It should come as no surprise that one of the most common questions our dermatologists are asked is: “Does wearing makeup damage your skin?” The simple answer is yes, but there’s a lot more to it than that.
Makeup can cause all sorts of skin problems, from acne and rashes to premature aging and even skin cancer. But the good news is that there are ways to minimize the damage.
Here’s what you need to know about how makeup can damage your skin and what you can do to protect yourself.
The average woman spends X amount of money on makeup per year
A new study has found that the average woman spends a whopping $300,000 on makeup over the course of her lifetime. And while we all love feeling glam, many of us are unaware of the damage that some of our favorite products can do to our skin.
“Makeup is essentially tiny little rocks that sit on top of your skin,” says Dr. Whitney Bowe, a dermatologist in New York City. “And when you think about it that way, it’s really no surprise that it can cause irritation, inflammation, and even acne.”
So what’s a beauty lover to do? First, take a close look at your current products and see if any contain ingredients that are known to be irritating (such as alcohol or fragrance). If they do, it might be time to switch to more gentle formulas.
Will makeup damage your skin?
Makeup is a part of many people’s daily routines, but few know the potential damage it can do to their skin. Makeup products can contain harmful ingredients that can cause irritation, inflammation, and even skin cancer. Some of the most common harmful ingredients in makeup include:
– Parabens: These are used as preservatives and can be found in foundation, lipstick, mascara, and other products. They can disrupt hormone function and have been linked to breast cancer.
– Phthalates: These are used to make products more pliable and are found in nail polish, hair spray, fragrance,s, and other cosmetics. They can disrupt hormone function and have been linked to reproductive problems.
– Fragrance: Many makeup products contain synthetic fragrances that can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems.
Long-term effects of these ingredients on the skin
A new study has found that some of the most common ingredients in makeup can have long-term effects on the skin. The study, conducted by the University of British Columbia, looked at the effects of these ingredients on a group of women over the course of eight years. The findings showed that some of the ingredients in makeup can cause changes in the skin’s collagen and elasticity.
These changes can lead to wrinkles and sagging skin. The study also found that some of the ingredients in makeup can cause inflammation and damage to the skin’s barrier function. This can make the skin more susceptible to dryness, irritation, and other problems. While these findings are concerning, it’s important to remember that not all makeup products contain these harmful ingredients.
Simple tips to avoid damaging your skin while wearing makeup
When it comes to makeup, it’s important to know how to apply it correctly in order to avoid damaging your skin. Here are some simple tips:
1. Always clean your face before applying any makeup. This will help remove any dirt or oil that could potentially clog your pores and cause breakouts.
2. Be sure to use a primer before putting on foundation or any other type of base makeup. This will create a barrier between your skin and the makeup, helping to prevent any irritation or inflammation.
3. When choosing a foundation, be sure to go for a water-based formula rather than an oil-based one. Oil-based foundations can clog pores and lead to breakouts, whereas water-based formulas are much gentler on the skin.
4. Try applying a light layer of foundation to even out your skin tone, then use a concealer to hide blemishes and dark circles under the eyes.
Makeup can damage your skin in a number of ways. By not removing makeup before going to bed, you’re preventing your skin from properly cleansing and renewing itself overnight. This can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Makeup can also irritate sensitive skin, cause allergic reactions, and even contribute to premature aging. Of course, makeup isn’t all bad. Used in moderation and with the right products, it can enhance your natural beauty and make you feel more confident.
But it’s important to be aware of the potential risks so that you can take steps to minimize them. Here are some wellness tips for keeping your skin healthy while still enjoying the occasional makeup session:
- Remove your makeup every night before bed no matter how tired you are.
- Choose non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores.