Why Is My Skincare Pilling?
Written by
May Willis
Published
Tuesday, 19 Nov 2024
11 min. read
Why trust us?
1
CottonNow is incubated at the Harvard Innovation Lab.
2
Science & data-based approach to personal care. Numbers don’t lie.
3
With 10+ years struggling with acne & skin conditions, we understand what it’s like.
Have you ever noticed your skincare products forming little clumps or balls on your skin? This frustrating phenomenon is known as "pilling," and it's a common issue many of us face. Let's dive into why your skincare might be pilling and how you can prevent it.
Ever wondered why your skincare is pilling? Learn the common causes and how to prevent this frustrating issue for a flawless routine.
I. Understanding Product-Related Skin Peeling
A. Primary Causes
Pilling occurs when skincare products don't absorb properly into the skin, leading to the formation of small clumps. Or worse, when you layer too many products on your skin, you might irritate and dry your face out, which leads to your skin peeling. This is literally the worst thing that can happen to your skin. Believe me, I have been there myself. Let's understand the basics first. Here are some primary causes of peeling:
Over-application of Active Ingredients
Using too many active ingredients can overwhelm your skin, causing products to sit on the surface rather than being absorbed.
Incompatible Product Combinations
Some products just don't play well together. Mixing incompatible ingredients can lead to pilling
Excessive Layering of Products
Applying too many layers of products can create a barrier that prevents absorption, leading to pilling.
Disrupted Skin Barrier from Harsh Ingredients
Harsh ingredients can compromise your skin's barrier, making it difficult for products to penetrate.
B. Common Symptoms
Itchy, Red, Flaky Skin Appearance
Overuse of products can irritate the skin, leading to redness and flakiness.
Tight, Uncomfortable Sensation
Your skin might feel tight and uncomfortable when products aren't absorbing properly.
Shiny Skin Without Oiliness
Over-exfoliation can make your skin look shiny but not oily, indicating a compromised skin barrier.
Formation of Small Product Clumps on Skin Surface
The most obvious sign of pilling is the formation of small clumps or balls on the skin's surface
Common causes of skincare pilling include over-application, incompatible products, and excessive layering. For beginners, the answers to solving this problem might not be obvious. Let's change that today.
II. So What is Causing My Skin to Peel? Problematic Ingredients
Your skincare products are definitely the culprit here. Here is a list of active ingredients that are super harsh and can irritate your skin and cause it to peel. Be very careful when you incorporate these into your routine; we wrote another blog on how to use these properly with buffering . And make sure you use our PureNatura towels to keep irritation to the minimum
A. High-Risk Actives
These chemical ingredients work wonders when you apply them correctly. But for beginners, the process isn't usually clear. Be on the look out for these:
Retinoids (Tretinoin)
Powerful anti-aging ingredients that can cause irritation and pilling if not used correctly.
(AHAs) Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid)
These exfoliants can disrupt the skin barrier and lead to pilling.
(BHAs) Beta-Hydroxy Acids (Salicylic Acid)
Effective for acne treatment but can cause pilling if over-applied.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Common in acne treatments, it can be too harsh and cause pilling.
B. Prevention Strategies
Preventing pilling often comes down to how you apply your products. Here are some techniques to help:
Wait 30-60 Seconds Between Products
Allow each product to absorb fully before applying the next one. This can help prevent the products from mixing on the surface of your skin and forming clumps
Use Gentle Patting Motions Instead of Rubbing
Patting helps products absorb better and reduces the likelihood of pilling. Rubbing can cause products to roll off the skin's surface.
Apply Products from Thinnest to Thickest Consistency
Start with the lightest products, like serums, and finish with heavier ones, such as creams. This ensures that each layer can penetrate the skin properly. We will have an article coming up in the following days about how to properly layer skincare!
Reduce Product Quantity to Prevent Oversaturation
Using too much product can overwhelm your skin, leading to pilling. A little goes a long way. If you find your skin irritated and your skin barrier broken, refer to our baseline skincare routine .
C. Product Selection
Choosing the right products is crucial to prevent pilling. If you know you have sensitive skin, then do not introduce a bunch of heavy products into your routine.
Wait 30-60 Seconds Between Products
Allow each product to absorb fully before applying the next one. This can help prevent the products from mixing on the surface of your skin and forming clumps
Use Gentle Patting Motions Instead of Rubbing
Patting helps products absorb better and reduces the likelihood of pilling. Rubbing can cause products to roll off the skin's surface.
Use Lightweight Skincare Products
Lighter products absorb more easily into the skin, reducing the likelihood of pilling
Avoid Combining Multiple Active Ingredients (IMPORTANT!)
Mixing too many actives can cause irritation and pilling. Stick to a simpler routine with fewer active ingredients. Refer to our baseline skincare routine .
III. Final Words: Recovery Methods
I know what it feels like to go through skin peeling. I remember the terrible times I had when I was misinformed and used glycolic pads every day for 3 months, which completely destroyed my skin barrier. My recovery process is long and painful and I paid the price for it. But here's what I learned:
A. Immediate Actions
1
Temporarily Discontinue Use of Active Ingredients: Give your skin a break from strong actives like retinoids and acids to allow it to recover.
2
Focus on Gentle, Moisturizing Products: Use products that hydrate and soothe your skin to repair the barrier and reduce irritation.
3
Avoid Hot Water and Harsh Cleansers: Hot water and harsh cleansers can further irritate your skin. Stick to lukewarm water and gentle cleansers.
4
Protect Skin with Proper SPF: Use a gentle, non-irritating sunscreen to protect your skin from further damage while it heals.
Conclusion
So, why is your skincare pilling? It's often due to over-application, incompatible product combinations, or excessive layering. By adjusting your application techniques and choosing the right products, you can prevent pilling and maintain a healthy, radiant complexion. Remember, less is often more when it comes to skincare. Keep your routine simple, be patient, and the results will show!
Prevent skincare pilling by using proper application techniques and choosing compatible products. The answer is simple, but it is hard to do. However, knowledge is the basis for everything; now that you know the reasons for why peeling happens, you are now equipped to deal with it!
Q&A
Skincare pilling after applying moisturizer can happen due to over-application of products, incompatible product combinations, or excessive layering. Ensure you're using compatible products and allowing each layer to absorb fully before applying the next.
Active ingredients like retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids, and beta-hydroxy acids can cause pilling if overused or combined improperly. Try to use these ingredients sparingly and avoid mixing too many actives in one routine.
Even gentle products can cause pilling if they're not applied correctly. Techniques like waiting 30-60 seconds between layers, using gentle patting motions, and applying products from thinnest to thickest consistency can help prevent pilling.
