#MOTHERSCHOOL: The Culprit for Clogged Pores

Silicones are synthetic fillers that are used to create a smooth texture on the skin. They are best known for their occlusive properties, which is a fancy way of saying that they form a barrier-like coating on the skin. 

Now don’t get too excited as this turns out to be a downside to silicone’s occlusive abilities. Sure, they keep environmental aggressors out, but they also lock in some not-so-great substances (think sweat, sebum and dead skin cells).

This film (and not the type you want to see) can not only clog pores and cause congestion but given they are a ’barrier’, silicones can (oh and they will) stop moisture from getting into the skin, causing dehydration. 

So, while silicones might make your face look and feel nice in the moment, they don’t contribute to the long-term health and improvement of your skin and therefore they have no use to MOTHER SPF. 

On another note, silicones also are a big environmental NO NO. 

Silicones are hydrophobic and non biodegradable. Science talk for they repel water and never break down. This means they don’t rinse away easily and because they don’t break down, they bioaccumulate once they’re rinsed down the drain, and contribute to the buildup of pollution in oceans and may not break down for hundreds of years (YIKES)

As conscious consumers, we deserve higher-quality ingredients that support skin health and not at the detriment to the environment. You can still achieve that silky smoothing feeling without them. Just ask MOTHER SPF. 

In the interim you can look out for silicones in your serums, moisturiser and foundations as they have a naughty habit of sneaking into everything!

Silicone ingredients normally always end in “cone” or “siloxane”

• dimethicone
• cyclomethicone
• cyclohexasiloxane
• cetearyl methicone
• cyclopentasiloxane