Can Makeup Cause Acne?

Can my make-up cause pimples?

Yes. Cosmetics can cause acne or pimples which are called as Acne cosmetica.

How do they look?

• Cosmetics induced acne occur on the chin and cheeks more than on the forehead
• They present as small, whitish bumps, sometimes referred to as "grains", which are more noticeable when the skin is stretched. They can also show up as red bumps
• They tend to be stubborn, sometimes lasting for years as the person using makeup enters into a vicious cycle of covering the breakouts, which lead to further breakouts
• They may not appear immediately after you apply the product and may come after many months of usage making it difficult to recognize the culprit product
• Applying makeup too roughly can cause irritation which can also aggravate acne.

What should you do about it?

• Keep make-up bare minimum. Avoid thick, creamy heavy coverage foundations and concealers.
• Choose sheer, water-based, non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) products.
• Gently tap the products in the skin rather than “massage”
• Avoid products that cause your skin to itch.
• Mineral makeup is fine as long as it does not cause itchiness.
• Try using moisturizer or a gentle cleanser with your bare hands to gently remove makeup.
• Follow a routine of gentle Cleanser, toner and moisturizer that help to heal your skin

Don't forget your hair products

Items like gels, pomades, butters and hairsprays can cause clogging of pores and breakouts. This is commonly called as pomade acne. Very often without realising, what one uses on the hair ends up on the face. Ingredients like petroleum, silicones, jojoba oil, shea butter and sodium lauryl sulfate could be to blame.

It is best to avoid using styling gels if you have an oily scalp or acne prone skin. Instead opt for lighter serums for the hair. Make sure to wash out the hair products and keep the scalp free of product buildup.

Below is a list of some of the common ingredients that can cause acne. (sourced from acne.org)