Should women with acne, rosacea and eczema wear make-up? These are just some of the skin conditions that affect many women (and men).

If you’re unsure about the skin issue affecting you, get a skin specialist or doctor’s opinion.

Check your products

Sometimes, cosmetics are the cause of the skin problem. Remember that the skin is the largest organ in the body. It’s like a giant sponge and drinks in everything we put on to it.

Today’s cosmetic consumers are making far more knowledgeable decisions when buying products — looking for organic and mineral-based products over chemically or synthetic- derived variations.

Did you know fragrances in cosmetics is the number one cause of skin problems, followed closely by preservatives?

Perfumes are used to make our products smell delicious. But you wouldn’t spray perfume directly on to your face, so ask yourself if it’s important to have a strongly perfumed moisturiser.

All cosmetics need to be approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration to be sold in Australia. For the large part this means that make-up and skincare is safe but, for the health of your skin, you should know the ingredients that do and do not work for you.

Go Hypo and natural

Hypoallergenic products have been specifically designed for people who deal with the daily stress of eczema, rosacea and dermatitis.

These products are great for sensitive skin as they have a lower tendency to cause allergic responses.

It is very difficult for us to find exactly which ingredient causes our skin to have an allergic reaction as we love to use so many different products.

My advice, if you are having a reaction, is to stop everything until the condition has calmed down and then start to reintroduce each product, one at a time, and slowly.

Use a true mineral or organic foundation — this will give you the same coverage and won’t have the same chemical impact on your skin.

Cosmetics that contain a concentrate of wheat germ are great in assisting skin healing and damage protection. Paintbox cosmetics make a foundation that contains wheat germ, which assists in skin healing and has a beautiful coverage.

If you are looking at changing your foundation to something more nature- friendly for your skin but are worried about finding the same texture, coverage and colour, findation.com is a great resource.

Always remove your make-up and clean brushes

Make-up removal is very important — you’ll damage your skin by sleeping with make-up on as you’re not giving the skin a chance to breathe.

Apply your foundation with a brush and be sure to use an alcohol-based brush cleaner in between applications. This will help to lower your risk of bacterial contamination.

Go nude once a week

When breakouts occur, the first thing many of us do is cover up and use make-up to mask blemishes.

If you suffer acne, this is unfortunately one of the worst things you can do for the condition.

The more you cover the skin, the more problematic it can become. It is so important to give yourself a break from make-up — make every Sunday your make-up free day.

Try Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil is an excellent, natural skin regulator and is suitable for all skin types. I carry a bottle with me in my make-up kit in case I’m working on someone who has sensitive skin. Rosehip oil is also an amazing make-up remover, so long as you follow up with a cleanser.

 

© The West Australian

More Beauty news: thewest/lifestyle.com.au