also contain acne treatment ingredients, so read the rest of the label rather than choosing by the words non comedogenic alone.26

How should you introduce and apply it?

1. 1Try the new moisturizer on a small area of your face for a week. If you notice itching, burning or breakouts, do not move on to applying it across your face.
2. 2Introduce only one new product at a time so you can identify which product is responsible for a reaction.
3. 3Cleanse gently before applying skincare. Limit face washing to twice daily and after sweating, rather than repeatedly washing away oil.
4. 4Apply moisturizer to damp skin to help trap water. For skin prone to comedones, wash and moisturize morning and night, and after exercise.
5. 5Use sun protection during the day. If your moisturizer includes sunscreen, choose broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

What if you also use acne medication?

Acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide and retinoids can cause dryness and irritation. Moisturizer can help manage that discomfort. For dry, tight skin after a leave on acne product, layering moisturizer on top is an option. If you use a prescribed retinoid, follow your dermatologist's instructions: they sometimes advise moisturizer first to reduce irritation. Do not change the medication amount or frequency without their help.156

What if you still break out?

If you suspect a moisturizer is causing breakouts, remove it from your routine for two weeks and watch for fewer new spots. Change one product at a time, because a routine overhaul makes every bottle a suspect. Acne also involves factors such as hormones and genetics, so continued breakouts are not automatically a moisturizer problem.13

Do not use the moisturizer label as a timetable for clearing acne. Comedonal acne treatment can take eight to 12 weeks to show a difference and many months to clear. See a healthcare provider if your treatment plan is not giving you the results you want, or if medication causes side effects. Avoid squeezing clogged pores yourself, which can cause scars, infection and further damage.3