If you suffer from sensitive skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, acne, or topical steroid withdrawal it is often best practice to avoid wearing makeup. When your skin is flared, it needs time to heal. Applying makeup can interfere with this healing process, as the skin may not be able to breathe properly or absorb skincare products effectively.
As much as you may want to cover up your flared skin there are a few points to consider first when it comes to make up and helping your skin in the long run:
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Irritation: Skin that is already sensitive and inflamed is more easily aggravated. Makeup can further exacerbate redness, swelling, and general discomfort.
Ingredients in makeup, such as fragrances, alcohol, or harsh chemicals, can trigger or worsen flare-ups. Even some seemingly "gentle" formulations can contain ingredients that inflame sensitive skin.
Avoiding makeup allows the skin to heal without additional irritation or unnecessary triggers. -
Clogged Pores and Increased Breakouts: Makeup, especially full-coverage foundations or heavy powders, can clog pores and prevent the skin from breathing. When your skin is inflamed, it is more vulnerable to blocked pores and increased breakouts.
For people with acne-prone skin or any condition involving inflammation, wearing makeup can lead to worsening breakouts or the trapping of bacteria under layers of makeup. Applying makeup with brushes, sponges, or fingers could introduce more bacteria, especially if the tools used are not thoroughly cleaned. -
Compromised Skin Barrier: Flared skin, especially from conditions like eczema, perioral dermatitis or TSW (topical steroid withdrawal), have a weakened skin barrier. Makeup, particularly if it is not removed properly, can compromise this barrier even further. The harsh removal process or the makeup itself can strip natural oils and moisture from the skin, increasing dryness, irritation, and sensitivity. Rubbing or scrubbing to remove the makeup can further irritate the skin or cause micro-tears.
Avoiding makeup during flare-ups gives your skin a chance to restore and rebuild its protective barrier. -
Tracking Your Skins Progress: When you wear makeup on already sensitive or inflamed skin, it can mask or hide how your skin is truly responding to treatments. Without makeup, you can better assess your skin’s progress and pinpoint what might be causing flare-ups or reactions.
This is especially helpful when you are trying to understand the triggers behind your flare-up or the effectiveness of treatments.
Still not comfortable going bared - skin?
If your skin is only mildly irritated and you still want to wear makeup, Kiri (AMPERNA® founder) highly recommends limiting make up use for special occasions only.
Avoid wearing makeup day to day where possible to allow your natural skin to breathe. However in regards to the type of makeup she recommends hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic products specifically formulated for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Stick to light coverage and avoid thick, heavy formulations.
See what makeup Kiri wears herself (who has Sub Type 1 Rosacea) and would recommend for people suffering from sensitive or mildly inflamed skin.
Make sure to thoroughly remove your makeup at the end of the day using a gentle, non-irritating cleanser, and moisturize immediately afterward. AMPERNA®'s Cleanser Moisture Duo is perfect for makeup removal and skin replenishment.
However, during intense flare-ups or conditions like eczema, rosacea, perioral dermatitis or TSW, the advice from Kiri is to not wear makeup. Period.
Make up Do’s for Sensitive or Flared Skin
When you have sensitive skin, it is important to choose makeup that is formulated to minimize irritation and support your skin’s health. Here is a general guide to help you choose the right makeup products for sensitive skin:
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Hypoallergenic Makeup
Hypoallergenic makeup is specifically formulated to reduce the risk of allergic reactions, making it a safe choice for sensitive skin. These products are less likely to cause irritation or trigger flare-ups. -
Fragrance-Free Products
Fragrance, whether natural or synthetic, can irritate sensitive skin. Always choose fragrance-free makeup, as it minimises the chances of an allergic reaction or sensitivity flare-up. -
Non-Comedogenic Makeup
If you are prone to breakouts or clogged pores, non-comedogenic makeup is key. These products are specifically formulated to not block pores, reducing the risk of acne flare-ups and irritation. -
Mineral Makeup
Mineral makeup is often a great choice for sensitive skin because it is made with natural minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Mineral foundation is usually free from preservatives, talc, and synthetic fragrances, making it gentler on the skin. -
Non-Irritating Formulas
Look for products that do not contain harsh chemicals, parabens, sulphates, or denatured alcohols that can dry out or irritate sensitive skin.
Alcohol-free formulas can help to maintain your skin’s natural moisture balance without causing dryness or irritation. -
Choose Make up Products with Soothing Ingredients
Aloe vera: Known for its soothing and hydrating properties.
