source:flickr by:Scott Huber

Acne and Makeup

It’s a classic catch-22: wearing makeup causes breakouts, which makes you use more makeup. This cycle can both cause and aggravate acne, which leaves you feeling aggravated. Thankfully, there’s a simple solution. Creating a pure beauty care routine will help prevent acne cosmetica, the fancy name for acne caused by cosmetics. Building a pure cosmetic regimen is actually easier than you think. All it takes is the desire for clear skin and some diligent label-reading.

Acne Cosmetica
Before delving into what makes a makeup product pure, let’s take a look at acne cosmetica. When a makeup product is applied, it doesn’t adhere to the application area to sit for the day. It actually migrates into the low areas (the pores), just like water to a drain. If your makeup cosmetic contains comedogenic ingredients, the formulation can clog the pore, resulting in makeup-caused acne. Acne cosmetica can appear just like traditional acne blemishes, or it can simply look like a fine rash. If you experience either form, be sure to discontinue the use of the offending product immediately.

Comedogenics
Most people, especially acne sufferers, believe that all oils are comedogenic. Surprisingly, that is not the case! Many oils, including essential oils, petroleum products, sunflower oil and mineral oil, are non-comedogenic and safe for use on acne-prone skin. On the flip side, lanolin and isopropyl myristate are two common comedogenic ingredients used in beauty makeup products. If you’re unsure about a product’s ingredients, check the label for “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic” markings. These two phrases indicate that the product in question is probably ok to use on acne-prone skin.

Shimmer
Many skin care makeup products add a little shimmer, glimmer or shine to your look. The ingredient that makes this happen is usually mica, a very common mineral often used in mineral makeup formulations. Although natural and gentle, mica features a jagged shape that can cause irritation or pore clogging. If your mica-infused beauty care product is causing issues, trying switching to a shimmer-free formulation, or finding a glimmering product that uses something other than mica to provide you with the glow you desire.

Red Dye
We’ve all been told that red dye is bad for our health, but it can be bad for our skin, too! Most red dyes used in cosmetic products, such as blush, eye shadows and lip products, are actually comedogenic coal derivatives. Don’t like the idea of slathering coal on your face? Try using carmine, a natural and gentle red hue that’s been used since the Aztecs.

Texture
When it comes to keeping your skin free of acne blemishes, texture matters! Cream formulations are more likely to contain comedogenic ingredients, which makes them more likely to cause acne. Even if a cream formula is non-comedogenic, the thicker, heavier texture can feel uncomfortable to some acne sufferers. If you’re trying to prevent acne, look for powder or gel formulations.