Does Makeup Aggravate Pigmentation? Insights & Facts From Dermatologists

Can Makeup Aggravate Pigmentation?

Yes, some products contain artificial fragrances, dyes, or preservatives, which can worsen post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Certain products can increase sun sensitivity and allergies, while some comedogenic products can clog pores and cause pimples. If you use heavy makeup products, removing them can also irritate the skin.

Common Makeup Mistakes That Can Worsen Pigmentation

Here are the most common makeup mistakes that can damage your skin and worsen your pigmentation:

1. Using the wrong makeup products: It is important to use makeup products that suit your skin type. If they don’t work on your skin, they can irritate your skin or damage it.
2. Not removing makeup before bed: Your skin recovers when you sleep. When you don’t remove makeup, it disrupts the skin rejuvenation process and increases melanin production. You must also be gentle while removing makeup as harsh scrubbing can affect the skin barrier.
3. Using products even after expiry: Makeup products have validity and if you continue to use them beyond the expiry date, they can irritate your skin and also cause infections.
4. Not using sunscreen: Applying sunscreen or using priming products with SPF-30 is essential to protect your pigmentation-prone skin from sun exposure.

Dermatologist-Recommended Makeup Tips for Pigmented Skin

Let’s take a look at the top 5 tips for pigmented skin from our experienced dermatologists:

1. Start Your Makeup Process With A Sunscreen: When your skin is prone to pigmentation, using an SPF is critical. Apply a hydrating, broad-spectrum sunscreen and layer it up with primers with SPF 30 or more. [1] Even better if they contain niacinamide or vitamin C, which can help with oxidative stress.
2. Choose Non-Comedogenic Foundations: Comedogenic products can block the pores and aggravate post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Look for non-comedogenic products that don’t irritate your skin or worsen pigmentation.
3. Avoid Glitter/Shimmer On The Pigmented Areas: These products can bring focus to the pigmented areas and your uneven skin tone as they contain light-reflecting particles. Products offering matte or satin finish give you a more even-toned appearance. This is completely a matter of choice and you can experiment and see what works best for your skin.  
4. Use Orange/Peach Colour Correctors: Pigmented skin appears as bluish or grey on the skin, so using orange or peach colour correctors will give you even-toned skin.
5. Set Your Makeup With Zinc Oxide Powders: Zinc Oxide is a UV filter that forms a barrier on the skin to protect it from sun exposure. This acts as the 2^nd layer of sun protection and reduces the chance of further pigmentation.

When To Consult A Dermatologist?

If you notice your pigmentation getting worse, makeup products irritating your skin or causing allergic reactions, or unsure about the right makeup products for your skin type and concerns, it is best to consult a dermatologist. We further encourage you to visit a dermatologist if you are suffering from any skin concerns like tan, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone etc, especially when they are stubborn and persistent.

Advanced Pigmentation Treatments At Oliva Clinics

1. Laser Toning: This treatment involves using advanced Q-switch lasers to precisely target excessive melanin that your body eliminates naturally. Once you complete the required number of sessions, you will achieve an even skin tone [2] with minimal downtime.
2. Chemical Peels: Oliva’s dermatologists use plant-based acids of various strengths to exfoliate the pigmented layers of the skin. It stimulates the production of new skin cells and promotes even-toned skin. [3]
3. EyeRevive Peel: This specialised peel targets stubborn pigmentation in the undereye area without any side effects.
4. InstaGlow Treatment: Oliva’s unique skin rejuvenation treatment includes exfoliation, hydration, and skin brightening to reduce dullness and give you instant, radiating skin.

Takeaway

Dermatologists do encourage makeup application on pigmented skin as long as you take the necessary precautions and use suitable products. However, if your pigmentation persists, it is important to consult a dermatologist who will recommend the best treatment plan for your pigmentation.