Chamomile: Often used for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects.
Green tea: Contains antioxidants and can help calm redness and irritation.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Helps to reduce inflammation and redness and is known to improve skin barrier function. - Patch test new products: Before applying makeup to your whole face, assess a small amount on your wrist or behind your ear to ensure no irritation occurs.
- Clean your makeup brushes regularly: Dirty brushes can harbour bacteria and allergens, which can cause irritation, especially for sensitive skin.
Make up Don’ts for Sensitive or Flared Skin
If you have flared or sensitive skin, it is important to choose makeup products carefully to avoid irritation or exacerbating inflammation. Here is a list of makeup ingredients to avoid if your skin is sensitive or flaring up:
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Fragrance
Fragrances, whether natural or synthetic, are common irritants for sensitive skin. They can cause redness, itching, or allergic reactions. Look for products labelled “fragrance-free” to minimize the risk of irritation. -
Denatured Alcohol
Denatured alcohol and other alcohols like isopropyl alcohol can dry out the skin, strip its natural moisture barrier, and lead to further irritation. These ingredients are commonly found in setting sprays, primers, and some foundations. -
Artificial Dyes and Colorants
Synthetic colorants and dyes can cause irritation, redness, or breakouts. Stick to makeup products labelled "hypoallergenic" or those that use natural pigments. -
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)
Found in some cleansers or makeup removers, this foaming agent can be harsh on sensitive skin, stripping it of moisture and exacerbating flare-ups. -
Talc
Often used in powders, talc can be irritating to sensitive skin. It can clog pores or trigger reactions, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. -
Parabens
Parabens are preservatives that can irritate sensitive skin or cause allergic reactions. Makeup that is paraben-free is the best option. -
Essential Oils
While some essential oils offer benefits, they can be highly irritating to sensitive skin. Oils like lavender, peppermint, or citrus-based oils can cause redness, stinging, or allergic reactions. -
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil can clog pores, causing irritation or breakouts, especially for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Additional Tips for Sensitive Skin Conditions
Perioral Dermatitis and Makeup
If you suffer from perioral dermatitis, it is imperative to avoid wearing makeup at all during the flared stage. No ifs, no buts.
If you are prone to perioral dermatitis flares avoid products and ingredients that could irritate or worsen your symptoms. Go for simple, minimal makeup. Less is more when it comes to perioral dermatitis. A lightweight, hydrating foundation or tinted moisturiser, combined with a gentle concealer, may be enough to even out your complexion without irritating your skin.
As well as the above, here are additional tips:
- Heavy, Oil-Based Products: While oil-based products can be nourishing for some skin types, they can be too heavy for those with perioral dermatitis, leading to clogged pores or increased irritation. Look for oil-free foundations and concealers, as well as products that are non-comedogenic.
- Matte and Full-Coverage Foundations: Full-coverage foundations and matte formulas are too drying and heavy for sensitive skin, particularly if you are dealing with perioral dermatitis. These products can create a thick layer over the skin that can irritate the skin or cause flare-ups.
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Fragranced Lip Products: Lip products that contain fragrance, menthol, or cinnamon (often found in lip balms or lip glosses) can irritate the delicate skin around the mouth and aggravate perioral dermatitis.
Choose fragrance-free, soothing lip balms made with ingredients like sheer butter, jojoba oil, or zinc oxide for protection. - Essential Oils: While essential oils like tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil may have antibacterial properties, they can be too strong for sensitive skin and may cause irritation or allergic reactions. Choose makeup that is free from essential oils to avoid unnecessary irritation.
Acne and Makeup
If you suffer from acne, again, limit wearing makeup wherever possible. Especially if you are suffering from cystic acne breakouts.
However when wearing makeup, it is essential to choose products carefully to avoid aggravating your skin condition further. Always clean your makeup brushes and sponges regularly and avoid touching your face throughout the day to reduce the risk of transferring bacteria and oils to your skin.
At the end of the day, make sure to remove your makeup completely using a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser.
As well as the above, here are additional tips:
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Comedogenic (Pore-Clogging) Ingredients: Avoid makeup products that contain ingredients known to be comedogenic, such as:
- Lanolin
- Coconut oil
- Algae extract.
- Isopropyl myristate
- Petrolatum (petroleum jelly)
- Sodium lauryl sulphate
- Butyl stearate
- Look for makeup that is labelled "non-comedogenic", which means the product is formulated to not clog pores.
