Acne & Cosmetic

The best types of cosmetics to use for oily or acne prone skin, are either oil-free cosmetics or non-comedogenic cosmetics.

The label on the cosmetic should state that it is oil-free. This implies that the product has been formulated with no oleaginous ingredients. These products would be appropriate for oily or acne prone skin. For a small number of people, acne may still flare up, to feel better about yourself, you may want to consider using cosmetics to cover up your acne. You should remember that not all skins react alike to the same cosmetic. Oily foundations give the best and longest coverage, but tend to make acne worse.

If you want to use cosmetic products to help improve your acne, then the following should be taken into consideration. Remember, not every cosmetic product is safe for acne-ridden skin. If possible, consult your doctor about using anything aside from what has been prescribed to treat your acne.

1. Cleansers - some mild cleansers may be able to help by removing excess oils on the very surface of the skin. This would allow for less bacteria to move about. However, cleansers of this type have no bearing on the infected lesions themselves, whose main problems lie well beneath the surface of the skin. The lesions are tips of little icebergs- the war is on the sub-dermal level.

2. Moisturizers - if you live in a very cold and very dry region of the country and the dryness is making your acne itch, you may try applying small amounts of moisturizer during the coldest and driest parts of the day. Remember to check whether the moisturizer doesn’t have any oil in it. If it does and you apply it to your already problematic acne, then chances are your acne will get worse.

3. A Word About Acne Cosmetica - there are some instances that misuse of cosmetic products would lead to a skin condition that has very similar symptoms with acne vulgaris. Acne cosmetica, as the name implies, is the direct result of cosmetics and skin irritation. If it happens to you, simply stop using the cosmetic products.

Suggestion:

• You can use water based creams or alcohol based liquids under your foundation
• Matte or semi-matte, oil-free foundations are the best choices
• Sheer or transparent foundations are usually recommended for comodonal (blackhead) acne
• Fuller foundations (opaque) may be needed for red lesions or scars
• You can mix loose transparent powders (of appropriate tone) into the foundation to give better and longer coverage