Do You Think Make Up Cosmetics Are Connected to Acne?

It could be that your temporary solution to dealing with your acne may be part of your problem. Dermatologists and cosmetologists have debated the issue of cosmetics affects on the skin, especially on those who suffer from acne.

For people who suffer from acne, the use of make-up is like a “Catch-22.” You use cosmetics to hide the redness caused by acne, but you might actually be making the problem to worsen. In order to more fully understand, we need to probe “cosmetic acne” a little more.

Acne that is formed due to the use of cosmetics is called Acne cosmetica. It is a relatively common, mild type of acne. There is no age bar for this acne and affects anybody. Even those people who usually do not get acne are said to get acne cosmetica, since this form of acne is caused by topical products instead of the intricate methods that triggers real acne.

The characteristics of Acne cosmetica are small, rash bumps on the checks, forehead and skin. Typically, it develops over the course of a few weeks or even months. This type of acne may persist indefinitely.

If you have recently bought a new product for your skin, you may have noticed some of the symptoms associated with this type of acne. In that case, you should stop using the product for a few days to see if the problem clears up.

It is important to note that studies have shown that make-up is not the cause of true acne. However, it can aggravate the condition. It is advised that one is aware of the common topical triggers in both forms of acne.

Anyone who applies make-up will know that as the day goes by, it vanishes. Have you ever wondered where it goes? Occasionally it is wiped off by clothing and by hands which touches the face. At times it moves around your skin and seeps into the minute openings in your skin similar to rainwater forming mud puddles.

Some brands of cosmetics contain comedogenic ingredients, which are ones that are more likely to clog pores. While these substances may not actually plug up the follicles, they can be a source of irritation that ultimately results in the bumpy rash known as “cosmetic acne.

The Connection between Shaving Bumps and the Breakout of Acne

Pseudofolliculitis barbae is the acne-like breakouts which are commonly called “shaving bumps”. This happens as an outcome of inflammation in the hair follicle which is caused by shaving. After you shave, wax or pluck, hair gets caught within the follicle. As a result of this you will feel irritation and swelling.

Anybody can catch shaving bumps, but it is more frequently found in people with curly hair. Luckily these “shaving bumps” can be prevented and if you follow certain easy steps, then you can become skilled at how to shave smartly and have less number of breakouts.

Before starting to shave, it is essential to prepare the skin by washing it with lukewarm water. The water will help to hydrate your skin making it suppler and the warm water will expand your blood vessels and this will bring more blood flow to that part. Several people have found that when they shave in the shower, this kind of acne breakout is less.

You can help diminish Pseudofolliculitis barbae by using the right shaving cream. Filmy or thinner type shaving creams can help the razor glide over the skin with ease, therefore reducing irritation.

It is also vital that you choose a good razor. Electric razors are the best. Although your shave may not be as close, irritation will definitely be reduced. If you insist on using a blade, make sure to use a single blade and replace it every time. Razors with double or triple blades actually lift the hair from the follicle, causing a shave that is below your epidermis. To counteract this, your skin covers the follicle opening as a healing process. This causes irritation when the hair begins to grow back and tries to force its way through the skin that has covered the opening of the follicle.

Shaving with the grain is another way to reduce inflammation. This is applicable for both men and women. While shaving always shave down, and not up. If you carry out your shaving in this manner, it will cut down on irritation and may possibly help in reducing scratches and cuts. Always bear in mind the fact that closer you shave, there is more chance of getting shaving bumps.

To condition your skin after shaving, apply an antibacterial gel or alcohol-free toner. There are also gels made with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Any of these will help destroy any bacteria before it can enter into open follicles. This will go a long way in preventing Pseudofolliculitis barbae before it can start.

Performing these steps can definitely help prevent the formation of Pseudofolliculitis barbae in most people. If they do not work and you are still getting shaving bumps, talk to a dermatologist. He will probably be able to recommend more aggressive treatment.