Beauty clinic: Products that won't cause breakouts

Rachel Marie Walsh answers your beauty dilemmas.

Q. How can I be certain a product won’t cause breakouts?

A. Gauging a product’s breakout potential can be tricky, especially as there are no regulatory standards for the terms “non-acnegenic” or “non-comedogenic”.

Neither does the label “oil-free” guarantee clear skin.

Oils are not the only ingredients that leave your face feeling greasy or occluded and some of those beneficial to skin are not terribly rich or fatty in texture (e.g. cherry, aloe, grapeseed).

Label terms to search while shopping for spot-prone skin are “fragrance-free” and “alcohol-free,” as both substances encourage irritation that exacerbates excess oil-production and slows the fade of post-spot marks.

The second thing to examine is texture.

Light serums and non-sticky gels; water-based lotions and milky toners are good buys, as they keep skin calm and comfortable without adding to your natural surface oils.

Avoid cleansing wipes and opt for unfragranced micellar water or a water-based wash like Simple Kind to Skin Vital Vitamin Foaming Cleanser, €6.49 at Boots.ie.

Abrasive scrubs can damage skin’s natural moisture barrier and, again, irritate to the point of stimulating excess oil production.

Rather than slough your way to uniform pores, try a serum like La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Anti-Blemish Cream, €17.99, which refines skin gradually while killing acne-causing bacteria with benzoyl peroxide.

Sun protection is vital no matter what your skin type.

It leaves residue of necessity (UV filters need to lay atop the skin). Combat pore-blockage with light layers instead of one thick shield, e.g. SPF primer + SPF Foundation + SPF powder = adequate protection.

Carry a blotting sheet-compact like Clarins Pore Perfecting and Mattifying Kit, €34, if you prefer a more natural finish.