Acne by Skin Type

Women have long been the proprietors of beauty.  Men may have gained a foothold in the realm, but looking pretty will most probably remain the predominant territory of womankind.   When something threatens that physical aura of attractiveness however, they must then use all the tools of their trade to hold back the threat.  When it comes to their faces, a little zit signals an imminent invasion of blemishes, and all the creams and gels come out of the woodwork.  Putting all that precautionary healing work is not enough either, as hiding the unwanted pimple can be just as important.  This is where all that camouflaging equipment comes out, which is more commonly referred to as make up.

One should be careful however, with the kinds of make up being applied to the face.  Make up can be just as bad for your face when it comes to acne breakouts, which is why there’s such a term as ‘acne cosmetica.’  As such, here are a few tips to help you find and apply the right products for your face.  For people with oilier skin that is more prone to acne, powdered make up products make a better alternative than the liquid or oil based kind.  Sure, oil based make up lasts longer, but for obvious reasons it is better to stick with the water and powdered based products.  Your skin will thank you for it.

Make up can also contain ingredients that must be avoided if one aims to prevent acne.  One of these ingredients is called linolin, which is an oil derived from wool.  This sheep oil contains fatty acids that are inclined to cause acne in sensitive skin.  Another ingredient is called isopropyl myristate, a component of make up that allows for smoother application and a much better feel.  This and other chemicals similar to it are plainly causes of acne.  The D and C red dyes found in certain products are also problematic in terms of causing comedones.  If it is difficult to spot these ingredients, simply go for products that are approved by dermatologists and are considered non-comedogenic.

Before applying make up, cleaning the skin properly is important so no bacteria and excess oil gets covered up.  Wash with warm water then cold to cover up the pores.  For purely aesthetic purposes, using products with a matte finish is best.  Also, in using concealers to cover up pimples, a green color effectively tones down the bright red spots on your face.  Then follow up with something that matches your skin tone.

Remember, cleansing is also important after a day or night of using make up.  Never leave it on before going to sleep.  Mild cleansers and toners are available for this purpose.  One should not only clean the face, but also the brushes used in applying make up.  These applicators are prone to attracting all kinds of bacteria and should be cleaned often with antimicrobial soap.  Disposable brushes are also available and are actually more recommended.  Try using these applicators more often and dispose of them right away.  If all of these tip become a part of your repertoire, acne cosmetica will never be a problem for you.

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