Makeup is a choice and an art. Some people choose to wear it while others don’t. Many of us dabble with the colourful nuances and magic of makeup and what it can do to our face. It is a whole world in itself with a generous industry of products to support it. But is makeup good or bad for your skin?
However, it is possible to undergo a certain amount of damage to the skin when using various makeup products. So, today we will talk about the different aspects and effects of makeup on your skin and equip you with ways in which you can take care of your skin when wearing makeup!
8 ways in which makeup can affect your skin
Here is a list of the possible makeup woes that might impact your skin.
1. Your pores can get clogged!
Leaving makeup on your skin for a long time can clog your pores and make it hard for your skin to breathe. Clogged pores can make your skin more acne-prone and invite other skin problems too.
2. Your skin can look aged
Makeup can get into your pores if it’s not removed before you sleep. This can break the elastin present in your skin, causing wrinkles, fine lines and much more over time.
3. Skin that is too dry or too oily
Wearing makeup products that aren’t meant for your skin type can turn your skin extremely dry if you have a dry skin type or too oily if you have an oily skin type. Dryness or oiliness can give rise to other skin problems.
4. Acne alert!
Applying makeup to cover up your acne can trigger more acne breakouts. If you have acne-prone skin, you need to limit your makeup usage. Applying no or less makeup can improve your skin’s health. It is more important to get your acne treated on time rather than to cover it up with excess makeup.
5. Skin allergies
Makeup products with harmful chemicals like parabens or certain metals can cause allergic reactions, especially when it comes to sensitive skin. Also, some ingredients irritate certain skin types. Using such products can make your skin itchy, red and irritated.
6. Your lip colour starts to darken
Long-lasting lipsticks worn for more than 10 hours darken your lip colour as it contains ingredients that restrict the oxygen supply to your lips.
7. Eye Infections
The skin around your eyes and your eyelid is thin and delicate. Certain ingredients present in your eye makeup can irritate your eyes and even lead to an eye infection. Eye makeup products can eventually lead to pigmentation and dark circles if they are not removed before sleeping or worn for long hours.
8. Skin Cancer
Ingredients like formaldehyde, coal tar, arsenic, silica, and chromium usually present in your makeup products can cause skin cancer if used repeatedly over time.
Follow these healthy tips to limit the skin damage from your makeup.
Choose products that suit your skin type:
Your skin is unique. Never buy products because they seem perfect for you in an ad or commercial. Find out what your skin type is and buy makeup that suits your skin. Do a patch test using tester products before buying them.
Moisturise:
Moisturiser is a must, no matter what your skin type is. It helps you maintain the protective barrier on your skin, saving it from dryness and flakiness.
Protect your skin from the sun:
Apply sunscreen before any makeup product. You can also use a moisturiser and foundation that provides sufficient UV protection. Sun exposure can cause early skin ageing. So, stay sun-protected!
Maintain hygiene:
Clean your brushes and sponges regularly after using them. Harmful bacteria from your dead skin cells can stick to your brushes and get transferred to your skin. If you re-use your brushes without cleaning them for a while, you might risk getting a skin infection.
Remove makeup before bed:
Never go to bed with your makeup. Remove your makeup with a makeup remover using cotton balls. Then, cleanse your face with a gentle face wash. And follow up with a moisturiser to heal your skin overnight.
Do Not Share Your Makeup:
Sharing your makeup with others can spread bacteria. It seems friendly enough but try not to share your makeup products with others.
The silver lining
Regular makeup certainly has some side effects, but you can continue to use them by following a few healthy makeup habits. Provide extra care for your skin with the right skincare products that suit you if you’re a makeup lover. A great nighttime regime won’t hurt either!
FAQ’s
1. Does makeup contain a lot of chemicals?
Makeup contains its fair share of chemicals that aren’t always skin-friendly. Certain makeup components don’t suit every skin type and can cause skin irritation along with premature skin ageing.
2. Is everyday makeup bad for your skin?
Wearing it every day can take a toll on your skin. Harsh chemicals present in your makeup products can damage your skin’s protective barrier, giving way to various skin problems. It certainly impacts your skin’s health and the natural glow of your skin. We recommend that you give your skin a break once in a while!
3. When should I avoid wearing makeup?
- During a workout, your pores open up. If you’re wearing makeup while working out, your pores will get clogged and stop your skin from breathing. This easily leads to skin damage like blackheads, irritation, wrinkles, fine lines, acne etc.
- Do not use products beyond their expiry date. This will do more harm to your skin and possibly cause skin infections.
4. Is it better for your skin if you don’t wear makeup?
There is no right or wrong here. If you choose not to wear makeup, then that is your choice. However, if you choose to wear it, all you need to do is take proper care of your skin pre and post makeup.
