Is Makeup Really Bad for My Skin?
Our relationship with makeup goes back — way back. The ancient Egyptians were among the first to play around with makeup, claiming it made them more closely resemble the gods. These days, makeup is simply standard issue.
Whether you’re a makeup artist racking up subscriptions on YouTube or a mom-on-the-go dabbing on foundation one-handed, there are a few things you should know about how it impacts your skin.
Dr. Divina Averilla and our team at Love Your Body Medical Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada, have tons of experience with skin care and aesthetics, but unfortunately, we’re noticing that misinformation about makeup abounds.
In this blog post, we uncover the lesser-known faux pas of your cover-up.
The good, the bad, the ugly
We love makeup just as much as you do. It’s a great way to express yourself and help you feel more confident and professional. But there’s no denying that most of the products you use every day are full of harsh chemicals that disrupt the delicate balance of your skin’s protective barriers.
The result is an open door for pathogens and other threats to attack your skin and wreak havoc. Here’s a closer look at a few specific ways your skin can suffer at the hands of daily makeup use.
Clogged pores
Wearing makeup every day (and worse, forgetting to take it off at night), clogs your pores, making your skin prone to acne, bumps, breakouts, and other irritating facial skin problems.
Early aging
Makeup itself doesn’t cause your skin to wrinkle, but it can play a role in premature aging. For starters, the harsh chemicals in many common products impact the collagen and elastin in your skin, which, when you lose them, can contribute to a weathered appearance.
You may also forget or neglect to put on sunscreen when you prioritize makeup, and we all know that sun damage is one of the leading causes of premature aging. Some cosmetics promise to keep your skin safe in the sun, but the SPF value just isn't strong enough to keep sun damage at bay.
Dry or oily skin
Makeup, especially when it’s not exactly right for your skin type, can either dry out your skin or contribute to excess oil production.
How to wear makeup with your skin in mind
If 86ing makeup simply isn’t an option, you aren’t doomed to a life of skin problems — but you must start wearing makeup mindfully. Consider these simple strategies to sidestep common makeup-related skin problems:
- Only use products that work with your skin type
- Beef up your skin care routine
- Clean brushes and applicators regularly to avoid bacteria buildup
- Always remove makeup before you go to bed
- Get rid of any products that have expired
- Avoid products that contain harsh or toxic chemicals
You can also see us for professional facials on your makeup-free days to give your skin some extra support.
Are you looking for more information about caring for your skin? We’d love to talk with you. Call our friendly staff at 702-213-5948 or use our online booking tool to request an appointment with our experts today.