The Effects Makeup Has on Your Skin

It is common knowledge that women are willing to spend great amounts of time and money on those things we feel will add to our health and beauty.  To that end, we all love how a little bit of well-placed makeup can contribute to and enhance our natural beauty.  But at what cost?

The Effects of Makeup on Skin

Many cosmetics are designed to create stunning results when used properly, but unfortunately they can also lead to undesirable effects on our skin, such as:

● Oily skin.  Oil-based foundations and creamy powders can give your skin an oily appearance that detracts from the healthy, beautiful glow you are seeking to achieve.  Water-based foundations and loose powders are better at creating smoother, fresher results, and proper cleansing and moisturizing can address oily or dry skin.

● Dry skin.  Some foundations and powders can dry out skin, making it look flaky and dull and causing it to itch.  Other foundations and powders can cause cracks and fine wrinkles which can lead to infection, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

● Clogged pores and acne.  Makeup does not automatically lead to clogged pores and acne, as proven by those individuals who wear makeup never get even a single pimple.  However, individuals who already have blemishes can find that wearing makeup exacerbates this problem.  This is because pimples result from hair follicles that are clogged with oil, dead skin cells and adverse bacterial activity and makeup can further clog pores and hair follicles.

● Allergies.  Some makeup products contain preservatives, fragrances and other ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions like contact dermatitis.  Some preservatives, like parabens, have been detected in cancer cells, while the preservative formaldehyde can irritate your eyes and skin.

● Aging.  Prolonged use of makeup can lead to wrinkles and other signs of aging.  Many cosmetic manufacturers seek to resolve this problem by creating and selling anti-aging creams and lotions.  A far better solution is to carefully select natural makeup products, and use them sparingly.

The fact that makeup can have damaging effects on one’s skin does not automatically mean that one must abstain from all makeup use for the rest of their life in order to protect their skin and health.  If one takes the time to carefully select natural beauty products and makeup and takes good care of their skin both at home and through occasional spa treatments, they can minimize and counter the potentially harmful effects of regular makeup use.

Love,

Gen