Sunscreen Pilling: How to Stop It

If you are trying to keep your skin protected in the summer heat – but are dealing with dreaded ‘sunscreen pilling’ on your skin – you are not alone. It can be tempting to choose smooth skin over flaking SPF and lose the UV protection, but don’t. There are solutions to this irritating affliction.

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If you are trying to keep your skin protected in the summer heat – but are dealing with dreaded ‘sunscreen pilling’ on your skin – you are not alone. It can be tempting to choose smooth skin over flaking SPF and lose the UV protection, but don’t. There are solutions to this irritating affliction. Skin pilling is a sign that your products are not absorbing– so you need to change your skincare routine and look at your products.

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What is Sunscreen pilling?

Sunscreen pilling is the process of topical skincare products flaking on the skin when applied. It is common with sunscreen as it is layered on top of other products. The gritty balls of product show your sunscreen has not been fully absorbed into the skin. The products do not penetrate the skin.

If your skin is not in great condition you could have clogged pores or a damaged skin barrier. This means it may not be ready to absorb product leaving you with an unprotected and flaky appearance. You will also waste precious products in the process.

What can you do?

First you need to identify the root cause of the problem. Are your products compatible? Think how oil and water behave when mixed. If you use an oil-based product with a water-based one they are likely to repel each other. Pilling can also happen when you don’t allow enough time for each different product to absorb. So, consider slowing down your skincare routine.

Exfoliation is key to stop the pilling. A build-up of dead skin cells won’t allow a smooth canvas to apply products to.

Microdermabrasion Boost

Rejuvenate your skin and get ready for maximum absorption with a Microdermabrasion exfoliation. Tiny crystals work their magic by unclogging pores and removing any dead cells from the skin for a smooth glow. Your skin will be ready to drink any products you want to apply – and you will be ready to say goodbye to skin pilling!

Check your routine. Always use toner after cleansing to make sure skin is fully clean, but check ingredients are not prone to clogging pores or incompatible. If you are still unsure, ask a SkinBase therapist for advice.


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Rebecca Willshee Nail and Beauty Specialist

Testimonial: “JC was so low, suicidal at points. Sore, red, angry, his skin was awful, we had tried everything and doctors you name it. We reached out to Becky, who was wonderful. My son was quiet and withdrawn, lacked confidence and self esteem, and locked himself away from the world. Becky booked us in for a consultation to discuss different options of treatments and we decided the new hydro treatment would be the best option. We started the course and JC was nervous but Becky was great with him talking him through everything, step by step! As we went each time JC’s skin got better and better, but also the difference in him was huge, he was gaining confidence, shoulders back, head held high. We have watched his skin change from this red, aggressive, angry skin that was sore, acne was debilitating to him but now he is confident, holds his head up high and has even got his first job! We are so proud. When we met Becky I felt confident she would help us get his skin better and back on track but what has actually happened is skin looks amazing but to see our son gain confidence has been the biggest win! Teens often get pushed aside, put on string meds and told “it’s just your age” but this isn’t what they want to hear, but The SkinBase treatments Becky has done has changed his life! We cannot thank you enough Becky! JC is continuing with the treatments as it still gets the odd breakouts but the scarring is still improving week in week out. The hydro Facial is just amazing and we cannot recommend it enough and of course Becky and her passion for skin and helping people is wonderful!”