The Benefits of Wearing Less Makeup: Michael Kurzman, MD: General & Cosmetic Dermatology (2024)

FAQs

Are there benefits to not wearing makeup? ›

“Often, a barrier of makeup increases oil production, so not wearing makeup can decrease oiliness, clogged pores and pimples.”

Being gentle with your skin will cut back on prematurely aging your skin, but less makeup will have your skin looking younger. You'll have less bacteria on your face. Bacteria is all around us but you don't want it on your face. Every single time a makeup brush touches your face, you're adding bacteria to your skin.

Avoid heavy makeup

Although it may be counterintuitive, it is better to apply less makeup as you age, rather than more.

Makeup today is well manufactured and is tolerated by most skin types, says dermatologist Dr Cara McDonald. However, because makeup accumulates environmental pollutants and toxins during the day, she says a deep cleanse is necessary.

Drawbacks of Makeup:

Clogged Pores and Acne: Heavy or oil-based makeup can clog pores, trapping dirt and oil, potentially leading to acne breakouts or exacerbating existing skin conditions.

They can have an impact internally too. “The most widely reported impacts of toxic makeup and skin care products are the development of cancers, hormonal imbalances, and fertility issues, alongside conditions such as asthma, eczema, or dermatitis,” says Dallimore.

Too bright, too frosted, too matte, and too shiny. But in my opinion (as is this entire post), lipstick that is too dark is the number on lipstick mistake we can make. It's quite possibly the number one makeup mistake we make that can make us look older.

Makeup artist Helena Olivares advises swapping vampy plum or brown tones for more neutral shades, as they can look a bit harsh on aging skin. Neutral tones and subtle pinks, she explains, can help you achieve a more youthful appearance, as they instantly give the skin a brighter and cleaner look.

In short – no. Makeup itself does not age your skin. What could potentially age your skin is if you are using makeup and don't have a strong skincare routine for both before and after makeup application. Skincare and makeup should be friends, not enemies!

When worn for long periods of time, makeup clogs your pores and therefore limits collagen and elastin production in your skin, leading to lines and wrinkles. This is on top of exposure to the sun's damaging rays, which cause 90% of visible skin aging.

What happens when you stop wearing makeup everyday? ›

You are less likely to experience breakouts, blackheads, or pimples because the no makeup movement won't clog your pores. This is great because it also allows your skin to breathe, and you won't have to use harsh acne products that can dry out your skin.

While makeup itself may not directly cause aging, certain makeup practices can contribute to skin issues over time. Here are some key considerations: Clogged Pores: Heavy or oil-based makeup can clog pores, leading to the formation of blackheads and acne.

Acne cosmetica will often clear when you stop using the makeup and hair and skin care products that clog your pores. If anything else is causing your acne, however, you'll still see acne.

To wear makeup or not to wear makeup isn't the question — it's about doing something that makes you feel different. No-one should tell you how much or how little makeup you should wear. It's your face, your makeup, and your life. The overriding lesson here is that your appearance is entirely your prerogative.

Makeup helps you to protect your skin and keep it safe from pollution, smog etc that harm your skin. Makeup creates a slight barrier around your skin to keep it from being directly exposed to dust. While makeup is not going to offer total protection, the risk of being harmed will at least remain minimal.

When your body sleeps it repairs itself. You don't want makeup clogging your pores. It's not meant to wear all day then sleep in it. Your skin may need a break once a month maybe once a week it depends on the individual.