I have acne: Can I wear makeup?

When you have acne, make-up is an ally and allows you to hide your imperfections, but only if you respect a few rules:

Observe perfect hygiene!

First of all, start with a rigorous hygiene in the morning and evening, make-up removal is essential. The skin must be clean and free of all impurities (dead cells, dust, pollution debris and make-up residue). Acne-prone skin is fragile and sometimes irritated by treatments. It can be done with a soap-free cleansing product called a syndet (for Synthetic detergent) which will then be rinsed with clear water, or with a water or micellar milk on a soft cotton pad renewed several times. Before starting, make sure your hands and nails are clean.

Choose non-comedogenic products!

Acne care products are often already treating and matifying creams that make excellent make-up bases. Foundations and powders can be applied but they must be oil-free and tested non-comedogenic, i.e. they must not encourage the formation of comedones (blackheads and white microcysts); before buying a product, take the time to check the packaging for this very important statement. Use a fluid foundation instead, as compact foundations are applied with sponges that are a real "bacteria nest". Go easy on powders, because even if they are suitable, there is always a risk of clogging the pores.

Use correction sticks!

Above all, never pierce your pimples, otherwise you will aggravate your acne and risk leaving ugly marks; so opt instead for a corrector stick specifically for acne-prone skin, or else a concealer will do the trick.

Lipsticks and eyeshadows have no contraindications when you have acne, so play with the shades according to your moods!

Dr. Aurélie Acher - Dermatologist