Why Your Skincare Is Pilling (And How to Stop It)

If your skincare keeps pilling, this video from dermatologist Dr. Dray explains why it happens and how to stop those annoying little balls and flakes from forming on the skin. New research suggests that pilling is influenced not only by the products being used, but also by skin hydration, oiliness, pH, skin texture, product layering, and application technique. The study discussed in this video found that sunscreen was the biggest promoter of pilling, particularly when applied over another skincare product. The research also found that rubbing products into the skin, especially with back-and-forth or circular motions, was associated with more pilling. Dr. Dray discusses what skincare pilling actually means, whether pilling indicates that skincare is not absorbing, why the same sunscreen may pill on one person but not another, whether you should wait between skincare products, and how to apply sunscreen without disrupting the protective film. The video also explains why simplifying a skincare routine, using appropriate amounts of product, allowing products to settle, and gently spreading or pressing products into the skin may help reduce pilling. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Introduction 0:56 What Is Skincare Pilling? 2:03 The Study 3:00 Sunscreen Was the Biggest Culprit 4:50 Your Skin May Also Play a Role 6:07 Dry Skin Doesn't Necessarily Mean You Need More Products 7:23 How You Apply Your Products Matters 8:53 Should You Wait Between Products? 10:18 Does Pilling Mean Your Products A