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Even if you don’t struggle with sensitive skin it’s still important to develop a routine which will maintain the clarity of your complexion without bogging it down with an influx of heavy products. Particularly in the summer months, the makeup you use and methods of application could be having a negative effect on your appearance, clogging your pores and increasing your risk of breakouts, irritation, and other skin issues.
However, if you don’t feel inclined to scale back on the amount of makeup you’re wearing throughout the summer, you may benefit from adjusting your habits to promote a healthier complexion, limiting the chance of clogging your pores and irritating the skin. We asked dermatologist Sam Elmais, Founder of Medlink Students, and Dr. Adam Mamelak to weigh in on the biggest makeup mistakes you could be making this summer, and this is what they had to say.
Mixing Sunscreen & Foundation
SPF is important at all times of the year, but during the summer it becomes increasingly important to protect against sun damage, particularly on your face. When sitting down to do your makeup in the morning you may be inclined to combine your sunscreen and foundation in order to maximize both protection and coverage, but this method of application could actually be potentially damaging to your skin. “All sunscreen products have gone through a variety of testing and approval processes. This ensures their quality and ability to protect your skin from the sun,” explains Elmais. “Therefore, you should apply your sunscreen first. Let it sit and absorb for 10-15 minutes and after that, you can go with your usual makeup routine.”
Cream Products
Liquid and cream foundations and concealers are amongst the most popular on the market, and while they are effective in providing complete coverage across your face, they may be the culprit for clogged pores and breakouts. “They contain many oils and emollients that most of the time might not be compatible with your skin. I always recommend limiting their use and switching liquid and cream makeup products with powder ones,” suggests Elmais. Looking for recs? We suggest the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Powder Foundation or the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear 24H Powder Foundation for complete coverage without the heaviness of a cream foundation.
Makeup Remover Wipes
While easy for travel and quickly taking off stubborn eye looks, makeup remover wipes may not actually be all that great for your skin. Yes, they can remove products, but if you’re relying on these wipes to cleanse your skin as well, think again. “Despite their convenience, cleaning wipes are never recommended for removing face makeup since they do not properly cleanse the skin. Instead, they spread filth, germs, grease, and makeup all over the place without ever removing anything,” warns Elmais. “Using a wipe is essentially the same as putting a cleanser to your face with soap and then not rinsing it off.” Instead, use the wipes to get off the bulk of your makeup before going in with a face wash, or try a micellar water to remove product and cleanse your skin all in one.
Sleeping with Makeup
This may be a given, but if you’re sleeping with makeup on this summer, you’re signing yourself up for a variety of skin issues. “It's crucial to understand that your skin is extremely unclean at night owing to sebum (oil) secreted via your pores, germs from touching your face with your hands all day, and dirt beneath your nails. Allowing dust, oil, and makeup to sit on your skin all day and night may result in clogged pores, breakouts, and a dull complexion,” says Elmais. You may be tired, but taking the extra few minutes to remove your makeup each night will result in an ultimately fresher and clearer complexion free of breakouts.
Ignoring Ingredients
Checking out the ingredients list of your makeup is vital for preventing skin irritation, particularly in the humid summer months. “Questionable ingredients like parabens, mineral oil, and gluten will clog your pores. Talc is another common ingredient in makeup that is used to bulk up a product, but it is known to clog pores,” warns Mamelak. Instead, he suggests looking for products which include natural ingredients such as vitamins, antioxidants, SPF, and non-comedogenic ingredients that won’t clog your pores so you can have a glowing, healthy complexion all summer long.
