Preventing Sunscreen Pilling: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Experiencing sunscreen pilling can be quite a nuisance. When sunscreen forms tiny clumps or ‘pills’ on your skin shortly after application, it disrupts your makeup application and compromises your sun protection. 

But, the cause might be more about your skincare routine mistakes than the sunscreen itself. Key factors that contribute to sunscreen pilling are the ingredients present in your skincare items, applying them in incorrect order, or not allowing sufficient time for your skincare products to absorb before moving to the next step. 

Knowing how to prevent sunscreen from pilling can considerably enhance your skincare routine’s effectiveness and give you that seamless sun protection you desire. 

What Makes Sunscreen Pill?

Sunscreen pilling on your face can be embarrassing and frustrating, often leaving you questioning, “Why does my sunscreen flake?” There are key factors behind sunscreen pilling which primarily tie back to common skincare routine mistakes.

First, applying in the incorrect order plays a pivotal role. No doubt, you’ve heard about the significance of the skincare product sequence. Using sunscreen after moisturizer is pivotal for obtaining maximum sun protection without any pilling.

Next, let’s jump into the specific makeup and skincare ingredients that can contribute to pilling. Certain ingredients, when used together, tend to bind in an undesirable manner, leading to pilling. Be aware of your product ingredients and their compatibility.

Finally, the way you apply your skincare products and sunscreen directly affects whether you’ll experience pilling. Rubbing in a harsh manner or using too much product often induces pilling. 

Being aware of these factors and making necessary changes can drastically help in avoiding makeup and sunscreen pilling, thereby ensuring you always step out with flawless sun protection.

The Importance of Using the Right Products and Ingredients 

Sunscreen pilling on your face is an unwelcome issue that can ruin your sun protection and makeup look. Not all sunscreens are created equally. Certain sunscreens might pill after moisturizer due to incompatible ingredients between the two products. For example, silicon-based sunscreens often conflict with oil-based moisturizers, causing formation of those annoying tiny balls. Opting for a sunscreen that aligns with the ingredients in your moisturizer helps avoid this skincare routine mistake.

Application technique is essential too. Avoid rubbing sunscreen on a still damp face from moisturizer. Give your moisturizer time to absorb before the sunscreen application, which can prevent that ugly pilling. Packed with antioxidants, peptides and plant extracts that smooth the look of existing fine lines and wrinkles, our age-fighting Age IQ Day Cream is a great option for a daily moisturizer and is a Neora fave for good reason. Not overly heavy or too light, this clean, multifunctional formula intuitively balances your skin’s moisturization levels no matter your skin type. Created for everyday use, you’ll love its nourishing botanical ingredients that make healthy skin, beautiful skin.

Note, your sunscreen pilling could be a result of makeup pilling as well. Always apply your skincare products in the correct order. By understanding these factors and adjusting your skincare habits, you can help avoid sunscreen and makeup pilling, ensuring your sun protection and makeup remain smooth and flawless.

How to Apply Skincare Products to Avoid Sunscreen Pilling

By following the appropriate application order, you’re less likely to experience issues such as makeup or sunscreen pilling after applying a moisturizer.

1. Cleanse Your Skin: Start by washing your face with a mild cleanser to remove dirt, grime, and oils. This creates a clean slate for subsequent skincare applications. Give Neora’s Double-Cleansing Face Wash a try. By day, this natural, pH-balanced botanical formula gently wakes up your skin, and by night, the same formula shows its muscle. When applied to dry skin, it removes oil-based impurities and makeup (even mascara) and then, with the addition of water, transforms into a soft, milky lather for deep down cleansing.
2. Tone Your Skin: Use a toner to restore your skin’s natural pH balance, making it more receptive to other skincare products.
3. Apply Serums: Next, treat your skin with serums catered to specific skincare needs like hydration, anti-aging, or brightening. These products have a thin consistency and absorb fast.
4. Moisturize: Follow up with a moisturizer. Be patient, allowing time for absorption before moving on to the sunscreen step.
5. Apply Sunscreen: Finally, apply sunscreen generously on all exposed skin. This is the step where most sunscreen pilling on the face happens, often due to rushed application or incompatible product combinations.

Following this skincare routine order can effectively mitigate issues such as sunscreen flaking, and help you prevent sunscreen from pilling as well. By improving your skincare regimen, you can combat these common skincare routine mistakes, ensuring a well-protected, flawless complexion.

Don’t Let Pilling Get in the Way of Healthy Skin All Year Round

Pilling is a common problem that many face, particularly during the hotter months when we use sunscreen the most. 

To prevent this scenario, know the common causes: excess product application, interference with other products (especially if your “sunscreen is pilling after moisturizer”), or dry, unexfoliated skin. Combat this by applying lighter products before heavier ones, and letting each layer absorb before applying the next.

It’s a simple equation –– knowing how to prevent sunscreen from pilling equals carefree summer skincare. Good skincare starts with mindfulness –– avoiding those usual skin care routine mistakes will result in healthier, happier skin all through summer and beyond!