Should You Wear Makeup When You Have Acne-Prone Skin?

There’s a lot of misinformation about acne floating around the skincare world. From myths claiming acne is caused by greasy or sugary food, the best way to treat pimples is to pop them, and even those that suggest tanning is a good acne cure, navigating the world of skincare for acne treatment can be tricky. It’s hard to know what information to trust and which might inadvertently make your acne worse. 

If you struggle with acne, you may have been told it’s time to ditch makeup altogether. People commonly suggest that all makeup clogs pores, inflames skin, and only furthers your acne struggles. So, what’s really the deal? 

Read on to learn everything you need to know about wearing makeup with acne-prone skin.

• Can you wear makeup if you have acne-prone skin?
• What to look for in makeup for acne-prone skin
• Step-by-step: Applying makeup to acne-prone skin
• Makeup tips for preventing flare-ups on acne-prone skin
• Use the best makeup products for acne-prone skin
• Take care of your skin with acne-safe makeup
  

Can you wear makeup if you have acne-prone skin?

In short, you can wear makeup if you have acne-prone skin. Many claim that makeup worsens acne-prone skin, but that isn’t true. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, it’s simply a matter of choosing the right makeup and the right application.

If you’ve found that acne appears to make your skin worse, it may have a few different causes: 

• You’re wearing the wrong makeup. Some makeup ingredients are comedogenic, meaning they can clog your pores. If you already have acne-prone skin, makeup with comedogenic ingredients is likely to make your acne worse. 

• You’re using dirty brushes. Are you washing your makeup brushes regularly? If not, you’re allowing bacteria, dead skin cells, and face oils to accumulate. Each time you apply your makeup with dirty brushes, you’re re-introducing this grime to your skin, potentially making your acne worse.

• You’re not washing your face enough. If you aren’t washing your face every night before bed, that may be the source of your acne.

What to look for in makeup for acne-prone skin

If you struggle with acne-prone skin, there are a few different things to look for to find acne-safe makeup:

Non-comedogenic formulas

If comedogenic means pore-clogging, non-comedogenic formulations are designed to not clog your pores. Phrases like “oil-free” or “won’t clog pores” identify non-comedogenic formulations.

Mineral-based cosmetics

These cosmetics use finely ground minerals for their non-irritating and non-comedogenic properties. Minerals like silica, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide can soothe skin, fight inflammation, and absorb excess oil. They also tend to be lightweight, which can make for good makeup for acne-prone skin. 

Comedolytic ingredients

For the best makeup for acne-prone skin, look for formulas that include “comedolytic” ingredients. These aren’t just acne-safe, but work to treat acne by breaking down clogged pores. Salicylic acid, sulfur, and retinol are all comedolytic ingredients that can be found in foundations and concealers.

Step-by-step: Applying makeup to acne-prone skin

Picking the right makeup isn’t the only important step when wearing makeup with acne-prone skin. It’s also important to apply it correctly. Follow these steps to safely and comfortably apply makeup to your acne-prone skin.

1. Wash your face

People who struggle with acne should wash their face twice a day to remove pore-clogging dirt and grime or acne bacteria. Select a mild cleanser and look for those keywords again: “non-comedogenic,” “oil-free,” or “won’t clog pores.”

For more acne control, use a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide cleanser. If your skin is sensitive, we recommend following a gentle skincare routine for sensitive skin. 

2. Apply a moisturizer and SPF

Ever wondered if you should moisturize with your acne? The answer is yes, moisturizer can help with acne. It keeps skin hydrated, balanced, and healthy. Depending on your skin type, you may want to use a moisturizer for oily skin or a cleanser and moisturizer for dry skin. Either way, be sure to choose a moisturizer with SPF or follow up immediately with sunscreen.

3. Prime your skin

To help your makeup last all day without having to cake it on, start with a primer. Look for an oil-free primer that’s designed for acne-prone skin types. 

4. Apply your makeup

Next, it’s time to apply your makeup (with clean makeup brushes, remember!). Try not to go too heavy-handed with your foundations and concealers. Even the most acne-safe makeup can clog your pores if it’s applied too thickly. 

5. Set your makeup

If your acne is due to oily skin, a setting powder can help keep things in place on the oiliest of days. Look for mineral-based setting powders, which tend to be lightweight and good at absorbing extra oil. 

The most important step in your makeup routine for acne-prone skin? Wash the day’s makeup off at night. Your makeup can act as a barrier, trapping the day’s dirt and grime on your face. This can clog your pores and make your acne worse.

By washing your makeup off every night, not only are you washing away grime, but you’re also allowing your skin to breathe, which may improve your skin quality over time.

Makeup tips for preventing flare-ups on acne-prone skin

Looking for even more great tips for applying makeup to acne-prone skin? Use these tips to guide you:

• Avoid touching your face. Always apply makeup with a clean brush rather than your fingers. They can introduce new bacteria and oils to your face that may make acne worse. 

• Apply makeup gently. Along with acne often comes skin irritation, redness, and inflammation that can make the appearance of acne worse. Apply your makeup gently to avoid further irritating your skin. 

• Use concealer for color correction. If you’re looking to your foundation to cover breakouts, that may be where you’re going wrong. Foundation is great for evening skin tone, but specific areas of redness or breakouts should be corrected with a thin layer of concealer.

• Double-cleanse your face at night. To make sure you’ve really removed all your makeup each night, it may help to cleanse your face twice. Be sure to use a gentle cleanser for this technique, as double-cleansing with a harsh cleanser can make your skin dry. 

Take care of your skin with acne-safe makeup

Acne can be a frustrating skin condition, but it’s not the end of the world—and it certainly doesn’t mean you need to quit wearing makeup. By choosing acne-safe products, following these steps, and using smart tips, you can safely wear makeup without making your acne worse. 

For a wide selection of non-pore-clogging makeup in lightweight formulations that are safe for acne-prone skin, shop Colorescience. Our dermatologist-recommended formulations are designed for all kinds of common skin concerns.