Best Makeup for Acne

Many acne sufferers are afraid to wear makeup because they think it will make their acne worse. Makeup is a beautiful thing but it is usually the last thing someone wants to put on their skin because they want their pores to breathe and heal. Others who suffer with acne refuse to leave their homes without makeup because they’re so embarrassed but what’s going on with their skin. Perhaps you had clear skin and the makeup you started to use made you breakout and now you’re scared to try anything else! Don’t be discouraged. There are just simple rules that need to be followed along with a few trials and errors but you will eventually find the best makeup for your skin.

Where Does Acne Come From?

Pimples form when the sebaceous glands produce too much oil, known as sebum, which surfaces to the skin, clogging the pores with excess oil and acne-causing bacteria. If the pore walls rupture from too much pressure, this infection that forms spreads to the surrounding areas of skin causing pimples to form. The medical term for a pimple is an inflammatory papule.

Skincare Routine

Before considering what makeup to use, it’s important to follow a good skincare routine. Pro makeup artist, Lindsay Tosto, states, “Makeup will not lay on the skin well if the person doesn’t take care of their skin first. Regardless if someone is breaking out or not, it’s important to cleanse and moisturize twice daily, and gently exfoliate the dead skin cells away at least 3 times a week for makeup to lie well on the skin.” So make sure you remember to cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate. Exfoliating cellular buildup will remove trapped bacteria and oil from the pores so makeup will not add to the problem of clogged pores and acne.

What to Look for in Makeup

It’s important to use oil-free and paraben-free cosmetics. It’s important to avoid makeup with oil since it will more than likely get trapped in your pores and add to the already building sebum that is clogging up your pores. Paraben-free cosmetics are important because they are free of harsh chemicals and preservatives that can irritate your skin and cause painful inflammation and breakouts. The more natural the makeup is, the better it is for your skin. You may need to spend a little more for natural and paraben-free cosmetics but isn’t your skin worth it?

Face Primer – Use an oil-free face primer before applying your foundation. Lindsay Tosto describes primer as such, “Think of face primer as an invisible wall between your skin and your makeup. It will add amazing antioxidants to your skin while minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, allowing your foundation to lay better for the entire day with less chance of clogging your pores.” One of her favorites is Smashbox Cosmetics face primer, Photo Finish Primer. 1 to 2 pumps is all you need.

Foundation – Use an oil-free and paraben-free foundation to minimize breakouts and inflammation from occurring.

Spot Corrector Concealer – Use an oil-free concealer to cover pimples that contains salicylic acid to dry out the pimples as it conceals. Tosto’s favorite is Neutrogena’s Skin Clearing Blemish Concealer. Do not use this under your eyes! For under eye corrector, use a concealer that contains some oil to add needed hydration under your eyes. Salicylic acid will dry out the under eye area making one look aged and tired.

Bronzer and Blush – Use paraben-free and oil-free products to add color to your face. Tosto is a big fan of Tarte Cosmetics bronzers and blushes. In fact, she loves the whole line of prodcts! They are almost completely natural and free of harsh chemicals and pesticides.

Remember to cleanse your makeup brushes every one to two weeks with a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Doing so will keep your brushes free of bacteria, oil, and germs. The conditioner will keep your brushes from getting brittle and dry.

Don’t become discouraged when shopping and trying out makeup. Just know that there is light at the end of the tunnel and you will find products that work for you. Keep your makeup as clean and natural as possible!

---

Let the discussion begin!