Our outlets will be closed from 26 Mar (Tue) to 27 Mar (Wed) for our annual team bonding event. We will resume operations on 28 Mar (Thu).
Our outlets will be closed from 26 Mar (Tue) to 27 Mar (Wed) for our annual team bonding event. We will resume operations on 28 Mar (Thu).

Dr Vera Toh: is It Safe to Wear Makeup With Acne and Rosacea?

Rosacea and Acne Makeup Guide

Living with rosacea and acne can affect self-confidence. While embracing your natural skin should always be celebrated, anyone who wishes to use makeup to enhance the way they look or feel more comfortable can do so. Most importantly, your makeup routine should not only make you look and feel great, but also keep your skin safe and healthy. This guide will provide tips on how to achieve this with the correct steps and products.

What Makeup Should I Apply if I Have Acne?

Although rosacea and acne have different underlying causes and distinct characteristics, they can both present as redness and bumps on the face. To conceal these features effectively, choosing the right makeup products is crucial. 

Look for makeup products that are labelled as non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free. These are less likely to aggravate your skin and trigger flares. Avoid makeup that contains alcohol and harsh chemicals as well. Opt for products with soothing ingredients like chamomile or aloe vera. Always remember to read the ingredient labels carefully and opt for products with minimal additives.

Also Read: Best Rosacea Treatment In Singapore

Patch Test

Performing a patch test is essential before applying any new makeup product to your face. 

Apply a small amount of the product to a small area of your skin, preferably on your forearm or behind your ear. Wait for 24 hours to see if any redness, itch or bumps occur. This step helps you avoid skin irritation directly on the face.

Gentle Cleansing

Prepping your skin is essential before you apply makeup to have a clean and bare canvass. Start by cleaning your face with a gently formulated cleanser, removing dirt, excess oil, or impurities. Avoid harsh cleansers that could further irritate your skin.

Moisturise

Hydrated skin provides a better canvas for makeup application. It helps prevent makeup from settling into dry patches.

Choose a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturiser formulated for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin. Look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, which can help soothe and hydrate the skin without causing further irritation. 

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is important to protect against UV damage in the long run, and even prevent rosacea flares and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne! Physical sunscreens usually work better for those with sensitive skin to reduce the chance of possible irritation. Ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that are present in physical sunscreens are much safer for those with rosacea or acne.

Primer

A primer provides a smooth base for your makeup, ensuring it lasts longer and adheres better to your skin. Look for a primer formulated for sensitive skin with a soothing effect.

Use a Green Colour Corrector

Lying opposite red on the colour wheel, green cancels out any signs of redness on the skin. We recommend applying a green colour corrector before foundation to neutralise the redness from rosacea and acne, concealing it more effectively. 

Apply a dot-sized amount and blend it gently onto the affected areas before applying concealer. Pro tip: some primers may even come tinted for an added colour correcting function – opt for these if possible to reduce the number of products you’re applying!

Light Coverage Concealer and Foundation

Pick a shade closest to your natural skin colour with light to medium coverage when choosing a concealer and foundation. Heavy products can feel uncomfortable on your skin and might exacerbate your rosacea and acne

Instead, focus on even-toned coverage that allows your natural skin to show through while camouflaging redness and blemishes

Setting Powder

Consider using a translucent setting powder to ensure your concealer and foundation stays in place throughout the day. Make sure it’s finely milled and doesn’t contain any ingredients that may irritate the skin.

Clean and Gentle Makeup Tools

Invest in high-quality makeup brushes and soft sponges that won’t irritate your skin. Also remember to clean your makeup tools regularly to prevent bacteria buildup that can worsen rosacea and acne symptoms.

Remove Makeup Gently

Removing your makeup gently and ending the day with clean skin is important. Use a mild, fragrance-free makeup remover or micellar water. Avoid rubbing your skin, as this can aggravate rosacea and acne. End off with a gentle cleanser as part of the double cleansing routine.

Soolantra Cream to Manage Rosacea

In addition to makeup, consider a medical treatment like Soolantra cream to manage your rosacea. Soolantra contains ivermectin, which can help reduce the abnormal skin flora that causes inflammation associated with rosacea. To complement Soolantra cream, anti-inflammatory laser treatment can also help to treat rosacea more effectively. 

Likewise, if you have stubborn acne, it can also be treated with oral and topical medications like Aklief cream and laser treatment from a reputable clinic. 

Read More: How To Tell If Your Acne Is Actually Rosacea

Obtain a Prescription for Soolantra Cream in Singapore

Concealing rosacea and acne with makeup is a great way to enhance confidence and put your best face forward. Using appropriate treatments such as Soolantra cream for rosacea with gentle makeup products, you can conceal redness while improving your skin condition. 

If you’re considering professional treatment for your acne or rosacea, book a consultation at SL Aesthetic Clinic! Our experienced doctors in Singapore can assess your skin and provide a personalised treatment plan for your skin condition.

Book a consultation today.

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