You’re blending in that foundation, and you hesitate, wondering: “Is makeup bad for skin?”
It’s a common worry. Though makeup is often a part of our daily routine and a tool for self-expression, it can also be a concern.
Is it clogging my pores? Drying out my cheeks? Causing Acne?
Below, we explore this topic and give you some tips to keep your skin glowing without giving up your favorite cosmetic products!
Is Makeup Bad for Skin? Sometimes
While makeup itself isn’t inherently harmful to your skin, there are some instances where it may cause skin problems. It all depends on what products you choose, how you use them, and how you care for your skin in between applications.
Clogged Pores and Breakouts
One of the most common problems with some makeup products is that they can lead to clogged pores and increased breakouts. Usually, this occurs when you’re using heavy, pore-clogging products—such as those containing silicone, mineral oil, or waxes—as these can settle into the skin. They can also trap oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells, creating the perfect conditions for acne.
Take Action
The issue is particularly troublesome for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Choose makeup labeled non-comedogenic (formulated not to clog pores) to reduce the chances that your skin will break out. Then be sure to thoroughly cleanse your skin of all makeup every night before bed. Use a soft skin brush to get into every pore, and rinse thoroughly.
Dryness and Skin Irritation
Some makeup products can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leaving it dry and irritated. Alcohol-based formulas, long-wear lipsticks, and setting sprays often leave skin dry and irritated. (That’s why we always recommend our Rescue + Relief Spray for setting—it’s non-comedogenic and it naturally moisturizes skin!)
Many foundations, too—especially matte or long-wear formulas—are designed to control oil and provide a flawless finish. These products may include ingredients that absorb excess oil but may also dry out the skin. Concealers are typically more concentrated than foundations and often include drying agents to ensure they stay in place throughout the day. This can result in flaky or crepey-looking skin, particularly under the eyes.
Even tinted moisturizers, marketed as a hydrating alternative to foundations, can be drying if they contain a low concentration of moisturizing ingredients and rely on pigments and other additives that may not sufficiently hydrate skin.
Take Action
Look for products that include hydrating and nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, squalane, natural oils, etc. These help maintain moisture levels while providing the desired coverage. For those with sensitive skin, try our CV Skinlabs hypoallergenic formulas that help reduce dryness and flaking.
Always be sure to apply a quality moisturizer before your foundation. We recommend our award-winning Calming Moisture. It will help nourish and protect the skin barrier and restore radiance – and makeup artists love it! (More on that below.)
Dullness and Tired-Looking Skin
Failing to remove makeup at the end of the day can lead to a buildup of product, dirt, and oils. This residue clogs pores and can interfere with your skin’s natural renewal process. The result? Dull, tired-looking skin. Sleeping in makeup, in particular, accelerates this process. If you do it regularly, it could contribute to premature aging.
Take Action
Cleanse and moisturize your skin every night before bed! Try CV Skinlabs Calming Moisture to help restore a healthy skin barrier and glowing radiance, especially if you have sensitive reactive skin.
Irritated and Reactive Skin
Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to certain ingredients in makeup products.
- Irritant Contact Dermatitis: This reaction occurs when a harsh ingredient damages the skin’s outer layer. Common culprits include fragrances, preservatives, and alcohols. Symptoms may include redness, burning, and itching shortly after applying the product.
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis: This reaction occurs when the immune system mistakenly targets a specific ingredient as harmful and mounts a defense against it. Ingredients like parabens, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, and certain dyes are typically responsible. Symptoms may include swelling, rashes, or hives that develop after repeated exposure to the allergen.
Take Action
Always test a new product on a small area of skin before use to be sure you’re not allergic to it. Read labels carefully and choose clean makeup products.
Using Unhealthy or Poor-Quality Products
The ingredients in your makeup matter as much as those in your skin care products. Many conventional makeup items contain potentially harmful chemicals, including parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. These can cause irritation, inflammation, and even long-term skin damage in sensitive people.
Take Action
Read product labels carefully and choose clean makeup brands prioritizing non-toxic and skin-friendly formulations.
Is Makeup Bad for Skin? How to Keep Your Skin Healthy
Fortunately, you can still wear makeup and maintain a healthy, glowing complexion by taking the above actions and adopting the following skincare habits.
1. Always remove makeup carefully.
Never go to bed with your makeup still on! Use a gentle makeup remover or cleansing balm to dissolve the makeup, then cleanse a second time with a mild face wash to ensure every trace is gone. Double cleansing is vital for removing long-wear or waterproof products.
2. Choose makeup with skin-healthy ingredients.
Look for makeup labeled non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, and hypoallergenic, meaning it is less likely to irritate. Seek formulas with skin-nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamins, and plant extracts.
3. Stick with your healthy skincare routine.
The secret to healthy skin under makeup is a solid skincare regimen. Begin with the cleansing recommended above, then follow with a gentle toner to balance your skin’s pH levels. We recommend our Rescue + Relief Spray, which helps remove redness and irritation while balancing skin.
“I love using CV Skinlabs Rescue + Relief Spray on my clients before applying makeup,” says Julie Harris, celebrity and fashion makeup artist, “as it soothes and calms any redness and instantly hydrates.”
Follow your toner with a quality moisturizer. It will not only moisturize the skin, but will create a protective barrier that ensures your makeup applies evenly without drying out your skin. We recommend our Calming Moisture.
“Calming Moisture minimizes redness, hydrates, and helps keep skin healthy despite what’s being done to it,” says Kristen Arnett, international makeup artist and healthy beauty expert.
4. Avoid sharing makeup.
Sharing makeup can introduce bacteria to your skin, which may lead to breakouts and infections. Always use your own products and clean your brushes regularly.
5. Give your skin a break.
Go makeup-free for a few days a week to let your skin breathe and recover. Makeup-free days allow your natural oils to replenish and your skin to reset. It also helps if you pamper your skin on those days, using an extra hydrating mask or exfoliating treatment.
6. Stay hydrated inside and out.
Hydration is key to healthy skin. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and use a hydrating mist like our Rescue + Relief Spray to maintain moisture levels, particularly if you use makeup frequently.
7. Patch-test new products.
Before trying a new makeup product, always perform a patch test on a small area of skin to ensure you won’t react to it. This is particularly important if you have allergies or you’ve experienced reactions to products in the past.
Do you worry that makeup is bad for your skin?
Featured image by Shiny Diamond via Pexels.