Because sometimes, bumps show up at the worst possible time and need to be sealed away from the spotlight
Wearing makeup over active acne may seem like an obviously horrible decision, but we’re all guilty of resorting to it at some point in our lives. While temporarily covering your bump with a whole lot of concealer be help to camouflage it, it may make your skin look and feel worse the next day if you don’t prep the spot well. Mumbai-based celebrity skin expert and medical head of The Ageless Clinic, Dr Harshna Bijlani, shares everything you need to know about wearing makeup when you’re dealing with unwanted bumps. Consider them the doctor’s orders.
1. Start with a clean face
Acne or no acne, nothing is more important than starting with a clean canvas before you use any makeup. When acne-prone skin is in question, cleaning up gunk is a non-negotiable skincare step while you prep your skin. “Wearing makeup on a face that’s sticky or filled with dirt and grime is only going to make your skin health worse. Make sure you always cleanse your face before you put on your makeup. Opt for an oil-balancing and anti-acne cleanser with ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil or charcoal.”
2. Try an acne patch
Ideally, you shouldn’t be using makeup on active acne spots. If you’re headed to a big event and simply must cover it, “try and use some clindamycin or an acne patch under your makeup to make sure your makeup does not bother your acne. Check with your doctor before opting for these skincare products to make sure they’re right for you.” The DermaAngel Acne Patches are undetectable on skin and also makeup-friendly. Make sure to pat your concealer over the patch and blend it around the edges for a seamless finish.
3. Make sure your makeup brushes and sponges are clean
Skin that’s dealing with acne is even more sensitive to further bacterial infection which can very easily transmit from your products, brushes and sponges onto your skin. “Make sure all your brushes and sponges are absolutely clean. Dirty, used brushes and sponges are breeding grounds for bacteria. They irritate your active acne and even cause acne in areas where there is none.” Use the Code Beauty The Awakening Luxury Vegan Brush & Sponge Bath in Charcoal and Orange Oil to thoroughly disinfect your tools the night before you’re going to use them. You can also disinfect your makeup products like solid lipsticks, blushes, eyeshadow palettes and compact foundations by using a spray cleanser.
4. Use makeup that’s specifically made for acne-prone skin
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, that makes your choice of makeup products even more important. Everything that goes on your skin should work in favour of it, as opposed to leaving it feeling aggravated and angry the morning after. “When it comes to acne-prone skin, most of the acne is caused due to excessive oil and sebum production,” says Dr Bijlani. “Acne also increases sensitivity of the skin making it more prone to irritation and damage by external factors. Make sure you opt for oil-free, non-comedogenic, non-pore blocking products. Pick a base that isn’t too moisturising and the product is lightweight and non-scented. These go a long way in making sure your product won’t make you break out further.”
5. Befriend mineral makeup
Mineral makeup is the best kind when acne-prone or sensitive skin is in question. “These have fewer chemical actives and tend to be gentler on your skin.” Look for products like the Natio Pure Mineral Face Primer and the Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Loose Powder to avoid an acne flare-up the next day. Also, “try and opt for more skincare-based makeup products that also help your skin while providing it with the coverage and concealing it needs. Primers with hydrating ingredients, a foundation with SPF and natural tints created from organic fruit extracts are some good examples.”
