If you suffer from eczema, it can be tempting to want to cover up flare-ups with layers of concealer or foundation. But do make-up and eczema mix?
Read on to discover our best tips and tricks for choosing the best eczema makeup products to apply on sensitive skin.
Please keep in mind that although what we discuss in this post can relieve eczema, we are in no way medical professionals. If you’re experiencing severe eczema symptoms like an infection, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.
Makeup and Eczema
You might be wondering if makeup can cause eczema. Actually, the exact cause of eczema is unknown but it’s true that certain chemicals or toxins found in makeup products can irritate your skin.
The harmful ingredients some products contain can also cause a burning or stinging sensation. That’s why the best eczema makeup products use natural ingredients.
In fact, some makeup products can actually help eczema and improve the appearance of the skin! Let’s take a closer look at products to avoid and which products are beneficial for eczema.
Ingredients to Avoid
When dealing with sensitive skin, it goes without saying that there are some ingredients that should be avoided. These include dyes, drying alcohol, and talcum powder as these can further dry out or aggravate the skin. You also want to be sure to avoid any artificial fragrances as these are common eczema triggers. Instead, look for products that are “fragrance-free.”
While preservatives help keep makeup from growing bacteria, they can also lead to inflammation. Common examples include methylparaben and butylparaben.
Finally, as those with eczema have chronically dry skin, you want to avoid any ingredients that have a drying effect on the skin such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and retinol.
Remember, it’s extremely important that you always read labels carefully before trying any new products.
What to Look For in Eczema Makeup Products
When choosing makeup products, it’s always helpful to choose products that include sunscreen (zinc and titanium only) to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. To strengthen your skin’s natural barrier and reduce the redness associated with eczema, applying niacinamide cream (also called vitamin B3) prior to applying makeup can help.
If you’re after the “glow”, look for moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, glycerin, and lanolin. These ingredients help draw moisture from the air to your skin, giving your skin a boost of hydration.
The best foundation for eczema is balanced with hydrating ingredients that will help to heal scaly patches. Both liquid and stick formats are safe to use.
Beauty Tips for Eczema Makeup
Before trying a new product, be sure to get into the habit of doing a “patch” test first (especially before applying to the face) to make sure that your skin doesn’t have a negative reaction.
Make sure that you practice good makeup hygiene. Take note of product expiry dates. Ideally, you should be changing your mascara every three months even if it isn’t empty. In addition, good makeup hygiene means ensuring that you wash your makeup brushes regularly. A build-up of old makeup is not only a breeding ground for bacteria, but can also contribute to clogging your pores!
A better alternative to makeup brushes or sponges is simply using your fingers. Just be sure to wash your hands before.
Don’t forget to remove your makeup every night. No matter how tired you are, washing your face before going to bed with a gentle makeup remover is a crucial step in skin hygiene. A good facial cleaner will remove any oil or dirt buildup from the day in addition to removing the makeup. As mentioned earlier, stay clear of any products that contain fragrances, preservatives, dyes, or alcohol. You also want to avoid formaldehyde.
For sensitive skin, we recommend this Organic Calendula Face Wash. Featuring calendula, seaweed and a blend of soothing herbs, it cleanses and repairs the skin without stripping away any natural oils.
Another great option is this Calendula Facial Cream. Providing skin firming and anti-aging benefits, it’s sure to rejuvenate and help your skin thrive. The best part: it can double up as a makeup remover!
And lastly, make sure that after washing your face, you continue to moisturize. Our Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream is a great option for moisturizing your entire body! With 6 natural and non-GMO ingredients, this balm is gentle enough for even your face.
And finally just a friendly reminder in case you forgot: remember that real beauty comes from within and that you are beautiful just the way you are!
References:
https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/skin-care/concerns/eczema/guide/makeup-with-eczema
https://nationaleczema.org/makeup-tips/
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Bio: Laura is a contributor and content developer for The Eczema Company. She is in no way a medical professional. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes.
