Is makeup harmful to the skin? How to maintain a radiant look

When you’re applying foundation, you’re hesitant and wondering, “Is makeup bad for your skin?”
This is a common concern. Although makeup is often a part of our daily lives and a tool of self-expression, it can also be a problem.
Is it clogging my pores? Are my cheeks getting dry? Cause acne?
Below, we’ll explore this topic and give you some tips to keep your skin glowing without giving up your favorite makeup products!
Is makeup harmful to the skin? sometimes
While cosmetics themselves are not harmful to the skin, they may cause skin problems in some cases. It all depends on what products you choose, how you use them, and how you care for your skin during use.
Clogged pores and acne
One of the most common problems with certain cosmetics is that they can cause clogged pores and increased acne. Typically, this happens when you use heavy pore-clogging products, such as those containing silicones, mineral oil, or wax, as these products can settle into the skin. They also trap oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells, creating the perfect conditions for acne.
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This problem is especially troublesome for people with oily or acne-prone skin. Choose cosmetics that are labeled “non-comedogenic” (formulas that won’t clog pores) to reduce the chance of skin breakouts. Then, make sure to thoroughly cleanse all makeup from your skin every night before bed. Use a soft skin brush to get into each pore and rinse thoroughly.
Dryness and skin irritation
Some cosmetics can strip the skin of its natural moisture, causing it to become dry and irritated. Alcohol-based formulas, long-lasting lipsticks, and setting sprays often dry out and irritate the skin. (That’s why we always recommend using Rescue + Relief Spray for styling—it’s non-comedogenic and naturally hydrating!)
Many foundations, especially matte or long-wear formulas, are also designed to control oil and provide a flawless finish. These products may contain ingredients that absorb excess oil, but may also dry out the skin. Concealers are usually more concentrated than foundation and often contain drying agents to ensure they stay in place throughout the day. This can cause flaky or wrinkled skin, especially under the eyes.
Even tinted moisturizers marketed as moisturizing alternatives to foundation can cause dryness if they have a lower concentration of moisturizing ingredients and rely on pigments and other additives that may not adequately moisturize the skin.
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Look for products that contain hydrating and nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, squalane, natural oils, and more. For those with sensitive skin, try our CV Skinlabs hypoallergenic formula to help reduce dryness and flaking.
Always apply a good moisturizer before applying foundation. We recommend our award-winning calming moisturizer. It will help nourish and protect the skin barrier and restore radiance—makeup artists love it! (More on that below.)
Dull, tired skin
Failure to remove makeup at the end of the day can lead to product, dirt, and oil buildup. These residues can clog pores and interfere with the skin’s natural renewal process. The result? Dull, tired skin. Especially wearing makeup to bed will speed up this process. If done too often, it may cause premature aging.
take action
Cleanse and moisturize your skin every night before bed! Try CV Skinlabs Calming Moisture to help restore a healthy skin barrier and glow, especially if you have sensitive, reactive skin.
Irritated and reactive skin
Some people may have allergic reactions to certain ingredients in cosmetics.
- Irritant contact dermatitis: This reaction occurs when irritating ingredients damage the outer layer of skin. Common culprits include fragrances, preservatives and alcohol. Symptoms may include redness, burning, and itching shortly after using the product.
- Allergic contact dermatitis: This reaction occurs when the immune system mistakenly views a specific ingredient as harmful and mounts a defense against it. Ingredients like parabens, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, and certain dyes are often to blame. Symptoms may include swelling, rash, or hives after repeated exposure to the allergen.
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Before using a new product, always test it on a small area of skin to make sure you’re not allergic to it. Read labels carefully and choose clean cosmetics.
Use unhealthy or inferior products
The ingredients in cosmetics are just as important as the ingredients in skin care products. Many conventional cosmetics contain potentially harmful chemicals, including parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. These can cause irritation, inflammation, and even long-term skin damage to sensitive people.
take action
Read product labels carefully and choose clean cosmetics brands that prioritize non-toxic and skin-friendly formulas.
Is makeup harmful to the skin? How to keep your skin healthy
Fortunately, you can still wear makeup and maintain a healthy, radiant complexion by taking the actions above and adopting the following skin care habits.
1. Be sure to remove makeup carefully.
Never go to bed with makeup on! Use a gentle makeup remover or cleansing balm to dissolve makeup, then cleanse a second time with a gentle cleanser to make sure all traces are removed. Double cleansing is essential to remove long-lasting or waterproof products.
2. Choose cosmetics that contain ingredients that are healthy for your skin.
Look for cosmetics labeled “non-comedogenic” (i.e., they won’t clog pores) and “hypoallergenic” (i.e., they are less likely to cause irritation). Look for formulas that contain skin-nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamins, and botanicals.
3. Stick to a healthy skin care routine.
The secret to healthy skin after makeup is a solid skin care regimen. Start by cleansing as recommended above, then use a gentle toner to balance your skin’s pH. We recommend our Rescue + Relief Spray, which helps eliminate redness and irritation while balancing skin.
“I love using CV Skinlabs Rescue + Relief Spray on my clients before applying makeup,” says celebrity and fashion makeup artist Julie Harris, “because it soothes and calms redness and instantly hydrates.”
After using toner, use a good moisturizer. Not only does it moisturize the skin, it also creates a protective barrier to ensure makeup goes on evenly without drying out the skin. We recommend our Calming Moisturizer.
“Calming moisturizer minimizes redness, hydrates, and helps keep skin healthy no matter what’s affecting it,” says Kristen Arnett, international makeup artist and health and beauty expert.
4. Avoid sharing cosmetics.
Sharing makeup can introduce bacteria to the skin, which can lead to breakouts and infections. Always use your own products and clean your brushes regularly.
5. Give your skin a break.
Go makeup-free for a few days each week to allow your skin to breathe and recover. Makeup-free days allow your natural oils to replenish and your skin to recover. It will also help if you take care of your skin during these days with an extra hydrating mask or exfoliation treatment.
6. Stay hydrated from the inside out.
Moisturizing is the key to healthy skin. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and use a hydrating mist like our Rescue+ Soothing Mist to maintain hydration, especially if you wear makeup regularly.
7. Patch testing of new products.
Before trying a new cosmetic product, be sure to patch test it on a small area of skin to make sure you won’t react to it. This is especially important if you have allergies or have reacted to the product in the past.
Are you worried that makeup is bad for your skin?
Featured image provided by Shiny Diamond via Pexels.