Are Your Cosmetics Wreaking Havoc on Your Skin?
We all have times when our skin looks less than gorgeous. At
those moments we inevitably reach for the miracle products
-foundations, concealers, powders-we rely on to cover up the
flaws we'd like to hide. Yes, makeup is a great temporary fix,
and it's a wonderful tool for enhancing our best features. But
depending on cosmetics to cover over your troubled complexion
could actually be making the problem even worse.
Cosmetic Acne - What Is It?
If you use makeup regularly, then those blemishes you're trying
to hide could actually be caused by your cosmetics. You can
usually tell if your acne has been triggered by a chemical,
topic agent because it will look somewhat different from the
genetic or hormonal type that's often characterized by red bumps
and pustules. Cosmetic acne is more rash-like and generally made
up of tiny pinkish or flesh-colored bumps. These bumps can
appear anywhere you apply the cosmetics - on your forehead,
cheeks, chin or nose, or even on your neck.
People who mistakenly think that these little bumps are chronic
low-grade acne of the type that requires topical creams or
antibiotics may be tempted to cover up with even more makeup.
They pile on the foundation, smothering the skin and creating a
more persistent and noticeable rash.
It's important to recognize that this isn't true acne of the
type caused by internal factors. Cosmetic acne is all about what
you are putting on top of your skin. Therefore, it requires a
different treatment. If you want to get rid of cosmetic acne
there is a very simple fix: just stop using the makeup that's
causing it! In most cases, the acne will clear up within a few
weeks of throwing out the offending cosmetics!
What Cosmetics Should You Use?
Does all the above mean makeup is a no-no? Of course not! But in
order to avoid potential flare-ups, choose your cosmetics
carefully. Opt for formulations made without oils and look for
makeup marked "non-comedogenic," which means that they have a
lower likelihood of clogging pores. Avoid heavy, thick or greasy
substances. And don't be afraid to go bare-faced - we all tend
to exaggerate our own flaws, but they are usually much less
noticeable to other people. It's good to let your skin breathe
as much as you can.
What if you are experiencing isolated breakouts along the
hairline or on other parts of the body? You should take a good
long look at all the creams, soaps, shampoos and other
substances you're putting on your skin in order to determine
what could be causing the condition. Sometimes using heavy
conditioners can clog the pores around the scalp and even on the
neck or back (especially if you have long hair that hangs down
and touches your skin). Try switching to a lighter formula, or
be vigilant about keeping your hair away from your skin.
If it's your body soap that seems problematic, you may want to
switch to a formula that offers extra exfoliation to keep pores
clean. Consider one that contains the acne-fighting ingredient
salicylic acid, which sweeps away dead skin cells and prevents
clogs from forming in the pores.
Methods of Application
Finally, remember that sometimes it's not just what we are
putting on our skin that is wreaking havoc on our complexion -
sometimes it's how we are applying those substances that needs
to change.
For example, scrubbing too hard when applying your facial soap
can encourage your skin to produce more oil, leading to acne
flare-ups. Rinsing with hot water instead of lukewarm can also
promote breakouts, so keep your sink and shower water at a
comfortable but not too steamy temperature.
And whatever you do, don't dip your fingers directly into pots
of foundation or apply concealer wands directly to blemished
areas. Doing so allows oils on your fingers and acne bacteria to
take up residence inside your cosmetics - and next time you use
that foundation or concealer you risk spreading acne to your
fresh, clean skin.
So make it a point to use disposable cosmetic sponges, Q-tips
and tissues to keep your makeup pristine, and wash your cosmetic
brushes regularly. Toss out any makeup that's been sitting in
your cabinet for longer than a few months to ensure that
whatever you put on your face is clean and free of potential
skin hazards!