5 Must-Have Makeup Tips For Acne Prone Skin

According to reports, as much as 50 to 80% of women in the world use makeup. Some use it occasionally, while some can't go outside their houses without a face full of makeup. More than just improving appearance, makeup can help improve self-esteem. As Tyra Banks once said: “I love the confidence that makeup gives me.”

While makeup can make you feel and look beautiful, some products may end up affecting your skin. With that being said, there are some cosmetic do's and don’ts if you have acne. Here are 5 useful tips on how to wear makeup if you’re currently suffering from a bad breakout: 

Not all cosmetics are made equal. Some are cheap, while some are surprisingly expensive. Whatever your budget may be, you need a product that will not further aggravate your acne. As such, it is best to use skin-friendly products that are:

• Non-greasy or oil-free 

Oil-based products add up to the naturally-occurring oils on the skin. As such, it may clog the pores, leading to more pimples. 

• Non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic

Comedogenic products block the pores, which can worsen zits and result in more blemishes. 

• Hypoallergenic 

Some products can trigger an allergic reaction. This can manifest as blackheads, which can then progress to pimples. As such, it is important to choose a hypoallergenic cosmetic, which can keep your skin calm and breakout-free. 

• Non-irritating. 

Irritating makeup can make the skin dry and itchy, which can further worsen your acne. Consequently, skin irritation can trigger a new wave of breakouts. 

Apart from considering these properties, you should also be on the lookout for beneficial ingredients. For example, zinc oxide, silica, and titanium dioxide can help absorb oil and conceal redness. They are non-irritating, which means they are not likely to cause pimples.

Another cosmetic ingredient that you should consider is dimethicone. Not only will it help smooth out your uneven skin, but it can also keep redness at bay. 

Apart from choosing skin-friendly cosmetics, you can opt for products that could help with pimples as well. Several products contain salicylic acid, which helps unclog pores. Some have benzoyl peroxide, which helps fight acne-causing germs. 

If you want to go all-natural, some cosmetics contain plant-based ingredients. Some makeups contain tea tree oil, witch hazel, and aloe, just some of the organic additives that may help reduce pimples. 

Applying makeup with a heavy hand can irritate your skin. The wrong technique can worsen your pimples. In his Insider interview, Dr. Craig Austin said that heavy application "delays the healing process and could potentially cause further irritation." 

To make matters worse, 'hard’ makeup application can irritate the other areas, leading to additional breakouts.

With that being said, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends applying makeup with a light, gentle touch. Not only will this give you a natural look, but it can also prevent further irritation of the skin.

Here are some ‘gentle’ ways on how to apply makeup:

• Moisturizer, Primer, Base, or Foundation: 

Don’t smudge or swipe. It’s best if you apply this product in a dabbing motion.

• Eyeshadow: 

With a light touch, apply the product on your lid. Blend the colors gently as needed. 

• Eyeliner: 

Pull your lower lid gently before applying the eyeliner with a light hand. 

• Blush: 

Use a soft, fluffy make-up brush. Gently apply the product below the apples of the cheeks. 

If you are using a cream blush, the same principle applies. Put the makeup in dabbing motions. Avoid swiping or smudging the product. 

• Bronzer: 

With the use of a soft brush, apply a line of bronzer from your ear to the apples of your cheeks. Blend it gently with the use of a small circular brush. 

• Highlighter: 

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Gently pat the highlighter at the top of your cheekbones. Apply this product gently, implementing a C-shape motion until it is blended well to your skin. 

You may be exhausted due to a particularly long day at work. While it might be tempting to hit the sack right away, it is best if you remove your makeup first. Not doing so will not only worsen your current zits, it may also lead to acne cosmetica. 

As the name suggests, this condition results from makeup use. They may take the form of milder whiteheads, to more severe pimples. They usually appear on the forehead, cheeks, and chin. They can pop up after a few days, or they may come in late after a few months.

To keep your zits at bay, and to prevent any more flare-up, the AAD recommends using an oil-free makeup remover. Because it doesn’t leave residue on the skin, it won’t clog your pores and lead to more pimples.

Next, you need to wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Apart from deeply cleaning the skin, such a product can leave your face hydrated. This also keeps the skin barrier strong, which helps prevent the bacteria from plugging up the pores.

Lastly, AAD discourages scrubbing your face whenever you try to remove your makeup. Such an act can irritate the skin, making you prone to new pimples. 

Your brushes can harbor excess makeup, even germs, that can irritate the skin. Not only will it worsen your pimples, but it can also add some more! With that being said, experts advise cleaning and conditioning your brushes at least every week. "This will keep the bacteria load down," according to an interview with makeup artist Cristina Bartolucci. 

Additionally, Bartolucci recommends cleaning sponges with hot water and soap. As you do so, squeeze them well until the water is clear. 

Apart from cleaning them, you must store your brushes and sponges appropriately. Keep it in a container separate from your makeup. Hang them outside down if possible, as this will help in the airdrying process.

The same strict hygiene needs to be observed if you use your fingers to apply makeup. According to Dr. Austin, the “fingers carry many germs and can irritate the skin." With that being said, he recommends washing your hands right before doing your makeup. 

Makeup can help conceal your pimples. However, applying them the wrong way could just worsen your zits. To prevent that from happening, you need to keep these 5 makeup application tips in mind. Not only will they make you look flawless, but they can also prevent your breakouts from worsening even further.