Cosmetic Acne Treatments: Can Medicated Makeup Effectively Treat Acne?
03-21-2013 / By:
Most people,
especially women often use makeup and various other cosmetics to camouflage
their acne and blemishes. When you apply
regular makeup over acne, it can cause breakouts to become worse and can clog
the pores even more with comedogenic oils. Luckily, there are a few cosmetics
made for acne-prone skin that will not exacerbate breakouts.
Luckily,
many makeup brands and cosmetics today contain salicylic acid, an ingredient
that combats acne by keeping the pores clear of excess oil and skin cells. Salicylic acid treats acne by reducing pore
blockage. Salicylic acid is found in many products made for acne-prone skin,
including makeup foundation and concealer.
Benzoyl
peroxide is more commonly found in soap for acne and acne lotions and
moisturizers rather than makeup. It
helps eliminate the bacteria that contribute to blemishes. If your acne is more severe, the salicylic
acid in medicated acne makeup will not be enough and you may need a benzoyl
peroxide cleanser or lotion.
All of your
makeup, from blush to eye shadow, should be non-greasy, non-comedogenic,
hypoallergenic, non-irritating, and oil-free. Read the ingredients -- the very
first one should be water. Mineral-based cosmetics contain added ingredients
like silica, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide, which both absorb oil and hide
redness without irritating skin and causing pimples. Another ingredient to look
for is dimethicone, which also conceals redness while smoothing out uneven
skin.
Medicated
makeup can be helpful for those who struggle with blackheads, mild cysts, or mild acne. But medicated makeup alone will not clear
more persistent cases of acne such as severe acne or cystic acne. More severe cases of acne will require acne
treatment medication. That doesn’t mean
you have to forfeit medicated makeup. In
fact, you may be able to use your favorite medicated makeup in conjunction with
your acne treatments.
If you should
notice that your skin is red, itchy, or swollen after you apply a certain type
of makeup, stop using it. Some ingredients in cosmetics cause an allergic
irritation known as contact dermatitis in certain people.
In any event
where you find medicated makeup to be helpful in treating your acne, you can
continue using the products. When using them, make sure that you do not overdo
it. Also, try to use these products as less as possible. This is because even
if they have anti acne properties, excessive use of makeup can always clog your
skin pores. This in turn will exaggerate your acne even further. You should
discontinue using this makeup if at all you experience any kind of dryness,
itching or irritation after using these products.