If you’re over the age of thirty, you probably remember your mother cautioning you to use makeup sparingly, because while it made you look attractive, it was bad for your skin. Layering on primer, concealer, and foundation every day, said mom, clogged your pores and caused breakouts.
In those days, all skin products fell into one of two categories. Cosmetics, which were for beauty, were unhealthy for your skin, while therapeutic creams and lotions were good for your skin. You wore cosmetics when you went out in public, and nourishing creams when you were at home, or at night.
Times have changed! Many of today’s cosmetics are formulated with healthy, nourishing ingredients that make them function more like therapeutic creams and lotions. If you experience issues with extended wearing of modern cosmetics, the problem may lie not with the products but with your habits, like sleeping with your makeup on or using dirty sponges and brushes. To keep up with the changing science of skin care, here are the answers to the top questions about cosmetics and healthy skin.
1. Can wearing makeup daily impact skin barrier function? If so, how?
The skin barrier, or stratum corneum, is the outermost layer that protects against environmental stressors. Made up of made up of dead skin cells and lipids, it maintains hydration and prevents irritants from entering the skin. Daily makeup with antiquated or unhealthy products can have negative effects.
Heavy or poorly formulated makeup can clog pores and lead to buildup, leading to skin irritation, breakouts, and congestion. Over time, this can compromise the skin barrier, causing it to become weaker and less resilient. Meanwhile, daily makeup removal, especially if done with harsh or abrasive products, can strip the skin of its natural oils, weakening the skin barrier, reducing its ability to retain moisture and increasing its susceptibility to irritation and dryness.
In contrast, many of today’s cosmetics are healthy for your skin, and under normal circumstances can be worn all day, every day.
2. Are there any specific skin conditions that can be exacerbated by frequent makeup use?
Some products, particularly if they’re comedogenic (pore-clogging), can trap oil, dirt, and bacteria on the skin, worsening acne. Heavy foundations and concealers can contribute to breakouts, especially if the skin isn’t properly cleansed at the end of the day.
People with rosacea have sensitive skin prone to redness and irritation. Makeup with fragrances, alcohol, or other irritating ingredients can exacerbate these symptoms. Eczema sufferers have a compromised skin barrier, making their skin more sensitive to irritants. Makeup with harsh chemicals, dyes, and fragrances can worsen dryness and inflammation, leading to flare-ups.
Perioral dermatitis is a rash that typically appears around the mouth and nose, often linked to the overuse of cosmetics. Makeup on areas prone to seborrheic dermatitis (a chronic skin condition that causes flaky, oily, scaly patches of skin) can irritate the skin and worsen flakiness and redness.
3. What three key skincare steps do you recommend for those who wear makeup daily to avoid irritation or breakouts?
Use skin-nourishing cosmetics. Many products now incorporate beneficial ingredients including antioxidants, vitamins, and moisturizers, aiming to nourish and protect the skin. Some foundations include SPF to shield against UV damage, and certain lip balms are enriched with hydrating agents to prevent chapping.
Thoroughly and gently clean your skin. Start with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil, followed by a gentle, water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities.
Hydrate and use lightweight moisturizer. Choose a non-comedogenic, lightweight moisturizer to keep your skin balanced and hydrated. Hydrated skin is less likely to produce excess oil, which can lead to clogged pores.
4. In what everyday situations can wearing makeup be harmful to the skin and best avoided?
Be careful during periods of physical exertion that make you perspire. On long airline flights, the dry, recycled air can dehydrate your skin, making makeup more likely to settle into pores and fine lines.
In very hot, humid, or cold and windy conditions, poor-quality makeup can interfere with the skin’s natural barrier. Hot and humid environments increase sweat and oil production, while cold, windy weather can dehydrate skin.
5. Many of us wear makeup for hours during the day, so why is it so harmful to the skin to keep it on while we sleep?
Sleeping while wearing your makeup is both pointless and potentially damaging. It can clog pores, prevent skin repair, and increase the risk of acne. No matter how tired you are, removing your makeup before bed is essential.
While many of today’s cosmetics are formulated with skin-friendly ingredients, be sure to select products that align with your skin’s needs and to use them appropriately to maintain optimal skin health.