By Alison • 14 Comments
Makeup makes us gorgeous (or even more gorgeous!), but did you know that it could be harming your skin? We all know that you should never leave your makeup on overnight, but that's not the only problem it can cause. If you're using makeup that's too old or that has become contaminated with bacteria, you'll be risking infections and other skin problems. Here's what you should watch out for …
Have you been experiencing a reaction, but you don't know what's causing it? Your makeup could be at fault if you're allergic to anything in it. Avoid using makeup that has formaldehyde in it, which can cause an allergic reaction. If you suspect that you may have an allergy to something in your makeup, ask for allergy tests, or try to work out which ingredient it could be.
Your makeup won't necessarily block up your pores on its own, but if you already have problems such as a tendency to acne, makeup could make it worse. The best way to deal with this is to wear non-comedogenic makeup, which won't block your pores.
Lipstick is one makeup item that's guaranteed to make us feel better and brighter. But it can dry out your lips, and the mineral oil in lipsticks can also block the pores. Look for mineral-free makeup, and be sure to moisturise your lips before applying lipstick. Using a lip balm will also help keep your lips moisturised.
Do you suffer from patches of eczema or dermatitis on your face? It could actually be caused by your makeup. Your skin is very sensitive around your eyes, so you could be having an allergic reaction to one of the eye products you're using. Another potential culprit is your nail polish. Think of how often you touch your face; if you touch your eyes with painted nails you could irritate your eyes.
You might think only food needs to have expiry dates, and that it's ridiculous for beauty products to have them. Perhaps not - the preservatives in products may be less effective after a while, which will be factored into the date. The ingredients may also break down over time; for example, the ingredients in creams can separate. If the product smells odd, bin it.
You may congratulate yourself on being good and using makeup brushes to apply your makeup. But are you using clean brushes? If you don't wash them regularly, you could be transferring bacteria to your face and eyes. As for using your fingers to apply products, wash your hands first and don't dip your fingers into pots, so that you avoid contaminating the contents.
Finally, it may not be your makeup that's causing a problem, but rather how you're applying it. Be careful not to drag at your skin, as this can cause fine lines over time - and you don't want that! Be especially careful when applying makeup or creams to the eye area, as the skin there is so delicate.
Remember also that even if you've always used a product without problems, the formulation can change - so you can then develop a reaction to it. Do you give your skin a break from makeup, or do you refuse to leave the house without a full application?