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 Do Cosmetics Causes Acne?
Author: Kerwin Chang
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For decades, dermatologists and
cosmetologists alike have debated the effects of cosmetics on
the skin, particularly in acne sufferers. Make-up has often been
branded an "acne Catch-22" ? you want something to
cover the redness, but you're told it may actually be causing
your acne. Fortunately, this is only partly true. To understand
how to approach the make-up issue, we should start with a discussion
of "cosmetic acne."
Cosmetic Acne & Skin Care
- A mild-mannered cousin. Acne cosmetica, or acne that is caused
by cosmetics, is a mild and fairly common form of acne. Because
it is triggered by topical products rather than the complex process
that creates true acne, it can strike anyone ? even people who
are not physiologically prone to the condition. Characterized
by small, rashy pink bumps on the cheeks, chin and forehead,
it typically develops over the course of a few weeks or months
and may persist indefinitely. If you've recently started using
a new skincare product and you're experiencing any of the symptoms
listed above, discontinue use of the new product for a few days
and see if your breakout subsides. |
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NOTE: While studies have shown
that make-up does not cause true acne, it can exacerbate the
condition. So it's helpful to be aware of common topical triggers,
no matter what kind of acne you have.
Cosmetic Acne & Skin Care
- The culprit: Comedogenics. Ever wonder where your make-up goes
over the course of the day? Some of it is rubbed off by contact
with your hands and your clothing, and some of it migrates across
your skin, settling into your pores ? much like rainwater collects
wherever there are small holes in the ground. Some make-ups include
ingredients that are considered comedogenic, or substances that
are known to clog pores. Although these cosmetics may not cause
true plugging of the follicle, certain ingredients may induce
follicular irritation. The result? The small, persistent bumps
known as "cosmetic acne."
Do Cosmetics Causes Acne?
Cosmetic Acne & Skin Care
- Seven rules for a clean beauty routine. With so many products
making so many claims, it's easy to be confused by clever marketing.
Fortunately, just a bit of education can get you on the path
to choosing the proper cosmetics and using them wisely. Here
are seven good rules to follow for a healthy make-up regimen:
1. Avoid penetrating oils. Contrary
to popular belief, not all oils are comedogenic. Petroleum products,
mineral oil and sunflower oil do not penetrate into the pore.
Most cosmetic oils, however, can aggravate acne ? so it's best
to avoid them. One of the most common acne triggers in skin products,
especially lotions and sunscreens, is lanolin, a fatty acid extracted
from sheep's wool. Isopropyl Myristate, which promotes smooth,
even application in many foundations, is such an aggressive penetrator
that it's the main ingredient in most rust-removers! In general,
products labeled "oil-free" and "non-comedogenic"
are less likely to clog your pores and trigger breakouts.
2. Steer clear of sweet smells.
Fragrance is a major cause of allergic and irritant reactions
on the face. Even products that claim to be "unscented"
may include fragrances added to mask the smell of other ingredients.
It's best to stick with products labeled as "fragrance-free"
or "hypo-allergenic." Of course, reactions to fragrance
differ dramatically, and you may find certain perfumes that don't
affect your skin. The most common offenders are fragrances in
the ambrette, bergamot, cinnamate and musk families. If the derivatives
of your favorite face cream or foundation's scent are not easily
determined from the product label, try a patch test on the skin
behind your ear. If no irritation appears after three days of
repeated application, you may continue usage on a larger area.
3. Be smart about shadow and
blush. The stuff that puts the sparkle in your eye shadow, face
powder and blush is usually mica, a common mineral. The jagged,
flaky shape of mica particles can cause irritation and/or clogging
in the follicle, so it's best to use products without too much
shimmer. Likewise, many of the red dyes used to put a bloom in
your cheeks are coal tar derivatives; not surprisingly, these
substances are comedogenic, too. Check the labels for blushes
that use carmine, which has been a natural, healthy cosmetic
colorant since the time of the Aztecs. Also, cream blushes are
more likely to have comedogenic ingredients, so stick to powder
or gel blushes.
4. Get wise to eye creams. Because
of the delicacy of the skin around the eyes, creams created for
this area are often thicker and greasier than regular facial
moisturizers. Heavy eye creams and oily eye make-up removers
can promote milia, tiny white cysts under the eyes. These kinds
of products can also migrate to neighboring areas, creating acne
on the cheeks, temples and forehead.
5. Style your hair with care.
Most hair products are full of the ingredients we'd like to keep
away from our skin: alcohol, adhesives and oils. So if you're
prone to acne, use care when styling your hair ? cover your skin
when you spray, and try to keep oils, mousses, gels and pomades
away from the skin at the hairline. And don't use hair products
when you exercise; perspiration from your scalp can carry styling
products onto your skin, contributing to new breakouts.
6. Wash after exercising. While
we know that sweat doesn't cause acne, it can promote it in those
who are prone ? and make-up can make matters worse. Even non-comedogenic
products can cause clogging or irritation in the presence of
heavy perspiration. As a rule, it's best to wash immediately
after exercising with a medicated exfoliating cleanser.
7. Use the right lip lube. If
you have problems with pimples around the mouth area, you might
want to reconsider the products you use on your lips. Lipsticks
and glosses are greasy by nature, with high concentrations of
petroleum, wax and other comedogenic substances. The greater
the shine, the greater the potential for pore-clogging ? so if
you're breaking out, try going for a matte finish rather than
a high gloss.
In general, it's fine to doll
up! Just choose your cosmetics carefully ? look for products
that are oil-free and non-comedogenic. Read labels carefully
to avoid common topical triggers. And of course, use your common
sense; if a product that looks okay on the label is irritating
your skin, discontinue usage right away.
Kerwin Chang writes for http://www.acnestuff.net where you can find
out more about acne
and other skin care topics.
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com
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