For all its importance, the skin can be a surprisingly delicate organ at times. From dryness to inflammation to breakouts, it’s often tough to figure out what’s behind your skincare woes, but the answer may surprise you: it could actually be as simple as your makeup. Let’s take a look at whether or not bad makeup ruins your skin, what it can do, and how to find a better solution.
Short Answer: Yes
To put it simply, yes, the wrong kind of makeup can have a profound negative effect on your skin’s health. Since you’re directly applying it to your skin and leaving it there for hours at a time, it has plenty of time to interact with your skin, and if the two disagree with each other, you’ll notice any number of bad reactions afterward. So, what are a few of the most notable effects of it?
Can be a Skin Irritant
If you use makeup that has expired or simply doesn’t work well with your skin, it can cause the skin to become irritated and inflamed. It’s not exactly uncommon to be allergic to one of the ingredients in your makeup, and if that’s the case, you may notice symptoms like swelling, redness, and rashes. Needless to say, if that’s the case, you should try to find makeup with a different formula.
Can Block Pores and Cause Acne
Makeup has a tendency to clog pores when used too liberally, which often leads to blackheads, acne breakouts, and inflammation of the skin. This typically occurs often in people who apply too much makeup and people who leave their makeup on for too long, so be mindful of how much makeup you’re using and the amount of time you’ve been wearing it.
Can Exacerbate Dryness
Makeup tends to affect the texture of your skin, so if you already suffer from dry skin, some makeup products can exacerbate the issue. To combat this, we recommend using an oil-free moisturizer, which will nourish your skin, won’t clog your pores, and will mitigate the drying effects of your makeup.
How to Keep Your Skin Healthy
Of course, all this raises the question: should you stop wearing makeup at all? Fortunately, there’s no need to do that, but you may need to make some adjustments to ensure your skin stays healthy. Take a look at a few of the most important.
Pick the Right Makeup
Everyone’s skin chemistry and immune system is different, which means that you may have an unexpected reaction to your makeup and other cosmetics. As mentioned earlier, many people are allergic to common makeup ingredients, so if your makeup is constantly irritating your skin, it could be because of a skin allergy.
Don’t Over-Apply
While makeup won’t clog your pores if applied properly, heavy application and layering that doesn’t give the skin space to breathe are bound to cause problems. Be sure you’re spreading your makeup evenly when you apply it, and be sure you’re only using what you need to get the look you’re after.
Remove Your Makeup Before Going to Bed
In a similar vein to not over-applying, be sure that you’re removing your makeup before you go to bed for the night. As mentioned before, clogged pores usually result from overapplication and wearing makeup for too long. Needless to say, wearing your makeup to bed leaves it on for far too much time, and will almost certainly lead to skin issues. Every night before bed, wipe your face off with a cotton pad, warm water, and a gentle cleanser, allowing you to wake up tomorrow morning refreshed and acne-free.
Don’t Ignore Skincare
Though having a solid skincare routine is important no matter what you’re doing, it becomes especially important when you’re regularly wearing makeup. We’ve already gone over the importance of cleansers and moisturizers, but there are a few other products we recommend using as well. Sunscreen, for example, will prevent the aging effects of UV exposure, while an exfoliator will help get rid of excess skin and clogged pores. Using the products you need in tandem with each other is the most effective way to ensure that your makeup and your skin work well with each other.
Take Regular Makeup Breaks
Of course, it never hurts to take a break from makeup entirely. Typically, it’s good to skip out on makeup 1-2 days every week, so if you’re not planning on going out for the day, it may be a good idea to give your skin a bit of time to rest. As long as you’re giving your skin a break, however, you’ll be completely free to wear your makeup without running the risk of skin issues.
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