Cosmetics can make acne cases worse, and in some cases, actually cause it. For many women, a conflict exists between the need to make themselves up, and the need to take the best care of their skin. For those who already have acne lesions and feel they must cover them up in order to look their best - it becomes an even greater dilemma.There is a lot of pressure on women, especially those in the workforce, to focus on their appearance. There's also a lot of pressure from the cosmetic ads of the companies that want to sell as many products as they can. The result of all of this is that basic healthy skin care practices are sometimes sacrificed so that we can look a certain way. For some, this means the development of the type of skin problem known as acne cosmetica.
Acne cosmetica is the development of acne pimples from the use of cosmetics or skin products. Acne pimples, including whiteheads, blackheads and other types of lesions, appear in the areas of cosmetic use. This can be a persistent and difficult condition to rid oneself of, especially if it's not properly diagnosed, or the use of the offending cosmetics is not discontinued. And in those who are already acne prone, it's even more of a problem. In this case, the skin is already over-producing the sebum or skin oil that contributes directly to acne production.
Acne lesions are called comedones, and the type of makeup that causes acne cosmetica is called comedogenic. These acne causing products can often take several months of use before the associated problem appears, so the connection may not be made right away. Unfortunately, this can result in the use of even more makeup in an effort to cover up the pimples, which can result in even more makeup, and so on. This becomes a very frustrating vicious cycle for the acne sufferer.
There are a number of ingredients, which can contribute to acne cosmetica. Some facial products that are sold as healthiest for the skin, such as some facial creams and cleansers, can actually aggravate acne. And products that tend to dry the skin out, and greasy cosmetic products, are known to contribute to this condition. Those women who are the heaviest appliers of makeup, are the one's most likely to suffer from this form of acne.
Acne cosmetica can affect anyone, even those who would not otherwise have acne, because it's caused by the external application of topical products, and not by the process that typically produces teen acne. While it is milder than most other forms of acne, it can be persistent. And while the use of cosmetics does not cause typical acne (acne vulgaris) it can aggravate an existing condition, if you already have it. The comedogenic ingredients in some makeup products will clog pores in much the same way as they are clogged by regular acne.
There are several cosmetic ingredients that can cause or aggravate acne. Here is a partial list of some of them.
· Lanolin - this and other penetrating oils is one the most common acne producing ingredients. Make sure your makeup products don't contain this acne producer.
· Isopropyl myristrate - is found in many types of makeup, especially in foundations. It is a very aggressive penetrator and should be avoided.
· Mica - which is the product that produces the sparkle in makeup, can clog pores in the same way that acne producing dead cells can.
· Fragrances - can aggravate acne. Choose products that are fragrance free, oil-free, and non- comedogenic.
If you have persistent acne cosmetica you may need to put aside the makeup for a while until the condition corrects itself, or at the very least, be very careful in your selection of cosmetics.
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