Best makeup for acne-prone skin 101
Read on to see the best makeup products recommended by those with acne-prone skin, and find out how to make the best choices for your skin.
We all want perfect-looking skin, but not all of us are born with it. Some of us deal with breakouts and pimples...a lot! It's estimated that about 50 million people suffer from acne annually, making it the most common skin condition.
(This article is designed to be educational and informative. Please note that this article is not intended to replace professional medical advice.)
Understand your skin types
Everyone’s skin is unique and special in its own way. Understanding your skin type is essential for skin health, and there are five common types of skin.
- Normal skin is balanced and not too oily or too dry. Oily skin is when your skin produces too much sebum, leading to excess shine.
- Dry skin is when your skin lacks natural moisture, giving it a tight and dull look.
- Combination skin is when you have different skin types in different areas of your face.
- Sensitive skin is when your skin can be easily irritated by certain products and environments. Whatever your skin type is, it’s important to take care of it.
All skin type may suffer from even in your adult years and can be frustrating. On top of that, you hear that makeup can lead to breakouts (erm, not fun!). But is this true? And if so, what types of makeup are harmful to your skin?
Does Makeup Cause Acne?
Dermatologists state that there is no straightforward answer to the question of whether makeup causes acne or not.
However, there are a few factors you must consider first, e.g., the type of makeup you use and how you cleanse your face will determine the health of your skin.
Before sourcing the best makeup for acne prone skin, it is essential to consider the ingredients of your cosmetics and ensure they are not the potential culprits of your acne.
How to Treat Acne Swiftly
If you have acne all over your face and want to know whether or not makeup is causing it, try this simple test: take off all of your makeup for a few weeks.
Then look at what happens! If nothing changes for seven days and no new blemishes appear, then it's unlikely that any cosmetic product could be causing those breakouts.
It is best to refrain from applying makeup to an acne breakout if you have picked or popped it. Rather treat the acne first! You can enjoy the radiant glow that comes with taking care of your skin! and treat your skin to the amazing benefits of spot treatment under your makeup foundation to clear the pimple.
Before you apply foundation, it's important to properly prime your skin. Also, take steps to ensure you're not sabotaging its effects using unhygienic tools. You want to regularly clean them even if it is only to wipe them down with an antibacterial wipe every few days where possible.
A quick consultation with a dermatologist will also help you to determine the cause of acne prone skin. With the help of a dermatologist who can prescribe products containing retinoid (to keep pores clear and that prevents future breakouts) or topical benzoyl peroxide (to achieve a clearer complexion), you save yourself time and frustration.
Build a Great Foundation in your Skincare Routine
Building a strong foundation in your skincare routine is essential for achieving healthy, glowing skin. It can seem like a daunting task, with all the products, advice, and treatments out there. You should aim for, at the very minimum, to have a good face wash, serum and moisturizer with sunscreen.
But, with the right plan and a little commitment, you’ll be on your way to achieving the look you’ve always wanted. Start by understanding your skin type and finding the products that will work best for you. Then, create a regimen that works for your lifestyle and stick to it. That includes dealing with acne causing factors such as bad hygiene, underlying bacteria in clogged pores, excess oil, etc. Avoid using harsh scrubs to exfoliate and instead opt for a chemical exfoliating product with a gentler effect on your skin.
Take the time to nourish your skin with a gentle formula that contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). This will help to reveal a glowing complexion by removing excess skin cells and unclogging pores. Follow up with a salicylic acid to further replenish your skin by removing excess oil and exfoliating inside pores.
If you have dry or combination skin, treat yourself to a hydrating serum with Vitamin C and ferulic acid that will nourish your skin. For those with oily skin, an antioxidant serum is perfect - it's lightweight, oil-free and can even help fight off blemishes.
As you start to see the results, you’ll be inspired to keep going and will be rewarded with a complexion that radiates from the inside out. Building a great foundation in your skincare routine is an investment in yourself.
How to Select the Best Makeup For Acne
You can protect your skin by being aware of the ingredients in your skincare products and your makeup. The causes of t-zone breakouts are varied, including hormonal fluctuations and stress, but often the culprit is the combination of products you use.
Give your skin the attention it deserves and watch as your natural beauty radiates. Remember these tips for the best skin protection while using makeup which can steer your personal preference for your skin type into the right direct:
Choose Matte Finish
Embrace your beautiful and glowing skin with a foundation that has matte finish or a semi matte finish! This is the perfect choice for combination skin or oily skin as it will seamlessly blend in and reduce any unwanted shine.
The revolutionary technology of absorbing surface oil for a matte finish in skincare products allow you to easily blend your skin with the foundation for a seamless, unified look. Achieve a flawless, velvet-matte finish with an oil-free liquid-to-powder formula that is right for your skin type. It blends effortlessly and dries quickly, giving you a long-lasting, beautiful look.
