Makeup is a powerful and common tool we experiment with to enhance our features, but what are the possibilities that by using them to cover up blemishes, we may be causing more to appear? Social media is constantly encouraging people to try new, trendy cosmetic products that may contain ingredients that can cause more damage than good. This isn’t limited to just the type of makeup used, but also the application of it.
Makeup Causing More Acne?
The skin’s pores are required for releasing oil and sweat, and so when certain cosmetic products contain ingredients that clog them, bacteria and dead skin get trapped underneath. This in turn, leads to acne breakouts. To avoid this, search for the term, “non-comedogenic” when shopping for makeup.
Another aspect to take into consideration is application of makeup. Regardless of whether a brush, beauty blender, or finger is used, ensure that they are sanitary and clean beforehand. If not, bacteria may build up and transfer onto the skin, sparking new breakouts. It is recommended that both brushes and beauty blenders are washed as often as once a week.
Not only is application of makeup significant, but the removal of it as well. Simple water-based cleansers in this case are not sufficient enough to completely remove all the makeup, but additions of micellar water or oil-based cleansers to the routine will help finish the job. Micellar waters are one approach, but oil cleansers are additionally able to remove blackheads and other impurities. Makeup should also never be slept in or kept on for a significant period of time (although many are guilty of this).
In the case that you are cautious of these triggers and are still experiencing breakouts, it may be an issue of sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is common and may face irritation when in contact with certain products. In this case, search for “hypoallergenic” makeup for a more gentle approach. These are products that manufacturers claim to result in fewer allergic reactions that will inflame the skin.
Recommendations
The search for acne-friendly makeup products may seem difficult, but are more common than people realize. For certain brands like Tarte, you may have to do some research for their products, but popular brands like Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez and Tower 28 pride themselves on being sensitive-skin safe.
Foundations:
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation
Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup
Armani Beauty Foundation Luminous Silk
Concealers:
e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer
Lancome Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Serum Concealer
Lancome Idole Ultra Wear All Over Full Coverage Concealer
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
Blush:
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
benefit Lip & Cheek Stain
Saie Dew Blush Liquid Cheek Blush
NARS Powder Blush
e.l.f. Putty Blush
MERIT Flush Balm Cream
Bronzer:
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer
Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Sticks
Wet N Wild Color Icon Bronzer
Fenty Beauty Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick
ILIA NightLite Bronzing Powder
Lys Beauty Makeup No Limits Matter Bronzer
Highlighter:
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight
Saie Glowy Super Gel
Kaja Glowy Stamp Liquid Highlighter
SuperDew Highlight Balm Tower 28 Beauty
Charlotte Tilbury Glowgasm Beauty Light Wand Highlighter
MAKEUP BY MARIO Master Secret Glow Highlighter
While makeup can be linked to a rise in breakouts, this will not be the case for everybody. In no way is makeup bad– but for certain individuals with sensitive skin and hormonal acne, it can be beneficial to avoid specific products. It is important to note that while a product may contain ingredients that are deemed “harmful”, it does not necessarily mean that it will not work for you. If you find a product that does pair well with your skin, continue usage of it.
Everybody’s skin varies, and if you do find that your own is more acne-prone, take into account certain aspects of your makeup routine to limit inflammation. Everyone deserves to have fun with makeup and to be knowledgeable of the precautions that should be taken to limit its negative effects.
References:
1. I Have Acne! Is It Okay to Wear Makeup? www.aad.org. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/makeup
2. Nast C. How to Clean Makeup Brushes for Even Better Beauty Looks. Vogue. Published March 13, 2020. Accessed October 29, 2023. https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-clean-makeup-brushes-troy-surratt#:~:text=%E2%80%9CIf%20you%20apply%20a%20similar
3. MD KR. Dermatologist Answers: Can Makeup Cause Acne Breakouts? Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery®. Published August 23, 2022. Accessed October 29, 2023. https://www.westlakedermatology.com/blog/does-makeup-cause-acne-breakouts/#:~:text=Certain%20types%20of%20makeup%20are
Author: Selena Chan
