You may have heard of comedogenic ingredients that cause or promote comedones in skin. You may not be as familiar with acnegenic ingredients – those that cause or exacerbate acne. These common ingredients can be hiding within acne treatment products, causing ineffective treatment of your breakouts. Here’s what to look for:

Lanolin: Derived from the words "lana" for wool and "oleum" for oil, Lanolin is a fatty substance obtained from the sheep’s wool. While it’s a known emollient with moisturizing properties, it can have skin-clogging capabilities, triggering the cycle of breakouts.

Fragrance: Artificial fragrances can increase acne infection, skin sensitization and photosensitivity.

D & C red pigments: Some of these dyes, which are coal tar derivatives, have exhibited highly comedogenic and acnegenic properties.

Mineral Oil: Mineral Oil is an occlusive (something that physically blocks water loss in the Stratum corneum). It’s used in many products, however, has been shown to cause and exacerbate acne.

Speak with your professional skin therapist about products free of comedogenic and acnegenic ingredients, and that contain known botanical extracts that help inhibit the growth of acnegenic bacteria.