Does Makeup Ruin Your Skin? 5 Rules For Practicing Good Skincare Habits

Other than having the ability to transform your look, have you ever wondered what effect makeup has on your face—particularly your skin?

Many people use makeup on a daily basis, whether it’s for work, school, or just because. Apart from that, there are also special occasions, where it’s not uncommon to don a full face of makeup or a bolder look. But there’s a connection between skincare and makeup—as all makeup wearers know.

So what’s the deal, does makeup ruin our skin? And how do we practice good skincare habits to keep our skin in great shape?

Is makeup harmful to the skin?

Obviously, going bare-faced when you can is the best option when it comes to keeping your skin looking fresh, especially if you wear makeup every day. This doesn’t mean, however, that all cosmetics are harmful to your skin.

The makeup industry develops dynamically, with more chemical-free or natural products available each year. Many of these products are designed with mild formulas, and are targeted to cater to sensitive skin.

So to answer the question, it depends on the cosmetic, but also on your approach to skincare. If you want to keep your skin in good condition, there are a few rules you should keep in mind. Let’s talk about them, and how you can practice healthy skincare habits.

Choose the right cosmetics

One of the most common mistakes made when shopping for makeup is buying the wrong makeup. Not only will makeup look not so great, but can your skin can suffer as a result. This can look like acne, clogged pores, oil build-up, and dryness.

But how can you choose the right products? Determine your skin type! This is an absolute must. Pay attention to clues like flaky skin (dry skin) or an oily T-zone (combination skin) to help you figure it out.

Once you’ve determined what type of skin you have, toss any products that aren’t suitable. Choose makeup according to your type of complexion, whether it’s dry, oily, sensitive, or anything in between. This goes for skincare solutions too.

Get familiar with the composition

Sometimes, poor skin can even be caused by allergens found within the products you’re using. Many cosmetics have a lengthy list of ingredients and contain numerous substances, some of which you may be sensitive to. If your skin burns or itches after use, stop using that product immediately.

The best solution for makeup that won’t cause damage to the skin is by selecting products with natural or plant-based ingredients. Natural and hypoallergenic products can greatly minimize the risk of irritation.

Give your skin a rest

No matter what type of skin you have, it can always use a break from cosmetics. To practice good skincare habits, implement going a couple of days without makeup per week. If venturing out into the world makeup-free isn’t your cup of tea, take advantage of the moments you have at home to let your skin breathe freely.

Kicking it fresh-faced will definitely give your skin the rest it deserves. But if you want to step it up a bit, you can always try a face mask to nourish and cleanse your skin. As always, though, keep your skin type in mind when choosing your face mask. A breakout only needs one ingredient that disagrees with your skin, so make sure you choose one that fits your goal and skin.

Wash your face before bed

Have you ever had a long day (or night), forget to take your makeup off, and then wake up with a terrible breakout or clogged skin? We’ve all been there.

No one’s perfect, but a cardinal rule of skincare habits involves taking your makeup off before bed. If there’s one thing you should remember to do each and every night, it’s this. Why? Well, think about how your skin reacts to wearing makeup all night

Doing so is essential for letting your skin regenerate! Sleeping with makeup on lets your skin accumulate all the bacteria from the night, collect what’s on your pillow, and makes for a not-so-great time trying to get your skin back to normal. 

To avoid all that, don’t avoid your nightly skincare routine.

Remembering to thoroughly cleanse your skin before bed will help you keep a fresh and young look for longer.

Don’t skip nutrition

As we mentioned above, great makeup starts with getting to know your skin. A great way to do that is to commit to a healthier diet. Before you start Googling the best pills and shakes for clear skin, let’s cut down hours of research with one question: Are you eating your fruits and veggies?

We hear it all the time, how fresh produce is linked to clear skin. But what, and how, does being nutritious contribute? Well, fruits and vegetables have different vitamins and minerals that can promote healthy skin cells, circulation, and, as a result, clear up your skin.

For instance, while some causes of acne can’t be helped, like genetics, you can help by stepping up your grain game. Legumes and fresh fruits are loaded with complex carbs, which lower the risk of acne development.

To reduce inflammation, add Vitamins A and E into your diet, which can be found in most cheeses, healthy oils, fatty fish, and nuts. So, if you have salmon filets with brown rice, feta cheese, and blueberry almond muffins for a meal, you’re doing your skin (and future full-face) right!

Makeup doesn’t necessarily have to have negative effects on your skin—and by following just a few simple skincare rules, you’ll be able to maintain a healthy and problem-free complexion. If you need help with selecting the proper makeup for you, set up an appointment with a beautician or cosmetologist near you.