You’d like to look your best but aren’t sure how to avoid a breakout.

You know that some foundations and skincare products can trigger acne.

So what’s a girl with sensitive skin to do?

First off, don’t worry, you have options.

Best Makeup for Acne-Prone Skin and Large Pores

There’s plenty of non-comedogenic makeup available.

Manufacturers are catching on to the fact that we don’t want to put harsh chemicals on our faces.

It’s pretty easy to find foundation that’s non-acnegenic.

How do you know if your makeup is safe for acne-prone skin?

I recently wrote about the best concealers for acne-prone skin.

They all have one thing in common.

They are oil-free.

That’s right – no mineral oil, no plant oils. Nothing that can clog pores.

Some foundations feature salicylic acid. It’s an acne medication.

It’s excellent for dissolving the sebum or skin oil that’s causing the problem. It also exfoliates dead skin.

When you wear a foundation with salicylic acid, it helps unclog your pores.

Concealer with salicylic acid serves as an excellent spot treatment to dry up blemishes, too.

Check the label to prevent problems

Unfortunately, some people with sensitive skin find that salicylic acid is irritating.

If you’re already using face cleanser with it, the makeup might be too much of a good thing.

Those with sensitive skin may also have problems with artificial fragrances.

The best bet is to choose hypoallergenic makeup made by a reputable manufacturer.

The FDA doesn’t regulate what “hypoallergenic” means. But dermatologist-recommended brands are careful to avoid common allergens.

Also, you can choose from liquid or powder foundations. You might even prefer a BB or CC cream for a lightweight feel.

But if you want makeup with sunscreen, stick to minerals instead of chemicals.

Chemical filters might trigger breakouts. They also cause problems for rosacea-prone skin.

Meanwhile, if you have oily skin, a powder foundation helps keep you looking fresh and clean throughout the day.

The reflective minerals also blur large pores.

And that brings us to the next topic.

What about skin with large pores?

Skin with large pores may not have many whiteheads but twice as many blackheads.

Blackheads are a type of acne.

They don’t happen because you forgot to wash your face. Instead, it’s the skin’s oil oxidizing in the pores.

For persons under thirty, a foundation with salicylic acid could be the answer (1).

It unclogs pores so that they aren’t stretched with gunk.

But as we age, our pores tend to enlarge simply because our skin isn’t as firm as it used to be.

And that’s why you might find that foundation for large pores have anti-aging benefits, too.

You’re likely to find makeup with antioxidants like Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and green tea.

These fight premature aging and promote healthy skin.

You don’t have to be over thirty to profit from one.

Plus, you don’t need a full-coverage foundation to hide pores.

How to get the best performance from your makeup

Those in the know use primer.

Makeup primer turns your face into the ideal canvas. It tightens pores and smooths texture.

It can also minimize oiliness so that your makeup doesn’t slide off.

After you’ve primed, use concealer on the problematic parts. Cover up the blackheads, hide the dark circles.

Then apply foundation.

If you’ve primed and used concealer, you may not need a full-coverage base.

That’s good news if you’re worried about it creasing in wrinkles or looking cakey.

Once you’re satisfied with your appearance, set everything with a dusting of powder.

Other ways to improve acne-prone skin with large pores

I’ve mentioned primer, which is a big help. But there are other things you can do so that your makeup doesn’t have to work as hard.

The most important is to exfoliate at least once a week to eliminate dead skin and impurities.

And the gentlest way to exfoliate is to use salicylic, glycolic, or lactic acid.

Those with sensitive skin can use a motorized ultrasonic brush like the Clarisonic or even a washcloth dampened with warm water.

You don’t need abrasive scrubs to clear up acne.

Take it slow and keep at it. In time you’ll see the progress you desire.

Source:

1. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/understanding-acne-treatment accessed March 11, 2020