Pick an Acne-friendly Base
Choose foundations with acne-friendly ingredients that don't clog pores to prevent more breakouts for oily or combination skin and gives a dewy finish. Elements such as salicylic acid work best for acne-prone skin. They help to cover your spots and target them at the same time.
Transform your skin with key ingredients such as hyaluronic acid - it can help to provide a plump, youthful glow. Skincare products with botanicals are the perfect way to nourish and soothe the skin and reduce redness.
Ditch the Primers
Primers often contain an exceedingly high percentage of silicon, designed to fill your pores. The skincare products make skin look smooth by leaving a weightless film on your skin.
This can also aggravate already troubled skin, causing pimples and driving dirt and bacteria deeper into your pores.
Wear Sunscreen With SPF And Zinc
Although UVA and UVB rays are invisible, they can be very deceptive and have the potential to cause harm to your skin. Dr. Laughlynn suggests choosing mineral-based options if you prefer to wear makeup with sun protection properties. There are also great medicated foundation as a quick way for spot treatment with coverage.
Mineral makeup brands often avoid using talc as a binding ingredient since it can irritate those with sensitive skin. At the same time, mineral products are rich in zinc oxide, once used to treat acne through tablets.
Protect your skin from acne and blemishes with titanium dioxide sunscreen! Its nanoparticles are much smaller than zinc oxide, making it light and non-pore blocking. Enjoy the confidence of clear, healthy skin with this great solution!
Cover with Concealers
Eliminate the appearance of pimples or post-acne spots with full-coverage, highly pigmented, matte finish concealers. Say goodbye to dark circles and uneven skin tone with undereye concealer for a natural finish that offers full coverage to even out your skin tone and brighten dark circles.
Concealers with ingredients that kill bacteria, such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, are part of our best makeup for acne-prone skin. Choose concealers with tea tree oil or chamomile if you are aiming to soothe inflamed skin. For hyperpigmentation and to reduce redness, select a full-coverage concealer.
You can use your clean fingertip or a brush to apply a small amount to areas of inflammation. Also, its a good idea to use spot treatment under the concealer to dry up active pimple.
#9 Best Makeup Products for Acne Prone Skin
We asked a few people how they choose the best makeup for acne-prone skin. Then we compiled their answers into a list with the whole gamut to help anyone looking to find the best makeup gamut for acne-prone skin or who wants to experiment with different but excellent skin care products.
#1. Tarte Amazonian Clay range of products for acne-prone skin
Experience the revolution of nature with this Liquid Matte formulation! Featuring the perfect ingredient for long-lasting and true wear, this luxurious formula is free of the nasties (parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, sulfates, SLS & SLES, and triclosan), and is also vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. Works equally well for dry or combination skin types.
#2. Tarte Clay Play Face Shaping Palette
Are you struggling with acne or other sensitive skin issues? Don't despair! This face shaping palette has a wide range of colors, with just the right amount of pigment. It provides multiple applications and generous sizes to cater to all your make up needs. With this makeup table, you can now smooth out your skin scars and eliminate several products from your make up tray – all at once! Embrace your beauty and let your skin shine!
#3.Tartelette Juicy Eye Shadow Palette
Choose from the 12 irresistible, rosy, bronze, and neutral lid, line, and crease shades with mix and match matte, pearlescent, and metallic finishes to create gorgeous everyday looks. Each shade of nutrient-rich colored clays for skin that feels nourished. For all day wear and shine (of the right kind!) the amazing eyeshadow you need to glam up!
#4. SHANY Bundle Makeup Set
Transform yourself into a runway diva with the luxurious SHANY All in One Makeup Bundle! Enjoy the highest quality ingredients and latest industry trends without breaking the bank.
Be inspired to create your desired look with this versatile range of super pigmented and richly formulated products, a lightweight foundation with a matte finish that works well for oily or combination skin. Unlike other brands, these cosmetics are suitable for both professionals and beauty beginners, offering everything from compact primers and on-the-go palettes to convertible kits and larger-than-life cosmetic cases.
Are you ready for a SHANY full line surprise? You could receive anything from the old or new catalog, in any color or size. Our boxes are filled with the season's most popular items - don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!
#5. SHANY All In One Harmony Makeup Kit - Ultimate Color Combination - New Edition
Take the worry out of your beauty routine with these carefully selected, minimal ingredients and free from sulfates, alcohol, and EU allergens. Perfect for sensitive skin, oily or combination skin, these 98 shimmer eye shadows are highly pigmented and formulated with mineral oil for a luxurious feel.
Plus, you'll get 70 pastel shimmer eye shadows and silky eye shadows for extra sheen, 6 lip glosses, 3 blushes, 7 sponge brushes, and 2 lip brushes - all that you need for a look that shines!
