Can Makeup Make Acne Worse
Acne treatment coverup and makeup for acne scars are very important issues. Using the wrong acne coverup can worsen the problem. The key is to pick products that won’t aggravate existing dermatologic conditions.
The most common makeup challenge is dealing with acne. “Acne cosmetica,” or acne caused or aggravated by cosmetics, is frequently seen in women in their 20s and 30s, many of whom report not having had acne as a teenager. Acne patients want to camouflage active pimples and old acne scars, but some cover-ups can produce more pimples, leading to a cycle of then having more to coverup. It’s best to look for products that are marked as safe for skin with acne.
“Comedogenicity” is the likelihood of causing open and closed comedones, blackheads and whiteheads respectively, by plugging the follicles. “Acnegenicity” means to cause acne papules and pustules, by irritating the follicles. Unfortunately, even noncomedogenic, nonacnegenic products may cause acne in some susceptible individuals, so much still relies on trial and error. Oil-based concealer and foundation provide the longest lasting and most solid coverage, but should generally be avoided by acne patients in favor of oil-free or water-based products which are less likely to cause acne.
What Ingredients In The Leading Cosmetic Products Cause Acne?
Lanolin– One of the most common and well known ingredients in cosmetics is lanolin. It it derived from sheep wool and is, in fact, oil from the skin of the sheep. These oils are not dissimilar to the fatty acids already found in human skin. These fatty acids can cause acne in those individuals who have a natural affinity to the disease.
Isopropyl Myristate– This acne causing ingredient is found in many cosmetics. Its purpose is to apply “slip”, which will make it go on the skin smoother and cause a slick sheer feel. There are a number of chemicals similar to isopropyl myristate. These are a few of these chemicals; legion, isopropyl palmilate, isostearate, butyl stearate, octyl stearate, and isocetyl stearate.
D & C Pigments– Some of the approved D & C red dyes which are derived from coal tars are known to be comedogenic. Some of these red pigments such as D & C Red #9 and D & C Red #40 have been tested for comedogenicity and were found to be the most troublesome of the various red pigments.
How To Reduce Oil And Shine
Another problem faced by acne patients is how to manage and reduce oil or shine. When oil-free and water-based foundations mix with the skin’s sebum, the color drifts, providing less coverage. “Oil-control” products may be useful. They contain higher concentrations of blotting agents, ingredients like talc and starch, that absorb sebum to reduce shine and prolong wear. A loose transparent facial powder that absorbs oil can be rubbed in or dusted on over oil-free liquid or cream foundation or concealer to prolong wear and can be reapplied as needed. (The same trick works over and between applications of lipstick and eye makeup.) Blotting paper can be helpful to reduce shine without removing a lot of makeup.
Patients often complain that acne treatment coverup “slips off” or doesn’t adhere after applying an acne treatment. The trick is to allow the acne product to dry fully before applying the acne treatment coverup. Since some acne therapies can increase sun sensitivity, it is important to apply sun protection daily. For the patient who feels the application of sunblock before foundation is too sticky or heavy, I like tinted moisturizers or bronzers with sun protection.
Which Type Of Cosmetics Are Most Offensive To The Skin?
Generally speaking the most acne causing cosmetics are foundation makeup, pressed powders, thick creams, and blushers. It is necessary to check the ingredients listed on all of your skin care products since acne causing ingredients are not limited to these classes of cosmetics. Comedogenic ingredients can even be found in suntan lotions and creams.
Moisturizers can also be a source of acne producing substances. In order to make these moisturizing products smooth on the skin easily, they are often manufactured with ingredients such as acetylated lanolin, searic acid, and cetyl alcohol. All of these ingredients are considered to be comedogenic. Most dermatologists recommend moisturizers that have a base of petrolatum or mineral oil.
Since a major role of makeup and acne treatment coverup is camouflage, I’d like to discuss picking the right color. Although the thought of applying green or purple makeup to your cheeks or under the eyes may remind you of Halloween, undercover makeup in these colors serves a real purpose. Undercover makeup is applied under a skin-toned foundation or concealer. Green will diminish the appearance of the red cheeks of rosacea patients. Purple lessens the yellow hue of sun damaged skin. White covers the brown of melasma.
Remember, when it comes to makeup, less is more. But with the right acne treatment coverup, you can do more with less.
We have found that products such as Jane Iredale Zap&Hide Blemish Concealer will not irritate troubled skin, and does an excellent job at camouflaging skin imperfections. You can follow the link to learn more about Jane Iredale Zap&Hide Blemish Concealer, and see if it can help you.
If you have any questions about acne treatment coverup or makeup for acne scars, please contact us.
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