Acne-friendly makeup: An Australian doctor shares her top five tips

“You can experiment with makeup and care for your complexion at the same time.”

When dealing with acne, the idea of putting anything on your skin can be scary. You may want to play around with makeup but, at the same time, you don’t want to make the breakouts worse and you definitely don’t want to deal with any additional pain.

We like nosy people. Don’t be shy, head to our Beauty section for more. 

But the good news is with the right products and careful technique, you can experiment with makeup and care for your complexion at the same time – even if you do have acne-prone skin. Below, Dr Lauren Thomas, a doctor at Software, shares her top tips for applying makeup while minimising breakouts.

Keep it simple

The first step to creating acne-friendly makeup looks is to purchase the right products. Dr Lauren’s top tip here is to keep it simple and go for products that are gentle on the skin – think mineral powders, non-comedogenic products, BB cream and tinted primers.

“This is not a good time to try new products unless under the advice of a professional, as you run the risk of adding irritation or allergic reactions to the mix,” she adds. New, untested ingredients are (usually) a big no-no when trying to keep acne under control.

Minimise makeup where possible

Even as a makeup lover, it’s important to give your skin a break in between looks. Dr Lauren emphasises the importance of removing your makeup every single time you wear it. She recommends you do this as soon as you get home. As tempting as it is, going to bed with makeup on after a long day (or night) is especially harmful for acne-prone complexions.

“Be gentle in removing makeup and avoid scrubbing to minimise trauma and breaking any whiteheads,” she says. Be sure, as well, to use the best cleanser or makeup remover for your skin type, ensuring no makeup is left behind. Cleansing oils are typically suitable for all skin types – including acne-prone, especially if they’re formulated with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial ingredients.

Additionally, go for lightweight makeup products, as “heavy products can contribute to congestion and heavy-handed makeup may acne more obvious”.

Don’t stop the skincare

Incorporating a solid skincare routine alongside your makeup one is essential for managing acne – and it’s crucial that these two routines complement, not work against one another.

After all, skincare not only maintains the health of your skin, but it also preps your canvas for makeup, ensuring it goes on smoother and lasts longer. For oily and acne-prone skin types, Dr Lauren recommends salicylic acid.

As a BHA, this powerful ingredient is an incredible acne-buster. It works to dissolve pesky oils and dead skin cells, keeping your pores clear and less likely to develop certain types of acne.

She also suggests using pimple patches overnight or during the day with concealer on top. Be sure to choose ones formulated with bacteria-fighting ingredients, so they don’t just hide your blemishes but treat them from within as well.

Use colour to your advantage

Utilising different colours in your makeup will help conceal your breakouts. According to Dr Lauren, “Green concealer and other products help minimise redness. For eye shadow and lipstick, choose cool colours instead of bright pinks, reds or oranges. Cooler tones may make the face appear less red. You could finish with matte powder to absorb oil during the day and highlight your lips and eyes to draw attention away from the acne.”

Keep it clean

The best way to prevent new blemishes from popping up is to keep bacteria at bay. To do so, Dr Lauren recommends a few different hygiene tips. Make sure to wash your makeup brushes regularly, clean your hands when using your fingers to blend, and avoid applying concealer sticks directly to the skin, instead using a cotton bud or tip (preferably a reusable/washable one). Additionally, choose products with pumps (as opposed to tubs) and always apply makeup to a freshly cleaned face.

For more makeup tips for acne-prone skin, head here.