Acne is very complex, and there are many things that can result in a breakout. As someone with acne-prone skin, I really needed to change my diet and lifestyle to limit these triggers. This included being mindful of certain products I put on my face and on my foundation brush. Becoming an aesthetician and acne specialist gave me the knowledge to identify which ingredients in skincare and makeup can elicit a breakout.
Fortunately, not everyone is prone to acne breakouts. Those skin types who do tend to dissolve dead skin cells much faster than those who don’t. Normal pores shed about one layer of dead skin daily, compared to the acne-prone pore that sheds up to five layers daily. The body can’t keep up with this amount of shedding and forms a microcomedone, the beginning of acne. Comedogenic ingredients can clog pores and cause breakouts. Many makeup products on the market are formulated with these ingredients, which can increase the shedding process. Those with acne-prone skin and oily skin must really be on the lookout to avoid such products.
Some comedogenic and irritating ingredients commonly found in makeup include algin, bismuth, beeswax, carrageenan, ethylhexyl palmitate, isopropyl isostearate, isostearyl neopentanoate, laureth-4, polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, seaweed, shea butter, soybean, and talc, just to name a few.
I always advise my clients to download the Acne-Safe App found in the App Store. With this app, you can copy and paste ingredient decks to see if any potential makeup purchases include pore-clogging ingredients.
Best Foundation for Acne-prone Skin
Finding the best foundations for acne-prone skin means looking for formulas that are oil-free and won’t contribute to clogging pores. Here are some of my favorite non-comedogenic products that cater to every skin type, skin tone, and skin texture, while offering additional benefits like sun protection and a natural finish…
- Forever Skin Glow Foundation SPF 15 by Dior
- Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation by Giorgio Armani
- Tinted Moisturizer Light Revealer Natural Skin Illuminator SPF 25
- Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation by Narsissist
- Turn Up the Base Blurring Foundation by Onezine (by Patrick Starrr)
- CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation Glow Serum with SPF 40 and Niacinamide by IT Cosmetics
Keep in mind all these tips and tricks next time you’re out shopping for makeup. Choosing the right products can help manage acne and excess oil effectively to keep your complexion clear.
Stay (acne) safe out there!
Thank you for reading!
This article of the Skinsider Scoop was graciously written by Licensed Medical Aesthetician, Michael Razzano, and edited by the Clean Skin Club team. If you're interested in more from Michael, please shoot us an email, and follow him Instagram - @michaelrazzanoskin