Does Makeup Affect Acne?

A common misconception about acne is that it only affects teenagers. While it is true that teens tend to be more prone to acne due to rapid changes in hormones during puberty, many adults also struggle with this common skin condition. In fact, one study(4) found that an astounding 54% of women and 40% of men over the age of 25 have acne.

For women who wear makeup, acne can be even more of a challenge to treat and prevent, as makeup can contribute to acne in some cases. Before you give up makeup altogether, however, take a look at this guide explaining just how makeup can affect acne and what you can do to minimize breakouts while still wearing makeup.

Before we get started - we're going to talk a lot about skin sensitivities and types in this blog, so make sure to find your skin type here!

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There are three main causes of acne :

• Excessive sebum (oil) production

• Clogged pores

• Overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria

When too much oil is produced by sebaceous glands in the skin, they can cause dead skin cells to become stuck together and clog pores. Clogged pores then create an environment where acne-causing bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes (formerly called Propionibacterium acnes) can thrive and overgrow. This results in an inflammatory cascade that leads to the redness, pus, and sometimes discomfort that is characteristic of an acne breakout.

It is important to note, however, that you do not have to have oily skin to get acne. People with dry skin types can also have problems with acne, as dry skin often has trouble desquamating – or shedding dead skin cells – properly. This can also lead to clogged pores and an overgrowth of C. acnes bacteria. 

So how does makeup factor into the acne equation? There is a specific type of acne called acne cosmetica that happens when comedogenic ingredients commonly found in makeup, such as coconut oil or lanolin, clog your pores. Acne cosmetica differs from acne vulgaris in that it is distinctly caused by pore-clogging ingredients in cosmetic products applied to the skin. Thus, acne cosmetica should clear up once you stop using the product or products that are causing it, and allow your acne 8 weeks to complete its natural cycle. Of course, using a custom skin care routine is the best way to get good results quickly.

Acne cosmetica typically results in small, raised bumps on your skin that can be red, white, or flesh-colored. These can be pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads, and most commonly occur on the cheeks and forehead.

When choosing the best makeup for acne-prone skin, look for ingredients that are non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog pores) and avoid ingredients like coconut oil that are known to clog pores. Some foundations for acne-prone skin also contain salicylic acid, which can help to keep pores clean and reduce inflammation.

Here are some of my favorite makeup brands for acne-prone skin include:

As noted above, you want to avoid makeup ingredients that are known to clog pores and can therefore cause acne. Some of the most common pore-clogging ingredients found in makeup include:

• Beeswax

• Cocoa butter

• Coconut oil

• Dimethicone

• Isopropyl myristate

• Isopropyl isostearate

• Myristyl lactate

• Red dyes

Even if your skin is prone to acne, there are some things you can do to help minimize and even prevent those breakouts without giving up makeup.

• Choose makeup formulated for acne-prone skin and that is a match for your Baumann Skin Type. If you don’t know your skin type, take the quiz to find out before buying new cosmetic or skincare products.
• Use acne-fighting skincare ingredients and products for your skin type. Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinol, glycolic acid, and tea tree oil are common ingredients that are good for most acne-prone skin types.
• Choose lighter foundations rather than heavy ones. Mineral-based powder foundations can be better choices than heavy liquid foundations if you are struggling to find a makeup for acne-prone skin.
• Always remove makeup before bed. Leaving makeup on overnight can quickly clog pores and lead to breakouts.
• Avoid applying makeup with your fingers. Your fingers can transfer dirt, oil, and bacteria to your face, which can contribute to breakouts. If you must apply makeup with your fingers, make sure you wash your hands first.
• Keep your makeup brushes clean. Similarly, dirty makeup brushes can harbor dirt, oil, and bacteria, which can be pushed into your pores when using them to apply your makeup. Always keep all makeup brushes, sponges, and other tools clean.

Yes, you can wear makeup even if you are prone to breakouts. The key is to choose makeup for acne-prone skin that does not contain pore-clogging ingredients and that is a match for your skin type. You should also pair your makeup routine with an acne-fighting skincare regimen that includes products specifically formulated for your skin type to get rid of breakouts without worsening other skin problems like dryness or flaking.

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1. Baumann L. Antiaging Ingredients in Ch. 37 of Baumann's Cosmetic Dermatology Ed 3. (McGraw Hill 2022)
2. Baumann, L. Ch. Cosmeceuticals and cosmetic Ingredients (McGraw Hill 2015)
3. Bowe, W. P., & Shalita, A. R. (2011). Acne and cosmetic use: A comprehensive review. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 65(2), 295-305
4. Graber, E. M., & Micali, G. (2014). The effects of cosmetic use on acne and its treatment: A review of the literature . JAMA Dermatology, 150(7), 749-756.
5. O'Reilly, D., & K. Jackson, M. (2014). Effects of non-comedogenic makeup on acne severity: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 25(6), 540-546.