The Controversial Truth: What Makeup Really Does to Your Skin

The Controversial Truth: What Makeup Really Does to Your Skin: If you’re like most women, your morning skin routine goes a little something like this: you cleanse, you tone, and you moisturize. After all of that pampering, you slather on makeup before you head out the door. Makeup may make you feel pretty, but it wreaks havoc on your complexion – even if you have a good skincare routine.

Here’s the dirty truth about what makeup really does to your skin.

Clogged Pores, Anyone?

Between foundation, concealer, bronzer, blush and contouring products, your skin takes a lot of abuse when you apply a full face of makeup. Even with a good makeup remover, all of those products will clog your pores over time.

Clogged pores can lead to breakouts, enlarged pores and dry skin. Some products can irritate the skin, too.

Face makeup isn’t the only thing that’s clogging your pores. That eyebrow pencil you use religiously each day can also clog the pores along your brow line.

Acne and Blackheads

Clogged pores can lead to acne and blackheads. Even if you remove your makeup every evening and before exercising, you may still experience the occasional breakout.

Makeup can cause both whiteheads and blackheads. What’s the difference? According to dermatologists, white heads form when a pore’s opening is fully blocked (or clogged). A blackhead forms when the pore’s opening is fully open.

Makeup that’s oil-free and fragrance-free can help prevent acne. Nonacnegenic and noncomedogenic products are also great for skin that’s prone to breakouts.

Allergic Reactions

Breakouts are the primary concern with makeup, but allergic reactions can also occur. Many people are allergic to ingredients commonly found in makeup, like:

• Shea butter: can cause a reaction in people with nut allergies.
• Phthalates: Considered a potential carcinogen, phthalates can cause allergic reactions and eczema.
• Fragrance: The number-one cause of makeup allergies.

Counteracts the Effects of Your Moisturizer

If you forget to remove your makeup at night, you’re drying out your skin. Some ingredients in makeup can also irritate or dry out your skin on their own.
The drying effects of makeup make your daily moisturising routine less effective. Dehydrated skin is also more likely to develop wrinkles.

Bacterial Infections

Cosmetic products don’t come with expiration dates. If you’re using makeup that’s well past its prime, you may be putting yourself at risk of infection.

Mascara wands are a breeding ground for bacteria and should be tossed every three months. Even foundation, powders, concealer and other face makeup products expire at some point (typically after 6 months to one year).

There are no regulations on makeup ingredients either, so it’s difficult to know what you’re putting on your face each morning.

There you have it – the dirty side of wearing makeup. Makeup may not be your skin’s best friend, but should you really toss out all of your products and go natural? Not necessarily. Giving your face a break a few days a week may help prevent some of the unwanted side effects of wearing makeup, like clogged pores and breakouts.