MAKEUP AND ACNE
During a recent workshop the topic that kept coming up was acne. I have been there myself. There's nothing worse than that feeling of being self conscious. Waking up on an important day to acne or a pimple can be so stressful.
Makeup can help cover up the problem but in other cases it can accentuate it as well. Everyone is different so the solution isn't easy to find right away.
I think the most important thing for everyone to remember is to wash your face properly everyday.
Many people do not wash their face before going to bed leaving traces of makeup. It is essential to clean the face and neck with a cleanser adapted to your needs and skin type.
Gel gives a nice squeaky clean feel to the skin, cream for a dry skin craving moisture or a traditional face bar soap. If possible, follow with a toner to help your pores and moisturizer.
I suggest to my clients to do an inexpensive deep pore cleaner every once and a while using a chamomile tea bag and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Put both in boiling water, wrap a towel around your head and let the steam penetrate your skin for at least 10 minutes. Many blocked impurities will release and the aroma itself is heavenly while being very subtle and calming.
When purchasing makeup, many people just buy without really knowing what certain terms mean.
Non-comedogenic makeup is designed to prevent breakouts and reduces pore blockage. It you are allergic to makeup or have acne, this could be a great solution for you.
Acne prone skin should avoid liquid makeup and stick to powder. Powders also have the added bonus of helping absorb excess oil. Many liquid makeups contain oil which is not for everyone.
If you see that your makeup is creating a reaction, allergy or your acne is worse, try something else.
I suggest to my clients to try it for a few days and see. Then wait a few days and see what happens when you don't use it. Switching brands is very common and a good way to see which ones your skin tolerates. In certain cases, even non-comedogenic can irritate extremely sensitive skin so don't worry.
Proper hygiene with your makeup applicators and makeup brushes is also a must. Bacteria on your skin can come from there and create acne. Get in the habit of washing your brushes and applicators with baby shampoo, makeup brush cleaner or even a antimicrobial soap regularly. Another option is disposable applicators which are easy to find.
It's definitely not easy to deal with bad skin especially if your big day is coming up, or you just aren't finding a solution in general.
Take into consideration that stress, pollution, diet, hormones and climate can contribute to your problem.
If your problem persists, go to see a dermatologist and leave your skin alone for a few days.
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