It’s happened to all of us—you’re in the middle of your skincare routine and all of a sudden you notice teeny-tiny little balls building up on the surface of your skin...kind of like the nubby little balls you notice on a cashmere sweater that’s a few years old. What gives, and how can you fix it? We’ll explain what’s causing your skincare to pill and how to prevent it.
What is pilling in skincare?
Skincare pilling happens when your products build up and form annoying little granules that sit on your skin’s surface, rather than absorbing like they’re supposed to. “Skincare pilling isn’t harmful, but it’s annoying because it inhibits skincare absorption and it interferes with your makeup application too,” says licensed esthetician Billie Jo Bond.
What causes your skincare to pill?
There are several factors that can contribute to skincare pilling (or make it worse). Here are the top causes:
Dead skin cell build-up: Excess dead skin cells on your skin’s surface can mix with your skincare products and form pesky little flecks.
Not letting your skincare products absorb between layers: If you don’t allow enough time for your products to sink in, it’s easier for them to clump up.
Rubbing your skin too hard: If you’re rubbing your products in too vigorously, you’re inadvertently creating friction that increases the risk of your products clumping up and pilling.
Applying your skincare in the incorrect order: If you apply a thick, heavy cream and then apply a lightweight serum on top, chances are the serum won’t be able to penetrate—and your products may pill up.
Using multiple products with silicone: Silicones form a “film” that creates a smooth surface on the skin and are often included in pore-blurring products or mattifying makeup primers. If you layer on too many products with silicone, they tend to clump up and roll off your skin instead of absorbing.
How to prevent skincare from pilling:
Exfoliate regularly: When you exfoliate your skin consistently, you’re preventing excess dead skin cells from building on your skin’s surface—this means dead skin won’t mix with your skincare products and clump up.
LUXE+ Sonic Dermaplaning is a safe, gentle and easy way to exfoliate, and you only need to do it once a week to remove dead skin cells + peach fuzz. (Bonus: Your skincare will work better without dead skin cells blocking absorption, and your makeup will go on more smoothly too.)
Let your skincare products sink in between layers: In general, you want to allow about 1 minute between each layer so that your products can fully absorb. Are you an impatient type? Pro tip: You can set your blow-dryer to cool to speed up the process.
Pat, don’t rub: Rubbing your products in too vigorously can not only lead to pilling, it can also stretch your skin and accelerate collagen breakdown. Pat or press in gently—never rub!
Layer your products correctly: Thinnest to thickest is the rule! Start with your toner (which has the most watery consistency), then apply your serum, and then add your moisturizer.
Choose silicone-free products: Our HYDRAFLASH Active Cocooning Serum is a 100% silicon-free formula that layers beautifully and won’t pill up. “It’s also a great base for makeup,” says DERMAFLASH staffer Stephanie H.
There you have it—now you’re ready to do your skincare routine without any annoying pilling!