#6. Oxygenetix Acne Control Oxygenating Foundation
Achieve a beautiful, healthy complexion with Acne Control Foundation! Its unique breathable delivery system with Cerevisiae supports rapid skin recovery and collagen production, while the 2% salicylic acid works quickly to treat and conceal breakouts if you have oily or combination skin. Enjoy all-day flawless coverage!
#7. Oxygenetix Oxygenating Concealer
If you have for oily or combination skin, whether its acne scars, dark spots, rosacea, or other sensitivities, discover the power of this concealer for high impact coverage with repair benefits! Its creamy texture allows for buildable coverage no matter what imperfections you need to cover without clogging pores.
#8. LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Daily Routine Balance-N-Brighten Foundation
Tired of feeling dull and looking tired? Look no further! This glamourous Laura Geller kit will help you to:
- Transform your skin needs into a hydrated and prepped canvas that will hold onto your flawless make-up finish all day with Spackle Hydrate Primer. Contains a blend of Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin and Antioxidant Botanical ingredients, this nourishing formula brightens and replenishes skin for a healthier, suppler complexion.
- Feel the weightlessness of this fan-favorite formula that will leave you looking flawless! It oil free, natural-looking demi-matte finish with Balance-n-Brighten Color Correcting Power Foundation! This award-winning foundation is a handmade antioxidant blend to blend in with your skin color and desired coverage without the worry of caking or potentially pore clogging ingredients.
- Brighten up your complexion and create the appearance of rosy, radiant cheeks! This blush has color-corrective pigments that self-adjust to your skin tone, so it protects your skin with anti-inflammatory properties.
- One Retractable Angled Kabuki Brush no-shed, high-bristle-count vegan brush that feels luxurious and blends seamlessly.
Plus, its travel-friendly design makes it the perfect companion for touch-ups on the go!
#9. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector SPF 30
This tinted foundation is a lifesaver for those with skin sensitivity! It helps to even out the skin's texture and increase moisture levels, reducing the signs of visibly dry skin. Plus, it creates a soft-focus effect for a naturally dewy finish that will leave you looking and feeling refreshed. Get ready to experience beautiful, glowing skin!
You can also try using Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer, Flax from this brand.
Ingredients To Avoid In Your Makeup
Ingredients absent from makeup have the same impact on the product as the ingredients found inside it.
If you're trying to find the best makeup for acne-prone skin, it's worth taking the time to look at all the ingredients in your makeup.
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and potassium chloride
These common elements can cause irritation or cause pore-clogging. As a rule of thumb, try to avoid products that include alcohol, denatured alcohol or isopropyl.
Isopropyl Myristate
According to one study, isopropyl myristate can cause acne-like breakouts by clogging pores. As it works as a penetration enhancer, it may increase irritation from other active ingredients.
Lanolin
Lanolin, also known as sheep skin oil, is highly comedogenic. Hsu, a specialized dermatologist, suggests that people with acne-prone skin should avoid it.
"The longer you're exposed to it, the more likely it is that your pores will clog up," she says. "It's a heavy oil that attracts dirt and other particles."
Silicone
Silicone is a skin-conditioning agent that smooths the appearance of your pores and filling them with lubricating silicone for a flawless complexion. However, silicone can get lodged in pores, leading to clogging pores that can be a challenge to remove.
If you have active acne, double-check product ingredients for silicone, which can be named dimethicone or anything ending in 'cone' in the ingredient list.
All Types Of Oils
Research has revealed that even natural oils like avocado and coconut can clog pores, which can lead to skin issues like acne and irritation. But that doesn’t mean you should shy away from all oils!
Oils are also very effective as a sealant for your skincare routine, as they can help lock in moisture and keep your skin from drying out. You can also apply a second water-based cleansers as per the Korean double cleanse skincare routine.
Key Takeaways
So whether you're looking to cover the acne, or avoid it in the first place, don't be afraid of makeup – it's just another tool in your beauty arsenal. So, the key takeaways are:
Read and research the labels
Read and research the labels before using any skincare or makeup. Avoid harsh ingredients which can irritate your skin.
Experiment with wonderful selection of beauty products
We have discovered a wonderful selection of products for acne prone and skin sensitivities that perfectly encapsulate all of the values we have explored in this article.
We really hope that we have answered any questions you may have about using the best makeup for acne-prone skin.
FAQs
We answer your most pressing questions
Is titanium dioxide safe for acne-prone skin?
Dermatologists agree that titanium dioxide is a safe ingredient for all skin types, including acne-prone skin. For additional protection from the sun, consider instead using a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide for a safer choice.
What 3 ingredients are best for acne?
For the most effective ingredients to help clear your breakouts look no further than Benzoyl peroxide, Salicylic acid, Alpha hydroxy acids, Vitamin C, and Tea tree oil! Your dermatologist can suggest the best options.
