Why is my skin flaky after applying skincare?
It is not because of dry skin, you know it but there are those flakes on your skin that seem to be dead skin cells clumping together when you rub them off. Skincare product pilling occurs when the products you apply on your skin clump together, forming small, often visible, balls or flakes. Several factors can contribute to this issue:
Incompatible Formulas: Using products with incompatible formulations can lead to pilling. For example, applying a water-based product over an oil-based one may cause the products to repel each other and form pills.
Incorrect Layering: The order in which you apply your skincare products matters. Applying a product with a heavier texture over a lighter one can cause pilling. A general rule is to go from lighter to heavier textures.
Overapplication: Using excessive amounts of product can overwhelm your skin and increase the likelihood of pilling. Use the recommended amount for each product.
Not Allowing Absorption: Not giving each product enough time to absorb into the skin before applying the next one can lead to pilling. Allow each product to set for a minute or two before layering the next.
Rubbing or Aggressive Application: Vigorous rubbing or massaging when applying products can disturb the layers and cause them to ball up. Gently pat or press products onto the skin instead of rubbing.
Product Ingredients: Certain ingredients, such as silicones or certain polymers, are more prone to pilling. If multiple products contain similar ingredients, they may not play well together. Silicones, Emollients and Polymers that are commonly used in skincare products for their smoothing and texture-enhancing properties can form a film on the skin, and if you apply another product with the above compounds on top, it might cause pilling.
Quality of Products: The quality of the products you use can also influence pilling. Higher-quality formulations often have better compatibility and are less likely to pill.
To prevent pilling, follow these tips:
Check Formulations: Ensure that the products you're using are compatible in terms of their bases (water-based, oil-based).
Apply in Thin Layers: Use smaller amounts of product and layer them thinly onto the skin.
Wait Between Layers: Allow each product to absorb fully before applying the next.
Check Ingredient Compatibility: Be aware of ingredients that may not work well together.
Experiment with Order: If you're experiencing pilling, try changing the order in which you apply products to see if it makes a difference.
Use products from the same brand range to minimise counter effects.
Pilling itself doesn't necessarily mean that the skincare products you applied are no longer effective. Pilling is a cosmetic issue and doesn't usually impact the performance of the active ingredients in your skincare products. However, it can be inconvenient and affect the overall experience of using the products.
The active ingredients in skincare products are designed to be absorbed into the skin, and pilling primarily occurs on the surface. If pilling is a persistent issue, it might affect the application and layering of products, making it challenging to maintain a consistent skincare routine.