It’s a rumor that has been floating around the skincare world for ages. Is makeup bad for your skin? Does makeup damage your skin? Does makeup cause premature aging? We are here to help you finally put the rumors to bed and do what is best for your skin!
Seriously, Does Makeup Age My skin?
In short – no. Makeup itself does not age your skin. What could potentially age your skin is if you are using makeup and don’t have a strong skincare routine for both before and after makeup application.
Skincare and makeup should be friends, not enemies! As long as a skincare routine is maintained you shouldn’t see any signs of aging due to your makeup.
Does Makeup Damage Your Skin?
Now, just because makeup doesn’t age your skin doesn’t necessarily mean it is good for your skin. Makeup can cause other issues that don’t fall under aging such as acne, blemishes, dryness, oily skin, etc. These issues can be caused by certain ingredients commonly found in makeup such as fragrances, dyes, and preservatives.
Makeup brands are working harder and harder these days to create products that are non-comedogenic and even some that benefit the skin instead of harming it. Make sure to look for products that are free of these harsh ingredients when you’re shopping around for new supplies.
And always keep an eye on expiration dates, once expired, makeup can become contaminated, which could cause even more damage.
Bye, Bye Makeup?
There is no need to throw your concealer and foundation out the window. It isn’t a given that these products will cause damage and it can definitely be avoided. You just need to be smart about your skincare before application, during application, and you guessed it, after application.
Skincare Before Makeup
Prior to your makeup application, make sure to cleanse the face to clear it of any dirt and grime. After washing, apply a product that protects the skin from free radicals and hydrates the skin as most makeup products dry out the skin.
A great product for under makeup is our Soulmate Brightening Treatment. It exfoliates the skin with glycolic acid but also has hyaluronic acid to keep the skin moisturized. Added bonus – it has a matte finish so it makes the perfect primer.
And as always, finish your daytime routine with an SPF of 30 or higher to keep your skin protected all day long. Opt for our Chase the Sun SPF Moisturizer, formulated with natural zinc oxide to block harmful UVA/B rays.
How to Apply Makeup Safely
Make sure to apply makeup gently. Don’t rub too hard when putting on products and make sure not to pull the skin too hard with brushes and sponges as these harsh techniques will break down collagen and elastin over time, which could result in wrinkles.
Also, make sure you clean your brushes/sponges/applicators. Dirty brushes are usually the culprit for clogged pores and acne. Brushes should be washed at least once a week.
Skincare Before Bed
Arguably, the most important steps you take to make sure makeup does not age your skin all happen before bed. ALWAYS remove your makeup before bed. Did you hear us? NEVER sleep with makeup on. This can cause so much damage to your skin.
Step 1: Cleanse
Skincare before bed is key to any nighttime routine and removing makeup should be step 1. Remove makeup with a gentle, yet effective cleanser and lukewarm water. We recommend our Bright Side Cream Cleanser, loaded with nourishing natural ingredients that effectively remove dirt, excess oil, and makeup without drying out the skin.
If you feel like you still have makeup on your face after one wash, we recommend looking into double cleansing. Use a different cleanser (with a different base) to wash again, like our Down to Earth Mud Gel Cleanser.
Step 2: Tone
After cleansing, use a toner, like Coast Is Clear, to absorb trapped dirt and oil, and make sure the face is as clean as possible. Our witch hazel toner is also packed with vitamins and minerals to ensure the skin stays balanced and stable.
Step 3: Hydrate
Lastly, apply a moisturizer that can make up for any hydration lost from makeup application. Our Up the Anti anti-aging night cream restores and hydrated the skin as you sleep while niacinamide aids in moisture retention.
The Bottom Line: Skincare and Makeup
While makeup doesn’t directly age your skin – it can cause damage if not applied correctly. Make sure to apply smoothly and safely and always prep and cleanse the skin before and after use. Make your skincare and makeup work together to give you that flawless glow you are searching for.
