Does Makeup Affect Acne?

A common misconception about acne is that it only affects teenagers. While it is true that teens tend to be more prone to acne due to rapid changes in hormones during puberty, many adults also struggle with this common skin condition. In fact, one study(4) found that an astounding 54% of women and 40% of men over the age of 25 have acne.

For women who wear makeup, acne can be even more of a challenge to treat and prevent, as makeup can contribute to acne in some cases. Before you give up makeup altogether, however, take a look at this guide explaining just how makeup can affect acne and what you can do to minimize breakouts while still wearing makeup.

Before we get started – we’re going to talk a lot about skin sensitivities and types in this blog, so make sure to find your skin type here!

Some ingredients in makeup can cause a type of acne called acne cosmetica.

Look for non-comedogenic ingredients in makeup to prevent breakouts.

Use an acne-fighting skincare regimen designed for your skin type to treat and prevent breakouts.

What Causes Acne?

There are three main causes of acne :

Excessive sebum (oil) production

Clogged pores

Overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria

When too much oil is produced by sebaceous glands in the skin, they can cause dead skin cells to become stuck together and clog pores. Clogged pores then create an environment where acne-causing bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes (formerly called Propionibacterium acnes) can thrive and overgrow. This results in an inflammatory cascade that leads to the redness, pus, and sometimes discomfort that is characteristic of an acne breakout.

It is important to note, however, that you do not have to have oily skin to get acne. People with dry skin types can also have problems with acne, as dry skin often has trouble desquamating – or shedding dead skin cells – properly. This can also lead to clogged pores and an overgrowth of C. acnes bacteria.

Can Makeup Cause Acne?

So how does makeup factor into the acne equation? There is a specific type of acne called acne cosmetica that happens when comedogenic ingredients commonly found in makeup, such as coconut oil or lanolin, clog your pores. Acne cosmetica differs from acne vulgaris in that it is distinctly caused by pore-clogging ingredients in cosmetic products applied to the skin. Thus, acne cosmetica should clear up once you stop using the product or products that are causing it, and allow your acne 8 weeks to complete its natural cycle. Of course, using a custom skin care routine is the best way to get good results quickly.

What Does Acne Cosmetica Look Like?

Acne cosmetica typically results in small, raised bumps on your skin that can be red, white, or flesh-colored. These can be pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads, and most commonly occur on the cheeks and forehead.

What’s the Best Makeup for Acne-Prone Skin?

When choosing the best makeup for acne-prone skin, look for ingredients that are non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog pores) and avoid ingredients like coconut oil that are known to clog pores. Some foundations for acne-prone skin also contain salicylic acid, which can help to keep pores clean and reduce inflammation.

Here are some of my favorite makeup brands for acne-prone skin include:

Makeup Ingredients to Avoid with Acne-Prone Skin

As noted above, you want to avoid makeup ingredients that are known to clog pores and can therefore cause acne. Some of the most common pore-clogging ingredients found in makeup include:

Beeswax

Cocoa butter

Coconut oil

Dimethicone

Isopropyl myristate

Isopropyl isostearate

Myristyl lactate

Red dyes

How to Prevent Acne Caused by Makeup

Even if your skin is prone to acne, there are some things you can do to help minimize and even prevent those breakouts without giving up makeup.

Choose makeup formulated for acne-prone skin and that is a match for your Baumann Skin Type. If you don’t know your skin type, take the quiz to find out before buying new cosmetic or skincare products.

Use acne-fighting skincare ingredients and products for your skin type. Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinol, glycolic acid, and tea tree oil are common ingredients that are good for most acne-prone skin types.

Choose lighter foundations rather than heavy ones. Mineral-based powder foundations can be better choices than heavy liquid foundations if you are struggling to find a makeup for acne-prone skin.

Always remove makeup before bed. Leaving makeup on overnight can quickly clog pores and lead to breakouts.

Avoid applying makeup with your fingers. Your fingers can transfer dirt, oil, and bacteria to your face, which can contribute to breakouts. If you must apply makeup with your fingers, make sure you wash your hands first.

Keep your makeup brushes clean. Similarly, dirty makeup brushes can harbor dirt, oil, and bacteria, which can be pushed into your pores when using them to apply your makeup. Always keep all makeup brushes, sponges, and other tools clean.

Bottom Line: Can I Wear Makeup with Acne-Prone Skin?

Yes, you can wear makeup even if you are prone to breakouts. The key is to choose makeup for acne-prone skin that does not contain pore-clogging ingredients and that is a match for your skin type. You should also pair your makeup routine with an acne-fighting skincare regimen that includes products specifically formulated for your skin type to get rid of breakouts without worsening other skin problems like dryness or flaking.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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