When you have eczema, wearing makeup can seem like a catch-22. You may want to cover the redness and scaly patches of eczema on your face, but using makeup may aggravate or even trigger an eczema flare-up. Makeup is like any other skincare product, however, and as long as you avoid ingredients that bother your skin, it's possible to wear makeup without worsening your eczema.
Choose Your Makeup Carefully
Just as you have to watch what types of cleansers and moisturizers you use, you'll need to be mindful of the ingredients in your makeup. Finding makeup that won't cause eczema flares can be more challenging since the purpose of makeup is generally to conceal or add color. Makeup products often contain dyes and fragrances that can be irritating. Here are some tips for finding the best makeup for skin with eczema:
Avoid fragrances. Choose makeup products labeled "fragrance free" rather than "unscented." Unscented products often contain fragrances that are designed to cover the smell of other ingredients. You may not smell anything, but your skin may still react to this type of masking fragrance. This also applies to essential oils. Though some proponents swear by these all-natural fragrance alternatives, they're often irritating and can trigger allergic reactions.
Skip anti-aging formulas. Topical anti-aging makeup ingredients such as retinoids can be great for treating acne and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Unfortunately, they're often extremely irritating for people with eczema and can trigger or worsen your eczema. If you're interested in using a retinoid on your skin, talk to your dermatologist about it first.
Choose makeup designed for sensitive skin. The good news is that there are now products designed for people with eczema. The National Eczema Association places its Seal of Acceptance™ on skincare products that meet its standards. Products with this seal don't contain harmful ingredients that can worsen your eczema.
Use Good Makeup Hygiene
Because eczema causes a breakdown in your skin's barrier, it leaves you more susceptible to bacterial, viral, and fungal skin infections. To reduce your chances of getting an infection from your makeup, follow these guidelines:
- Always wash your hands before you apply makeup to your face.
- Use your fingers instead of a brush whenever possible to apply makeup.
- When you do use brushes, make sure to wash and thoroughly dry them.
- Scoop or pour out some makeup into a separate container to avoid dipping your fingers into a larger jar, which could spread germs.