What does your skin want you to know about the makeup you put on your face?

Is it a big green tick? Or a giant no-no?

If you’ve ever had the nagging feeling that your makeup could be bad for you, then you are not alone.

Many people have wondered whether makeup is damaging their skin, causing premature ageing or breakouts, or even making them look puffy.

The thing is, we quite like makeup. And we bet you do too.

So, let’s get to the bottom of this mystery once and for all… should you wear makeup?

Should You Wear Makeup? Here’s What Your Skin Says

Is Makeup Bad For Your Skin?

The million dollar question… is makeup actually bad for your skin?
You will probably be very excited to hear that makeup itself is not inherently bad for your skin. While certain products can spark issues, improper use is what causes most of the problems.

These are the most common triggers for makeup related skin issues:

• Cheap Products: Often low quality makeup products contain harsh ingredients that can irritate your skin, clog your pores or cause flare ups. Choosing high quality, natural alternatives can reduce the risks to your skin.
• Sensitivities: Some people may find that certain ingredients can cause sensitivities like redness, itching or swelling. Identifying and avoiding those ingredients can stop those reactions from happening.
• Not Removing Your Makeup: Any makeup wearer knows the ultimate no-no is leaving your makeup on overnight. Not removing it can block your pores, leading to breakouts or dull looking skin. Proper cleansing removes all residue, leaving your skin clean and fresh.
• Clogged Pores: Certain products, like heavy foundations, can leave your pores feeling clogged. This can result in acne-like breakouts if you aren’t careful. So, choose a lighter product that allows your skin to breathe.
• Expired Products: Did you know that makeup actually has a shelf life? Using expired makeup can introduce bacteria to your skin, leading to irritation or even infection. That’s why it is essential to follow the guidelines for use and throw out any products once they reach their recommended use timeframe.
• Overuse: Wearing makeup all day, every day can prevent your skin from being able to rejuvenate naturally. So, make sure you have some time when you give your skin a break.

Good Makeup Habits

So, if improper use of makeup causes problems, how can you make sure you are using it correctly? These are the good makeup habits you should be following:

Buy Consciously

Good makeup habits begin with the makeup that you buy. Try to choose products that are good quality and will suit your skin type. If you are prone to dry skin, choose a liquid foundation (one with hydrating skincare properties is best) otherwise you might find your skin feeling tight and your makeup looking patchy or cakey.

Those who have oily or combination skin types should be aware of ‘comedogenic’ ingredients. They are ingredients that are known to block your pores as your skin has trouble absorbing them. Common comedogenic ingredients are cocoa butter, lanolin, coconut oil and palm oil. These ingredients are not guaranteed to cause a breakout, but the potential is there.

Other problem ingredients include alcohol and oxybenzone. Alcohol often has one of two effects, it can either cause dryness and flakiness, or stimulate natural oil production which can lead to excess oil on the skin. Oxybenzone is a common trigger for skin irritation and allergies. It is often found in sunscreens, so check the ingredients label when buying.

Remove Fully At Night

Ever wondered why the double cleanse is recommended? Well, your makeup removal pads will show you the reason. It is essential for good skin health that you fully remove your makeup every night as that is when your skin does its healing from the day. Double cleansing ensures this can happen.

The first cleanse in your routine will break down and remove the makeup from your skin’s surface, but it does not penetrate any further than that. The second cleanse is what actually cleans your skin underneath the makeup layer. If you question this logic, just take a wee look at the makeup removal pad after your second cleanse and you’ll be surprised by how much makeup residue is on it!

Clean And Dispose

As we mentioned before, makeup can expire. Once a product is opened and you start using it, bacteria can enter from your hands or brushes. It can also start to chemically alter as it gets exposed to the environment. So, it is recommended to dispose of any partially used products after 6 months.

Likewise, you also need to clean your makeup brushes on a regular basis. As you apply product to your skin, the residue remains in the brush. Over time, this can build up, forming a collection of product, dirt and oil. If you don’t clean your brushes, you are then wiping that build up onto your skin every time you apply. Plus, brushes can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Cleaning them at least weekly will prevent this from happening.

SPF Factor

It is essential that you protect your skin from the sun. While some foundation products will contain SPF it is not always enough coverage for good skin protection. Applying sunscreen before you apply your makeup will give the protection you need from the sun’s damaging rays.

Give It A Rest

You have probably heard that you need to have a few makeup free days a week to keep your skin healthy. That is a common belief. But, in reality, it is not all true. If you just wear light makeup each day, then you can apply it every day without issue as long as it is removed correctly each night.

However, if you regularly wear layers of heavy makeup, such as primer, concealer, foundation, and setting powder, then you could be impacting your skin’s natural barrier functions. This level of product on a daily basis can create a mantle on the skin’s surface which can impact your skin’s natural detoxifying process. Over time, it can impact your skin’s texture and appearance.

So, if you have a lifestyle where you wear this level of makeup consistently, it is recommended to give your skin a weekly break to allow natural functions to occur.

Good Skincare Routine

Finally, it is important to accompany your makeup use with a good skincare routine. In case any of the ingredients in your makeup are impacting your skin negatively, your skincare routine can help to rejuvenate it.

We’ve talked about the benefits of cleansing already, but you also need to follow that up with moisturiser. Applying a good quality moisturiser after removing your makeup will calm your skin and lock in moisture for great overnight hydration.

A good post-makeup skincare routine starts with great skincare products. Shop for all-natural, Kiwi made products right here at summer + bloom.

Should You Wear Makeup?

Right, so we’ve answered the million dollar question. Yep, if you want to wear makeup, then your skin says you totally can. Just make sure you practice good makeup habits and your skin will give you the double thumbs up!