The Truth About Makeup and Acne

Most people do not realize it but the way that you apply your makeup and the type that you use can actually increase acne on your face and skin. This is caused by the makeup because it actually has ingredients that can clog your skin and it results in those nasty bumps that you try so hard to get rid of.

Have you ever tried to hide acne with makeup? Most of us have done that in the past. However, it is really important to realize that this just ends up making things worse. Now, you may be wondering what you can do to help decrease acne from developing on your face when you wear your makeup. The following information will help you improve your makeup applying techniques and it will help you improve your skin so that you will always be looking your best.

Start by purchasing makeup that is called non-comedogenic. This means that they will not irritate your skin and they will not clog your pores so your skin will be staying healthier and cleaner while you are wearing it. Once you have found the right makeup you will want to be sure that you are not purchasing oils and lotions that clog the skin as well. Most women will apply a lotion or oil to their skin before they apply their makeup. When you do this you are just adding to the problem. Try using oils and lotions such as mineral and sunflower oil because these do not get stuck deep in your pores.

The next step is to pay close attention to any of the things that you apply to your body everyday that may have perfume in them. Sometimes perfumes and certain scents can really irritate your skin. So, if you notice that you are breaking out in a certain location you should think about what you are applying there. You may need to change the scent or use something that is odor free. This can apply to deodorants or laundry soap as well.

Always look at the ingredients found in all of the makeup that you buy. You want to use makeup that is produced from natural herbs as much as possible. This will really decrease any acne that you get because the natural ingredients are less likely to cause skin irritation and clogged pores. You can do the same for lipsticks that you use as well. Think about the fact that the shiner the lipstick is the more oil it has in it. Therefore, you always want to try something that is a little duller in order to protect your lips and the skin around them.

It is not difficult to decrease the amount of acne on your face and other body areas as long as you are willing to pay close attention to what you are buying. Many products are moving towards natural ingredients and that is what you should begin looking for. You will see a decrease in acne and in increase in beauty when you pay attention to what you are using and you fully understand how it affects your skin.

Acne Terms and Causes

Acne: Words to Know
Androgen:
A male sex hormone found in both males and females.
Anti-androgen:
A drug that slows down the production of androgens.
Antibiotic:
A drug that kills bacteria.
Comedo:
A hard plug that develops in the pores of the skin composed of sebum and dead skin cells. The mildest form of acne.
Comedolytic:
Drugs that break up comedos and open clogged pores.
Isotretinoin:
A drug that decreases sebum production and dries up acne pimples.
Sebum:
An oily material produced by sebaceous glands that keeps the skin moist.
Tretinoin:
A drug that increases the rate at which skin cells are formed and die.
CAUSES
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The exact cause of acne is not known, however, several risk factors have been identified.
• Age. Because of the effect of sex hormones, teenagers are quite likely to develop acne.
• Cosmetics. Make-up and hair sprays that contain oils can make acne worse.
• Diet. Acne is not caused by diet, but some foods can make the disease more serious.
• Disease. Hormonal disorders can increase the severity of acne problems in girls.
• Drugs. Acne can develop as a result of using certain drugs, such as tranquilizers, antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and anabolic steroids. Steroids are synthetic hormones that may sometimes be abused by athletes to increase the size of their muscles.
• Environment. Acne can become worse as a result of exposure to oils, greases, and polluted air. Sweating in hot weather can also make the condition worse.
• Gender. Boys are more likely to develop acne and tend to have more serious cases than girls.
• Heredity. Acne is more common in some families than in others.
• Hormonal changes. Acne can flare up during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Menopause is the period in a woman’s life when her body stops producing certain hormones.
• Personal hygiene. Strong soaps, hard scrubbing, and picking at pimples can make acne worse.
• Stress. Emotional stress can contribute to acne.