Does Setting Spray Clog Pores?

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Want a flawless and blemish-free makeup look? Setting spray is every woman’s best friend when it comes to achieving the perfect makeup look. It locks in the products you have applied to the skin and prevents smudging. This magic potion increases the lifespan of your makeup look. But does setting spray clog pores?

Setting spray on its own does not contribute to breakouts. However, ingredients, such as scents and parabens found in setting spray, can cause clogged pores, irritation, and breakouts. 

People with acne-prone skin are always cautious about what they apply to their skin, whether it’s makeup products or skincare. This article explores what setting spray is and whether it clogs pores or not. So, let’s get started!

What is Setting Spray and What Does It Do?

Setting spray is a liquid formula that contains water and alcohol as primary ingredients. As the name suggests, its main function is to prolong the lifespan of your makeup. The formula locks the makeup on your skin, preventing smudging and fading.

A good quality makeup setting spray will prevent your makeup from fading and ensure it remains fresh throughout the day.

In other words, it keeps touch-ups at a minimum and you can enjoy your celebration without worrying about smudging, creasing, or fading quickly.

Does Setting Spray Clog Pores? Let’s Explore the Real Essence

Using comedogenic products will do more harm than good if you have oily, acne-prone skin and suffer from chronic acne.

Comedogenic and oil-based formulas clog pores and may cause acne. Unfortunately, setting sprays fall under this category and, thus, may congest your pores. If you’re still unconvinced, don’t forget to scan the ingredient list of your setting spray.

Coconut oil is ranked four out of five on the comedogenicity scale, making it one of the worst ingredients to apply to acne-prone skin.

Dendy Engelman, MD – a board-certified dermatologic surgeon

Even highly esteemed brands contain coconut oil, a highly comedogenic and thick oil known for pre-clogging. Viscous oils such as coconut oil contribute to excess sebum production and clogged pores.

However, you must remember that not all setting sprays are the same. Different setting sprays range from glossy and metallic to nude or matte.

You will find countless products explicitly formulated with ingredients that don’t aggravate acne.

Tip: Select mattifying setting sprays since they prevent oil buildup on the skin.

Is Setting Spray Good For Acne-Prone Skin?

No, setting sprays are unsuitable for acne-prone skin because these products feature alcohol-based formulas responsible for pore congestion.

Oil buildup is one of the leading causes of acne. It clogs pores, opens comedones, and white and blackheads. So, if your skin is susceptible to acne, it’s best to scan ingredient labels when choosing a setting spray.

Alcohol present in setting sprays prolongs the life of your makeup. Even on hot and sweaty days, alcohol ensures your makeup stays in place.

Although alcohol doesn’t directly trigger acne, it encourages excessive oil production, leading to acne breakouts.

Alcohol-based formulas may cause acne, but you can always use alcohol-free versions. Looking for specific ingredients in your setting sprays can help achieve that flawless makeup look without affecting your skin health.

Does Setting Spray Prevent Sweating?

Normal setting sprays are formulated to prevent your makeup from fading or creasing, but they can’t prevent sweating. If you want to avoid sweating, look for water-resistant setting sprays.

These magic potions are resistant to humidity and sweat. So, if you live in a hot and humid area, a water-resistant setting spray can be a lifesaver. After all, no one likes melty makeup!

Is Setting Spray Good for Oily Skin?

Do you hate the pesky shine that disturbs your flawless makeup look? If you have oily skin, I am sure you can relate to this. Using a setting spray is an excellent remedy to minimize the greasy appearance.

Makeup is more prone to smudge or melt off because of excess sebum production. A setting spray helps seal the makeup, creating an invisible barrier for a flawless finish.

Note: Choose a non-comedogenic, alcohol-free setting spray to minimize the chances of acne.

Can You Wear Setting Spray Every Day?

You don’t need to use a setting spray daily, but it can be a great addition to your makeup look, especially if you struggle with oily skin.

It creates an invisible barrier that prevents your makeup from melting or fading. So, if you want your makeup to last throughout the day with minimum touch-ups, it’s best to wear setting spray to complete your look.

How Do I Prevent My Makeup From Clogging My Pores?

Do you wear makeup regularly? That might be the culprit behind your occasional breakouts.

Cosmetic-induced acne may worsen if you try to cover it up with makeup. Here are some tips to prevent your makeup from clogging your pores:

Choosing the Right Products

Yes, makeup leads to breakouts, but that shouldn’t be why you avoid it altogether. When you wear makeup, apply it sparingly.

The best way to avoid breakouts is to choose non-comedogenic, non-scented, and paraben-free makeup products for your skin.

Anti-acne makeup might not prevent acne because these products often lack effective acne-fighting ingredients.

Tip: Opt for mineral makeup if it does not irritate your skin.

Applying Makeup Correctly

The key to preventing acne is being gentle on your skin, especially when applying makeup to your face.

Avoid massaging primer on your face because this might irritate your skin. Instead, gently tap it on with your fingertips.

For foundation, go for a light coverage product and gently brush it on for a few seconds. The same goes for concealer. Go for a light, non-greasy formula and apply it gently with your bare hands.

Removing Makeup

Leaving makeup on overnight or not removing it correctly is the worst thing you can do to your skin. It irritates the skin, clogs pores, and causes breakouts.

Use jojoba oil or any mineral oil to remove your makeup. Apply a few drops to a cotton pad and gently massage your face.

Next, use a facial cleanser to wash off your face’s foundation, concealer, powder, and blush.

Cleansing your face properly cleans your pores, removes debris, and prevents dirt buildup, ultimately decreasing the chances of a breakout.

What’s The Difference Between Setting Spray and Fixing Spray?

Women often buy setting or fixing sprays without knowing the difference between the two products.

The primary job of a fixing spray is sealing your makeup and ensuring it lasts longer than it typically does.

On the other hand, a fixing spray forms a uniform layer on the face that prevents smudging and creasing. It basically ensures your makeup stays fresh throughout the day.

Verdict

Living in hot and humid environments means you can never achieve that flawless, smudge-free makeup look. But thanks to setting sprays, that is not a concern anymore. While these products guarantee a flawless finished makeup look, they can clog pores and lead to acne.

I hope this article cleared your doubts regarding setting sprays and whether they cause acne. Choosing the correct formula for your skin type is the key to optimal skin health.