Makeup products with pink beads on white background 2

Wouldn't it be overnice if, say, when y'all turned 21, all of your breakouts magically went away? And yous had clear, smooth, dewy pare that never suffered from an unfortunate monster zit the day earlier a big chore interview? (Or a date you lot're excited about. Or a trip to the beach…) Unfortunately for many, acne continues far into our adult decades, and while makeup itself doesn't necessarily cause acne, it can make it worse. That's why it's essential to be mindful of what ingredients are lurking, non just in your go-to moisturizers and cleansers, but as well in your makeup bag. Though there are a variety of factors that could exist irritating your t-zone, from fluctuating hormones to stress, sometimes the wrong production cocktail on your skin can be to blame. Here are a few tips on how to protect yourself from unfortunate (and let's face it: annoying!) breakouts.

1. Choose "Matte" Over "Dewy"

Even if your bestie swears by a sparkly foundation that mimics a dewey glow, what works for her more tolerant skin might not be the best match for skin that's more prone to acne. That'due south why dermatologist Dr. Sharyn Laughlin says being a thorough investigator of your pores and tracking your reactions is the offset step in defending your skin confronting acne.

As an example, Dr. Laughlin explains that beingness aware of your already-oily, shiny peel will continue you from purchasing makeup products that add together backlog lubrication that you don't need. For oily skin, opt for products that say "oil-free" on its packaging and offering a "matte" or "semi-matte" finish instead of "dewy" or "satin."

Editor's Tip: In the marketplace for a new foundation? Here are a few foundation options for acne-decumbent and oily skin.

2. Rails Where Yous're Breaking Out

Depending on the spots on your face that are more than likely to attract a zit (or three), you can identify what product is actually causing a reaction. "If your foundation is breaking you out, then you will most likely run across the acne adequately evenly dispersed effectually your face up. If the majority of your acne is around your hairline, then it might be more likely that your hair care products are involved," Dr. Laughlin explains.

Nevertheless, if you're seeing more dots around your jawline, Dr. Laughlin explains that your acne could be less product-based and more hormonally charged. In this example, yous'll want to meet a dermatologist who can recommend a solution for yous, either via a topical cream or oral prescription.

3. Change Your Makeup Routine Based on Your Cycle

Every woman has different indicators that her menstrual cycle is on its way. From sleepless nights and cranky moods to a astringent craving for pizza. By the time you reach your mid-20s, yous're well aware of your personal catamenia'south warning. If you know you're more probable to go a breakout effectually that time of month, Dr. Laughlin says to make sure your makeup matches your changing hormones. What yous wear the other 25 days of the calendar month might not be what you need to sport when you're spotting.

"If you are wearing the aforementioned makeup every solar day, so there volition be no stopping and starting to your acne," she explains. Equally you anticipate the arrival of your zits, switch to a lighter formula and try to employ less makeup when your pare is beingness challenged by your hormones.

Try: glominerals Pressed Base Powder Foundation

4. Let Your Peel Breathe

Though information technology can be difficult to go makeup-gratuitous when you lot're struggling with acne, Dr. Laughlin says taking a few days without makeup on tin help your pores heal a petty bit faster. On days when wearing makeup is inevitable, make certain to cleanse your skin thoroughly at night with a cleanser designed for your oily or acne-decumbent skin.

Try:Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

5. Avert Products That Are Occlusive

Here's your vocabulary lesson of the mean solar day: certain ingredients in makeup—phthalates, alkane wax, mineral oil and petrolatum—can be "occlusive" on your skin. What does that mean? Dr. Laughlin explains these ingredients—though common in skin care products— don't absorb into your skin, just rather, lay heavy on the surface. While this shouldn't be an issue if you have normal to dry skin, this tin exist problematic for people who are decumbent to breakouts considering they create "pools" that eventually settle into pores, clogging them up and preventing your natural oils from escaping when they need to.

"These products do not allow sebum, which is a natural and normal by-product of the pare, to get out from the pore to the skin surface. Combined with dead skin cells, the occluded pore becomes infected past bacteria, creating an inflammatory and allowed reaction that becomes the acne lesion," she explains.

Try: Stila Cosmetics Aqua Glow Serum Foundation

half-dozen. Avoid Alcohol and Other Drying Ingredients

Though most people will effort to "dry out" a ruby-red, painful zit, Dr. Laughlin says dehydrating your peel tin take the opposite touch. If the makeup y'all're using has drying ingredients, like alcohol, it will forbid your peel from completing its natural exfoliating process, which allows dead skin cells to autumn off on their own.

Endeavor: Juice Beauty Serum Foundation

7. If You Want Makeup With SPF, Look for Zinc

If yous adopt your makeup to have some sort of lord's day protection, Dr. Laughlin suggests opting for mineral options. Most mineral makeup brands will avert using talc as a binder, which can be irritating to those who have difficult skin to begin with. Instead, mineral products are rich in zinc oxide, which is an anti-inflammatory that was in one case used to treat acne via tablet. And when mixed with other subtle ingredients, these more Earth-friendly products tin give you everything from sun protection to coverage."Mineral-based makeup with zinc lone or combined with titanium dioxide provides a good, balanced UV protection and 'natural' coverage for those who might accept acne," she says.

Try: Colorescience Sunforgettable Loose Mineral Powder Brush SPF 30