Cosmetics for Acne-Prone Skin

Listen up, cosmetic enthusiasts: make-up won't make you breakout. That's right. Contrary to some widely-circulated myths, make-up, even the inexpensive brands you find at drug stores, is not the underlying cause of acne. Most people who experience severe acne can blame fluctuating hormone levels for their breakouts. That is not to say that makeup can't make your problem worse. There are certain ingredients that can exacerbate already breakout-prone skin. Today, we're going to take a look at a few of the culprits.

Watch for consistency: Avoid thick, creamy products, whether it's a roll-on bronzer or a compact blush. Not only do these inhibit your skin's ability to breath, they are also more likely to clog pores.

Beware of Irritants: It seems like a no-brainer when it comes to avoiding irritating ingredients, but sometimes these come in disguise. Specifically, I'm talking about fragrances like grapefruit, lemon, or cinnamon. Your best bet is to choose products with naturally-occurring scents. It's always a bad idea to add irritation to skin already compromised with whiteheads or cysts.

What to look for instead: Stick to powder-based formulations for blush and bronzers, as these are less likely to clog pores or irritate. In general, they are more "breathable." When selecting a concealer, liquid products are good options, because they tend to accumulate gradually. Eye make-up is generally less of an acne-concern, because these products are applied only to small areas.

Remember, there's nothing wrong with using make-up from a skincare perspective. Just be sure you're educated about the best products to use--and ensure you wash off those products at the end of the day!