Is Makeup Bad For Your Skin

It is generally safe to wear makeup while pregnant, but you will want to stay away from certain toxic makeup ingredients, especially due to hormonal fluctuations in your body. Avoid products with parabens, retinol, aluminum powder, talc, formaldehyde, phthalates, BPA (Bisphenol A), artificial or natural fragrances, dyes, or preservatives. Look for labels that say paraben-free, fragrance-free, or ‘no sulfates and phthalates’. 

Makeup wipes can be damaging as they don’t completely cleanse products from your skin, allowing the negative effects of makeup like clogged pores to build up. They also contain drying agents like alcohol, fragrances, and other harsh chemicals, which can also affect the pH balance of your skin. 

One of the lesser-known side effects of foundation on skin, especially when you choose the wrong formulation for your skin type, is that it can turn dark on your skin. This is known as makeup oxidisation and happens when the oils in your makeup start to react with the air and your own natural oils, causing patches of dark skin. Avoid this makeup effect on skin by using a primer before your foundation. 

Using expired makeup is a strict no as it can irritate your skin, causing redness or itchiness. In more severe cases, the bad makeup habit can also introduce toxins and bacteria into your skin, especially if it hasn’t been sealed properly, and cause breakouts and infection. 

Most eye makeup removers are safe for the eyes, but you must avoid alcohol-based eye makeup removers as they can dry out the delicate skin around your eyes. Remember to be cautious and avoid getting any of these products in your eye when cleaning them.

While loose powders are less oily, and hence better suited to oily skin, there is also a possibility that the loose and fine granules of the powder can penetrate skin more easily and clog the pores. Reapplying it during the day, without washing your face, can further lock in dirt and grime into your pores. 

Not all lip makeup is bad for your skin, but matte lipsticks or quick dry and long-stay lip products can dry out your skin due to their ingredients like fragrances, cheap dyes, drying alcohols, or preservatives. Always remember to hydrate your lips before applying lipstick, or choose one that is hydrating itself. 

The number one rule is to look for non-comedogenic products. Apart from this, regularly clean your face with gel or cream cleansers that remove impurities from your pores without stripping down natural oils from your skin. Switch out thick moisturisers for lightweight, hydrating ones that can also be layered with light, nourishing oils that repair your protective skin barrier.  

Above all, remember to apply products in moderation as even the most lightweight products can clog up your pores if you over-moisturise.