Should I Skip Makeup When I Have a Breakout?

Flip through any beauty magazine, and sooner or later, you'll run across the same tired advice: don't wear makeup when you have acne. But what if your skin is always breaking out? And what if you have a date or important event? After all, wasn't makeup designed for moments when your skin is not perfect?

You don't have to show your spots to the world. Though makeup can exacerbate a breakout, it doesn't have to if you follow a healthy skincare routine.

Why Makeup Can Be a Problem

Breakouts occur when oil, dirt, skincare products, dead cells, and other tiny particles get trapped in your pores along with bacteria. In some cases, a painful infection ensues, characterised by red, inflamed pimples. Other times, you might see little more than clogged pores, blackheads, and whiteheads.

The problem with makeup is that it's another layer of grime on your skin. Cosmetics can prevent your pores from cleaning themselves, increase oiliness, and introduce bacteria. Some cosmetic formulations may irritate sensitive skin, and touching your face to apply makeup can further inflame blemishes.

This doesn't mean all makeup is bad or you have to forgo a flawless finish just because you're having a breakout. But because makeup increases your risk of breakouts, you'll need to take steps to reduce the negative effects makeup has on your skin.

Choosing Skin-Friendly Cosmetics

Some cosmetics do more than offer a temporary fix; they actually address an underlying skin problem. Choose treatment concealers that zap pimples as they conceal them, such as Dermalogica Concealing Spot Treatment. These treatments can dry your skin and increase sensitivity, so apply them only to problem areas—not to your entire face, and never under your eyes.

If you're prone to breakouts, use a skin-friendly formulation on the rest of your face. Look for oil-free or non-comedogenic products. Glo Minerals Camouflage Oil-Free Concealer is an excellent choice for evening out your skin tone and concealing acne scars.

Other Strategies for Protecting Your Skin

Even the best cosmetics can irritate your skin if you don't practise good skincare. It's always a good idea to consult your dermatologist about painful breakouts or spots that resist treatment. Here are some other strategies for keeping your skin clear:

• Wash your face as soon as you no longer need to be wearing makeup. By minimising the time you spend in makeup, you get the best of both worlds.

• Wash your face before bed and applying an overnight acne treatment.

• Use an oil-free moisturiser, which prevents dry skin without triggering a breakout.

• Never pop pimples or pick your skin, temping though it may be. You can cause more inflammation, slow healing time, and even cause scarring.

• Avoid wearing makeup when you're exercising, at the beach, or otherwise likely to be sweating.

• Change your pillowcase often, particularly if you sweat at night.

• Exfoliate your skin to remove excess oil and dead skin cells at least once per week.