It might be. Makeup is one of the main culprits when it comes to causing or exacerbating acne breakouts, and as an adult it’s annoying and distressing.

The more blemishes you have, the more you want to conceal them with make-up; but you don’t want to create more of the blemishes you are trying to conceal. How can you ensure your makeup isn’t sabotaging your efforts to clear your skin?

Never sleep in your makeup.

Regardless of how tired, how tipsy or how preoccupied you are; always take off your make-up before going to bed. Nothing ages faster than clogged, dirty skin.

Cleanse your skin properly, removing all traces of make -up from your face and neck. It’s advisable to use a specialised eye make-up remover as the tissue around the eyes is delicate and needs a light touch.

Use the appropriate toner to rebalance the PH of the skin, and always moisturise at night-your body heals as you sleep, and your skin needs the emollients to soak in as you rest.

Cosmetic Doctor will recommend an appropriate skin care regime for you if you’re acne-prone; people who suffer from breakouts mistakenly feel that using moisturiser makes them greasy. In fact, if your ski isn’t correctly hydrated and cared for, it will secrete even more sebum and that worsens the acne.

Wear Noncomedogenic Makeup

Noncomedogenic simply means non-pore clogging. It means the makeup is not known to contain any comedogenic elements and therefore does not plug up the pores. Mineral makeup is a good option for acne prone people as it allows the skin to breathe; and many people see an immediate improvement in their breakout severity and frequency simply by changing their make-up.

Don’t just think about your foundation; also consider your powder, blusher and bronzer.

Clean your Makeup Brushes and Sponges

Half of the fight against blemishes is reducing the amount of acne-causing bacteria on your skin; makeup brushes and applicators are bacteria magnets.

Wash all makeup brushes with antimicrobial soap a few times each week, and thoroughly spray them with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol after every application. Use disposable applicators whenever possible, and dispose of after each use.

Choose powder-based makeup instead of liquids.

Although liquid makeup gives better coverage, most have an oil base, which is far from ideal for an acne prone skin.

Choose a lighter base or use mineral makeup. If you use a powder base, it has the added benefit of helping to absorb excess oil.

Try switching brands.

If your acne seems to worsen after wearing makeup for several days in a row, you may want to try a different brand.

Certain makeup formulations, even those labelled noncomedogenic can cause breakouts in sensitive individuals. If this seems to be the case for you, try another brand. Your skin might tolerate one better than another.

Be Barefaced

Leave your face makeup-less at least a few times a week. Allow your skin time to breathe and heal; get some fresh air and still well hydrated by drinking enough water.

When you put on your makeup less is often more, especially as we age. Finding the right makeup may take a little trial and error, but Cosmetic Doctor can help you select the right skin care regime and their experience with previous patients gives them a wealth of knowledge about which brands work for acne prone skin.

Call Cosmetic Doctor at Slievemore Clinic on 01 685 3100 or see www.cosmeticdoctor.ie