Why Is My Skincare Pilling – So, you’ve invested time and money into building the perfect skincare routine that works best for your skin. But when you actually apply it to your skin, suddenly, instead of absorbing into your skin, the products just fall off your skin in tiny balls. How annoying is that? You’ve worked so hard to build the perfect skincare routine, and yet it doesn’t even absorb properly. Not only is it annoying, pilling also compromises the effectiveness of the skincare product itself. Wondering why this happens and how you can fix the issue? Follow this simple guide to find out why your skincare is pilling and the simple solution to make sure this doesn’t happen again.
What Exactly Is Skincare Pilling?
Skincare pilling happens when your skincare product doesn’t get fully absorbed into the skin and instead they flake off the skin in little balls. It can definitely be frustrating especially if you need to look presentable during the day. Skincare pilling can disrupt your whole skincare routine and leave your skin far from looking flawless.
Is Pilling the Same as Peeling?
No, skincare pilling is different from peeling. With peeling, it’s not the skincare product that’s clumping and creating tiny flakes, but your skin. If your skin peels after skincare, then it could be a sign of a more serious issue. Skin peeling could be a sign of a damaged skin barrier from over-exfoliation or your skin is sensitive or dehydrated.
What Causes Skincare Pilling?
There can be several reasons behind why skincare pilling happens. Some of them include layering products incorrectly, using too much product, or not allowing each layer to absorb properly.
When applying skincare products, the general rule is to apply it starting from thinnest to thickest. This means using your water-based toners and serums before your oil-based creams and lotions. Layering water-based products immediately after oil-based products will mess up the formula and cause pilling. If you don’t wait for the layers to absorb, the skincare products will likely mix with each other and cause pilling.
How to Prevent Skincare Pilling
Applying your skincare products in the right order and waiting for each layer to absorb properly is generally the best way to prevent your skincare from pilling. Even with the right skincare products, if you apply serum after moisturizer, then it will start to cause pilling. It can even interrupt the serum absorption into your skin.
Another way to prevent your skincare from pilling is by cutting down on the products you use, or apply a thinner layer. Even with a simple routine, you can still achieve your skincare goals, so keep it simple to prevent pilling.
Exfoliating your skin can also help products to absorb better, which helps to prevent skincare pilling. But don’t do it too much, or your skin will start to peel along with your skincare. Exfoliating 1-2 times a week should be good enough.
When you’re met with your skincare pilling, you may feel frustrated. But don’t worry, it’s just your skin’s way of telling you to slow down. It might mean you’re layering too fast, overloading your face, or mixing layering the wrong products. Simply pace yourself between steps, and let your products absorb properly. Your skin will be smoother, happier, and glowing in no time!
Sources:
- https://www.allure.com/story/how-to-prevent-skin-care-pilling.
- https://protocol-lab.com/blogs/skincare-routine/skincare-pilling?srsltid=AfmBOooDo-B86VoFbTWWfh8fpBckITXSwl4TZJpo3_nEZhF-tiPGL5ut.
