As a modern consumer, you are likely paying close attention to what you are putting in your body and on your skin.
You try to avoid potentially harmful preservatives and opt for non-toxic and organic ingredients. So, you have likely come across the technical term noncomedogenic being used increasingly on skincare labels.
But what does noncomedogenic actually mean? And how is a product determined to be noncomedogenic? Well, we are here to tell you!
What does the term noncomedogenic mean?
Comedogenic is the likelihood that a product will clog pores and cause signs of acne breakouts, such as blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.
Alternatively, noncomedogenic is a term used to describe products that are unlikely to clog pores.
How do I know if a product is noncomedogenic?
Historically, in order to determine comedogenicity, products were often tested on rabbit’s ears. The comedogenicity of a product was rated on a scale of 0 to 5 with scores less than 2 indicating that a product was non-comedogenic.
Luckily, many companies have moved away from animal testing.
Although it is not regulated or required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an individual skincare company may choose to perform small, sample studies on human participants.
We at Frownies do NOT test our products on animals!
Instead, Frownies Facial Patches have undergone third-party Human Repeat Insult Patch Test (HRIPT).
Through HRIPT testing, Frownies Facial Patches are:
- Clinically tested
- Dermatologist tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-irritating
- Suitable for sensitive skin
You can read more about the HRIPT test here.
Can noncomedogenic products cause breakouts?
Because each person’s skin is different, it is hard to generalize which products will cause acne breakouts in one person versus another.
Some additional factors that may contribute to the likelihood of an acne breakout occurring are:
Is your skin generally oily, overall dry, or a combination of both?
Changes in hormones over your lifetime can contribute to clogged pores and acne breakouts. When there are large shifts in hormones such as during puberty, pregnancy, and postpartum, you are more likely to experience acne breakouts.
Do you wash your face daily to clear off bacteria, dirt, and dead skin cells that could also clog pores and cause acne breakouts? What is the comedogenicity of the other skincare products you use such as moisturizers and serums?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are a handful of small research studies that suggest that your diet has an impact on acne breakouts. These studies have linked inflammatory foods such as processed, simple carbs and cow’s milk to an increase in acne breakouts.
Some benefits of Frownies Facial Patches versus other facial patches on the market include:
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Frownies Facial Patches are made from paper.
Frownies Facial Patches have been made from weighted paper for over 130 years. Our wrinkle patches work by creating a mechanical cast that downtrains facial muscles to relax allowing the overlying skin to lay flat.
Unlike silicone wrinkle patches, paper facial patches are porous. The porous property of paper is less likely to trap dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells unlike non-porous silicone wrinkle patches. This allows the skin to maintain a healthy acid mantle by letting the skin breathe through the exchange of oxygen and water.
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Frownies Facial Patches use a plant-based adhesive.
The water-activated adhesive that allows Frownies Facial Patches to stick to your skin is made from dextrin. Although dextrin is a naturally occurring compound in human digestion, most dextrin is made in a lab due to the large quantities needed for commercial use.
Dextrin is made by drying vegetable starch with certain enzymes such as amylase to produce a thick, sticky paste. Dextrin may be added to some foods as a thickening agent.
Dextrin for use in skincare products is rated a 1 out of 10 by the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep (EWG) indicating that it is safe for most common concerns. Check out EWG’s ranking system hereTo Learn More.
Because every person’s skin will react differently, we cannot guarantee that you will not experience an acne breakout when you start using Frownies Facial Patches.
For the best experience, we have put together a few of our recommended best practices when trying Frownies Facial Patches for the first time:
Apply Frownies Facial Patches to clean skin.
Always wash your face prior to applying Frownies Facial Patches. Our wrinkle patches stick best when applied on clean, dry skin. Also, if you skip washing your face prior to applying Frownies Facial Patches, you risk trapping dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells under the wrinkle patch which could put you at risk for acne breakouts.
We recommend using Frownies pH Balancing Face Wash to cleanse your skin. Our pH balanced cleanser will preserve the protective acid mantle of your skin’s surface. Frownies pH Balancing Face Wash is plant-based and non-toxic. The cleansing face wash can protect your skin from dehydration and flakiness.
Perform a sensitivity test on your wrist
While Frownies Facial Patches are generally well-tolerated by most people, it is always best practice to test any new skincare – and even haircare – products before using them on and around your face.
To perform a skin sensitivity test, apply a wrinkle patch to the inside of your wrist. You can leave the patch on overnight if you are tolerating it well. Look for signs of irritation including redness and itching.
Skin sensitivity tests are best performed on the inside of the wrist or behind the ear. These areas are easier to treat and cover in the unlikely event signs of irritation were to occur.
If you did not have signs of irritation, you may go ahead an apply Frownies Facial Patches to your face.
Build up your tolerance
Like any new addition to your skincare routine, your skin may need time to adjust. You may wear your wrinkle patches every other night for a week to see how your skin reacts. Although, many of our customers are able to tolerate wearing Frownies Facial Patches for up to 24 hours!
Frownies Facial Patches are like a workout for your facial muscles. When you start a new workout routine, your muscles tend to be extra sore. But soon, your body will adapt, and you won’t be as sore anymore. Although Frownies Facial Patches work to down-train your facial muscles – train your facial muscles to relax – you may feel new sensations as your facial muscles relax and take on a new shape and resting position.
If you have any questions regarding the ingredients in Frownies Facial Patches or any of the other products in Frownies skincare line, feel free to email at Helen@frownies.com.