If you’re a makeup fan who suffers from acne, the one thing you’re probably sick of hearing is “You wouldn’t suffer from acne if you didn’t wear so much makeup”. While it is of course important to keep your skin clean, the very real fact of the matter is that acne has often got more to do with hormones, chemical imbalances or unlucky genetics than it has to do with how frequently you wear your favourite foundation.
If you don’t want to ditch your makeup bag, check out these top tips to make sure you keep your skin looking and feeling its best.
- Always remove your makeup before bed. We know, we know. You’ve probably heard it a million times but we can’t stress enough the importance of a good cleansing routine. And no, makeup remover wipes just won’t cut it. A proper cleansing routine requires an initial wipe over to remove excess makeup and then a cleanser to make sure all that potentially pore-clogging residue is gone. Make sure to choose a cleanser that suits you too; if you suffer from sore red skin, a calming cleanser might be a good idea. If excess oil tends to cause your blemishes, opt for a rebalancing cleanser instead.
- Wash your brushes. If you use brushes to apply your makeup, you have to ensure you wash your brushes frequently to make sure they’re not harbouring any harmful bacteria.
- Combine cosmetics and skincare. It’s a lot easier said than done to pare back your makeup when suffering from a breakout but it is true that some cosmetic products are worse for your skin than others. If you’re going to wear foundation, make sure to choose a non-comedogenic formula like Max Factor’s Colour Adapt Foundation. ‘Non-comedogenic’ means this product won’t clog your pores, one of the main causes of spots. It’s also a good idea to wear a primer that will act as a protective shield against bacteria. Smashbox’s Photofinish More Than Primer Blemish Control promises to both provide a smooth base for makeup and fight spots at the same time – definitely worth checking out.
- Conceal like a pro. When trying to cover up blemishes, it can be tempting to layer foundation, concealer and powder repeatedly in an attempt to banish redness. Luckily you can avoid this whole process by simply choosing the right concealer. We love Max Factor Mastertouch concealer because it comes with a handy skin smoothing applicator that allows for precision application and blending, plus it’s pigmented enough to cover spots without looking too cakey. Perfect! To apply properly, choose a concealer that matches your skin tone exactly and remember to blend it into the skin around the spot.
