SPF AND SKIN CONGESTION

Can facial SPFs cause skin congestion? How?

Some sunscreen SPFs can increase skin congestion as a dermatologist, especially those with comedogenic ingredients. The mineral sunscreen tends to stay on the skin layer, eventually clogging and triggering pimples. Oily sunscreens take time to absorb on the skin and cause pore-clogging too. Water-resistant sunscreens can also cause congestion as they tend to hold sweat in the pores triggering skin breakouts and bumps.

If you wear SPF daily, are there any changes you should make to your skincare routine?

I suggest you opt for sunscreens that are not water-resistant and suit your skin type.

Use a soft tissue to gently clear oil traces on the skin after wearing sunscreen.

Exfoliate and cleanse the skin daily at night after removing sunscreen using the right products.

Add a cleansing mask containing salicylic acid to the skincare routine.

What should you not do to congested skin?

I strongly advise you to avoid scratching, popping, or picking the congested skin manually. Limit your intake of processed foods and those high in sugars. Avoid using comedogenic and other harsh products.

If an SPF is labeled non-comedogenic, why can it lead to congested skin?

In most cases, if you experience skin congestion after using non-comedogenic SPFs, it might be due to applying sunscreen on dirty skin, frequent accumulation of natural oil and sweat, or lack of thorough cleansing after removing sunscreen.

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Ieva Kubiliute

Psychologist and a Sex and Relationships Advisor at shopgiejo.com

Ieva Kubiliute is a psychologist and a sex and relationships advisor and a freelance writer. She's also a consultant to several health and wellness brands. While Ieva specialises in covering wellness topics ranging from fitness and nutrition, to mental wellbeing, sex and relationships and health conditions, she has written across a diverse range of lifestyle topics, including beauty and travel. Career highlights so far include: luxury spa-hopping in Spain and joining an £18k-a-year London gym. Someone’s got to do it! When she’s not typing away at her desk—or interviewing experts and case studies, Ieva winds down with yoga, a good movie and great skincare (affordable of course, there’s little she doesn’t know about budget beauty). Things that bring her endless joy: digital detoxes, oat milk lattes and long country walks (and sometimes jogs).

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