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Heavy or Full-Coverage Foundations: Heavy or full-coverage foundations may seem like a good idea to cover acne, but they can often be too thick and lead to clogged pores. They can also cause your skin to suffocate, increasing the likelihood of more breakouts.
Instead, opt for light to medium coverage foundations that let your skin breathe while still providing even coverage. BB creams or tinted moisturizers are great lightweight alternatives. - Silicone-Based Products: Like dimethicone are used in primers and foundations to give products a smooth texture, but they can trap bacteria, sweat, and oil in the pores, which may lead to breakouts, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
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Oil-Based Makeup: Mineral oil is a common ingredient in products like foundations, concealers, and primers. They can mix with the natural oils on your skin and clog pores, triggering more breakouts.
Look for oil-free makeup, which is designed to control excess oil and help keep your skin clear.
Rosacea and Makeup
If you have rosacea, it is essential to choose makeup products that are gentle on your skin, and do not aggravate the sensitivity associated with the condition. Certain ingredients and formulations can trigger flare-ups or worsen symptoms.
Green-tinted primers or concealers can help neutralize the redness caused by rosacea, creating an even base for your foundation.
Hydrating foundations and tinted moisturisers help calm and soothe sensitive, irritated skin without contributing to dryness or further inflammation. Avoid touching or rubbing your face, as this can exacerbate rosacea flare-ups.
Here is a guide on what makeup to avoid if you have rosacea:
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Matte finish foundations: Or powders can be drying and may accentuate any dry patches or irritation, making rosacea more noticeable. The heavy texture of some matte foundations may also block your skin's natural ability to breathe, contributing to flare-ups.
Instead choose hydrating, dewy formulas that provide moisture and a more natural finish. -
High-SPF Products with Chemical Sunscreens: Some makeup products with high SPF (especially those containing chemical sunscreens like avobenzone, octinoxate, or oxybenzone) may irritate sensitive skin and worsen rosacea symptoms.
Avoid chemical sunscreens in makeup if you have rosacea. Instead, choose mineral sunscreens (containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) which are less likely to irritate. - Red and Orange Pigments: In makeup can sometimes make the redness from rosacea worse. These colours may add to the warmth on your skin and emphasize the redness associated with rosacea. Choose makeup with more neutral or green-tinted bases, as they can help to neutralize redness and provide a more even complexion.
- Alcohol-Based Products: Alcohol (especially denatured alcohol) is often used in makeup products like primers and setting sprays to help them dry quickly or set the makeup. This can be extremely irritating for rosacea-prone skin, as they can strip your skin of moisture and exacerbate redness and inflammation.
Topical Steroid Withdrawal and Makeup
If you are going through topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) your skin is extremely sensitive, inflamed, and prone to irritation. The withdrawal process can make your skin more vulnerable to redness, dryness, burning, stinging, and peeling.
Kiri suggests avoiding wearing make up at all if you are going through TSW. Nothing, zilch, nada.
Instead your focus needs to be on healing your skin.
General Skin Care Tips for Topical Steroid Withdrawal:
- Hydrate: Keeping your skin moisturized is key to managing TSW. Use a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer and apply it regularly.
- Use a Gentle Cleanser: Opt for a non-foaming, hydrating cleanser to cleanse and soothe your skin without causing further irritation.
- Avoid Scratching or Rubbing Your Skin: During TSW, your skin may itch or feel irritated. Try to avoid touching your face to prevent aggravating the condition.
AMPERNA® products can help you on your TSW healing journey, you can watch Anthony Lexa's video on how she uses AMPERNA products on her flared skin.
@anthonylexa (#ad) One of the hardest parts of TSW is learning to listen to your body and respond with what it needs. For me, ‘No Moisture Therapy’ became not possible and I really wanted to find ways to incorporate products I trusted that would in turn make my life a little easier. I am so lucky to be able to collaborate with @ampernaskin on my skin journey. Kiri, the CEO, has gone through steroid withdrawals herself and knows the importance of kind and restorative skin care. If you wish to try it out for yourself then use code ‘ANT10’ at checkout for a 10% discount. I can’t recommend enough. #topicalsteroidwithdrawal #tsw #eczema #skincondition #probiotics #prebiotics #skincare #skinroutine #patchtesting #sensitiveskin #nmt #nomoisturetherapy #nomoisturetreatment ♬ original sound - anthonylexa
