Why choose non-comedogenic skincare?
To rebalance the skin over time and help fight blemishes, opt for non-comedogenic skincare. These products avoid formulas that clog pores and occlusive agents that can encourage the formation of comedones.
PATYKA Advanced Research answers your questions and shares the targeted skincare routine to adopt for beautiful, clear-looking skin.
What is a non-comedogenic product?
The term “comedogenic” comes from the word “comedone” and refers to an ingredient’s tendency to clog the sebaceous glands responsible for producing sebum. Comedogenic substances can contribute to various skin concerns:
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Open comedones, also known as blackheads. Their dark colour is caused by the oxidation of sebum.
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Closed comedones, which develop beneath the surface of the skin and appear as small white bumps.
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Enlarged pores, which make skin texture appear more visible and uneven.
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Acne, which can appear as painful, swollen red spots or persistent whiteheads.
A non-comedogenic skincare product therefore does not encourage the appearance of spots or other blemishes. Its texture and formula help limit the formation of comedones without clogging pores. Non-comedogenic cosmetics are particularly suitable for blemish-prone and acne-prone skin.
How to recognise blemish-prone skin?
Unlike dry or normal skin, combination and oily skin is naturally more prone to blemishes. It is characterised by excessive sebum production, also known as hyperseborrhoea. The skin tends to be thicker and uneven, with an oily shine across the entire face in oily skin, or concentrated on the T-zone – forehead, nose, and chin – in combination skin.
The result: the microbial flora, known as the “microbiome”, which forms the skin’s first line of defence, becomes unbalanced. The epidermis is then more exposed to bacterial proliferation.
What triggers skin blemishes?
It all begins in the sebaceous glands, which produce sebum. They protect the skin from dryness and help maintain its suppleness and health. However, certain factors can cause them to become overactive and produce too much sebum. The skin can no longer breathe properly and pores become enlarged, leading to spots, blackheads, whiteheads, acne, and microcysts.
Although some skin types are naturally more prone to blemishes, skin type is not the only factor involved. External factors can also exacerbate these concerns.
Hormonal changes
Hormones play an important role in the body and influence the development of the sebaceous glands. Hormonal imbalances – during the menstrual cycle, puberty, or pregnancy, for example – can therefore directly affect the skin and lead to excessive sebum production. Certain medications, such as the contraceptive pill, can also alter hormone levels.
Poor skin hygiene
Morning and evening, it is essential to cleanse the face thoroughly with suitable, gentle skincare to avoid aggravating these concerns. Avoid touching your face or blemishes with unwashed hands. If you use make-up brushes, remember to wash them regularly to help prevent bacterial proliferation.
Environmental factors
Air pollution, including fine particles and smoke, causes oxidative stress, which alters the composition of sebum. These pollutants accumulate on the surface of the epidermis, encouraging the formation of comedones.
An unbalanced diet, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of sleep, and stress can also stimulate sebum production and exacerbate blemishes.
How to choose non-comedogenic skincare
Daily skincare can form an occlusive film on the skin to hydrate it and protect it from external aggressors. However, when occlusive products are applied to blemish-prone skin, they can prevent sebum from being naturally released. To avoid exacerbating blemishes and encouraging the formation of comedones, it is therefore important to know whether your products are comedogenic or non-comedogenic.
To make the right choice, consider several criteria:
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Where does the ingredient appear on the ingredient list? Pay particular attention to the first 7 to 8 ingredients, as these are often present in the highest concentrations.
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What type of product is it? Will it remain in contact with the skin for a long time?
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Does it contain one or more comedogenic ingredients?
It is recommended to avoid…
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Plant oils and waxes: wheat germ, coconut, argan, rosehip…
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Mineral oils and waxes: paraffinum liquidum, petrolatum, cera microcristallina, wax…
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Animal waxes: particularly beeswax
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Gums and resins: red algae, carrageenan, xanthan…
Also avoid leaving creams in direct sunlight and always check their expiry date. Ingredients can deteriorate over time or when exposed to heat and may become comedogenic.
PATYKA skincare for clear-looking skin
To help say goodbye to blemishes, combine meticulous daily cleansing with targeted purifying skincare.
The CLEAN collection for perfectly cleansed skin
Cleansing and make-up removal can often play a role in the formation of comedones. An unsuitable, ineffective, or overly abrasive cleansing routine can cause a variety of skin concerns. Blemish-prone skin is often mistakenly kept away from cleansing oils. Yet cleansing oil does not create additional shine – in fact, its texture is particularly effective at removing the oily substances already produced by the skin.
PATYKA has developed a gentle yet effective 3-step ritual that cleanses the face while respecting the skin’s natural balance.
With antioxidant and repairing benefits, this cleansing oil removes all traces of make-up – even waterproof make-up – in a single step, without leaving a greasy feel.
Its organic Jojoba Oil is also non-comedogenic. Its composition is very similar to that of sebum, making it perfectly compatible with the skin. With continued use, spots and shine appear reduced.
Formulated without soap or irritating synthetic active ingredients, the Detox Cleansing Foam removes impurities while respecting the skin’s natural balance thanks to its formula enriched with organic Moringa. This botanical active ingredient has powerful purifying properties and effectively removes pollution microparticles that can suffocate the skin.
An essential first hydrating step, it brightens the complexion and prepares the skin for the skincare that follows. This organic toner is enriched with Aloe Vera, a highly effective skin-repairing ingredient that regenerates, hydrates, and soothes the skin.
The PURE collection for perfectly balanced skin
In its laboratory, PATYKA Advanced Research has developed a collection that gently targets blemishes. Designed for combination to oily skin, these certified organic skincare products are enriched with Prebiotics to support the skin’s beneficial bacteria. They help rebalance, maintain, and stimulate the microbial flora that protects the skin while regulating daily sebum production.
It effectively removes impurities and excess sebum without drying out the skin. Its soap-free formula, enriched with melting Plant-Based Charcoal microbeads, helps unclog pores, refine skin texture, and visibly reduce blemishes in combination to oily skin.
Enriched with antibacterial Zinc and sebum-regulating organic Burdock Root, it purifies the skin while helping regulate sebum production. Plant-Based Charcoal microbeads act like magnets for impurities, while plant-derived Gluconolactone refines skin texture and tightens pores.
Highly effective and specially formulated for combination to oily skin, the Anti-Blemish Toner tightens pores and helps prevent blemishes. Its high concentration of Prebiotics and plant-derived Salicylic Acid purifies the skin and regulates sebum. Extracted from Wintergreen, Salicylic Acid is a powerful antibacterial active ingredient that stimulates skin renewal and refines skin texture.
– Intensive Anti-Blemish Serum
Specially formulated for combination to oily, acne-prone skin, this intensive treatment helps prevent and reduce blemishes while minimising the appearance of residual marks. Present at a high concentration of 10%, plant-derived Gluconolactone is a natural-origin exfoliant that refines skin texture, unclogs pores, and helps limit the formation of blemishes. Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid supports the healing of blemishes and existing marks.
– Mattifying Anti-Blemish Fluid
With its lightweight, non-sticky texture, this organic cream is an ideal ally for controlling areas of shine while providing lightweight hydration. Burdock Root, a key active ingredient in the formula, is renowned for its sebum-regulating and purifying properties. Prebiotic extracts help reduce blemishes by strengthening the skin’s microbial flora.
Once or twice a week, apply this deep-cleansing treatment to restore freshness and purity to the complexion. Its non-drying formula, infused with Zinc, effectively purifies and clarifies the skin. Plant-Based Charcoal extracts absorb toxins and tighten pores for a mattified complexion and refined skin texture.