What is Sunscreen Pilling?

Protecting your skin against the sun’s damaging impacts is among the most effective anti-aging defenses. Today, it is commonly known that sunscreen must be part of your everyday skincare regimen, and you may find different kinds available, allowing you to choose the best formula for all your needs.

Although you may not know that using sunscreen can help prevent skin cancer and wrinkles, it is common for some individuals to skip it when encountering the piling problem. Choosing a sunscreen, which doesn’t pill, can help to be on track with preventing sun damage while looking your best.

What Sunscreen Piling Is?

Sunscreen piling results from the product failing to absorb into your skin properly. When that happens, the product clumps together, creating visible pills on the skin’s surface.

According to statistics, 75% of individuals who use sunscreen often experience piling. This is frustrating for people looking to protect their skin without worrying about the product interfering with their everyday skincare routine.

Why It Happens?

Piling of skincare products is basically a sign that the skin isn’t absorbing them fully. This, in turn, leaves behind excess products that ball up as well as roll around as you rub them in. Usually, two factors contribute to this: how you apply skincare products and what type of products you use.

When it comes to skincare, the rule of thumb is to move from a lightweight product first to a heavier product later. As the skin absorbs the product, it will become more saturated gradually.

Preventing Sunscreen Piling

You know that applying sunscreen is vital. However, skipping the right steps can be very tempting when things start piling up and giving a flaky appearance. Some of these steps are the following:

1. Begin with a Clean Slate

This involves using a toner and cleaner. For individuals with acne-prone or oily skin, exfoliation will come in handy to remove debris and dead skin cells. This helps to prevent maximum absorption of skincare products, decreasing the risks of sunscreen pilling.

2. Examine Skincare Ingredients

Products rich in ingredients, such as Mica Oxide, Talc, and Silicones, can cause piling for some individuals, especially when applied heavily. Although this doesn’t mean you avoid them altogether, only use the right amount of product.

You might want to do trial and error in order to determine which formula works for your skincare regimen and unique complexion. For instance, EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 has a lightweight, silky texture and won’t leave behind residues, which is among the major causes of sunscreen piling.

3. Give Yourself Enough Time to Start Things Over

If everything fails and your new SPF-skincare combo doesn’t work, you may want to try again, but this time, with different combinations. Ensure you have enough time to wipe things off and start everything over.

The Bottom Line

Finding a perfect combo of products is a journey, but with the help of these steps, you can navigate better. By taking your time to experiment as well as identify solutions to piling problems, you will save money and give your skin proper care and protection against ultraviolet rays.