Applying sunscreen with clumps not only affects its aesthetic appearance but can also reduce its effectiveness in protecting the skin. VOH explains the causes and provides tips on how to apply smooth and non-clumpy sunscreen for a moisturized and flawless look.
Why does sunscreen become clumpy?
Sunscreen is an essential product in every skincare routine and is used daily. Therefore, despite our best efforts, we can sometimes encounter issues related to this skincare item. One of these issues is clumpy sunscreen.
Clumpy sunscreen is the result of the product not being absorbed or staying on the skin, causing the skin surface to appear rough and peeling. According to experts, clumpy sunscreen can be caused by either the product itself or the user.
Because of the product
In reality, certain ingredients in sunscreen and their interaction with other skincare products can contribute to clumping. Therefore, if you frequently encounter this issue when using a particular sunscreen, try checking the ingredient list.
Silicones (such as Dimethicone, Amodimethicone, Cyclomethicone), Talc, Mica Oxide, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer… are common ingredients that can cause products to clump on the skin. Clumping is more common when applying these formulas on top of oil-based products (oils).
In addition, physical sunscreens are believed to be more likely to cause clumping compared to chemical sunscreens, especially when heavily applied or rubbed onto the skin. This is because physical formulas sit on top of the skin, while chemical formulas are absorbed into the skin upon application.
However, this does not mean that you have to avoid all sunscreens containing these ingredients and physical sunscreens. Just pay attention to the selection, layering of products, and proper application to limit issues such as peeling and flaking.
Because of the user
In addition to the product formulation, the way sunscreen is applied is also a major factor that can contribute to clumping. Let’s quickly go through the following points to check whether you could be making these common mistakes.
- Not considering your skin type and needs when choosing sunscreen.
- Improper combination of skincare products.
- Not cleansing the skin before applying sunscreen.
- Applying sunscreen when previous skincare products have not fully absorbed or applying skincare products in the wrong order.
- Applying too much sunscreen and vigorously rubbing the skin.
Understanding the causes of clumpy sunscreen will make it much easier to fix the issue. Stay tuned to the Tips and Tricks section for more useful tips for your daily life!
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