The short answer is YES, makeup can cause acne or make it worse!
Ingredients in some makeup products can clog pores, irritate the skin, compromise the skin microbiome, or trigger allergic reactions, which can worsen acne breakouts. The best way to prevent makeup from causing acne is to choose non-comedogenic products and use them sparingly and gently.
Beware of products that some foundations may include ingredients that claim to help acne, but those ingredients may cause dryness, leading to the skin producing even more oil. To learn more, read my post on Skin Care Habits to Leave Behind.
Not all makeup causes acne. The safest makeup for acne sufferers is a mineral-based powder formula. The natural minerals are less likely to clog pores. Powder foundations also include far fewer ingredients than liquid or cream foundations, reducing the likelihood that something in the product will cause breakouts. Mineral powder foundations made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide also provide additional sun protection.
Does makeup cause acne? Not always! A good skincare routine and carefully chosen products can allow those with acne-prone skin to wear makeup. Here’s the makeup routine that I use for my oily, acne-prone skin and it works very well.
Step 1: To cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate my skin, I use a cotton pad soaked with Corum Superfruit Hydrating Cleanser and gently swipe it across my face, neck, and chest. This no-rinse cleanser removes dirt and oil, shrinks pores, and moisturizes with natural ingredients like Manuka honey and aloe. It also has fruit extracts that contain alpha hydroxy acids and proteases that slough off dead skin cells without drying or irritating my skin. My skin feels clean, smooth, and refreshed after using this cleanser.
Step 2: I use Corum Barrier Repair Super Serum to treat and moisturize and make the skin ready for makeup. I just need to wait a bit for it to sink in. Since my skin is oily I don’t need to apply a moisturizing cream. If your skin is dry, apply Corum Skin Barrier Repair Cream and let it absorb into the skin for a few minutes.
Step 3: To get a flawless base, I dab a little bit of Corum Prime and Finish Mattifying Setting Powder on a dry sponge and gently press it onto my skin. This helps me reduce oiliness, minimize pores, and create a smooth surface that will receive the mineral powder foundation evenly.
Step 4: Using a dry sponge, I dab on some mineral powder foundation. I then blend it into the skin with a sponge or a dry brush. This type of foundation contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are gentle minerals that act as physical sunscreens. I also prefer matte powder products for my eyes and cheeks, as they have fewer ingredients that can irritate my skin. I avoid shimmer makeup because it can accentuate skin texture.
(I recommend a mineral powder sunscreen (paid link) be reapplied every 2 hours during sun exposure.)
Step 5: I reapply Corum Prime and Finish Mattifying Setting Powder to extra oily places: forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose. This will help to blur imperfections and create a consistent finish.
Step 6: With a damp sponge I pat my face lightly and remove any excess powder. This gives a natural-looking finish.
Step 7: To prevent bacteria growth on my makeup tools, I clean them after every use. I created Corum Makeup Brush Cleaner Concentrate to clean makeup brushes and sponges fast. This way, I can incorporate it into my daily routine without hassle.
Step 8: Blotting papers are an easy and inexpensive way to control excess shine that can break through during the day. Just lightly pat the paper on the skin and hold briefly while the paper absorbs excess oil. Gently pull away the paper without rubbing it. They can be used to help makeup last longer as they absorb without smudging or smearing. My go-to blotting papers come in a handy dispenser, which is easy to refill. (paid links)
