Why Does Your Makeup Clog Pores And Cause Spots?

We all love our makeup, which has the power to transform, enhance and boost confidence with just a few strokes of a brush or sponge! 

From covering blemishes to adding colour to your complexion to accentuating natural features, makeup offers a convenient quick fix whenever it’s needed.

However, while makeup offers a variety of undeniable benefits, in some cases it can be the catalyst for the dreaded occurrence of spots and blemishes. This then requires us to cover up the spots with more makeup, exacerbating the acne and creating a vicious cycle it’s hard to break free from!

But fear not, as we’re coming to the rescue with some useful information which explains how you can stop your makeup from causing acne!

Why Does Makeup Cause Spots?

For many of us, makeup is an essential part of our daily routine. For others, it may be used just on special occasions. Regardless, we can all agree that makeup can be a real lifesaver, ready to step in when we’re most in need! 

By concealing imperfections, makeup gives us the confidence to tackle whatever the day can throw at us. However, despite its numerous benefits, makeup can sometimes have a downside in the form of acne. 

Whether it's a sudden outbreak of bulbous, pus-filled spots or the appearance of blackheads, these unwelcome guests can put a real dampener on your day. In some cases, if the acne is extreme, the negatives might start to outweigh the positives, leaving you with no choice but to discontinue your use of makeup, at least for a while.

The main reason makeup causes spots is it tends to clog pores. Our skin naturally produces oils and sheds dead skin cells, which can block up the pores when mixed with makeup products. 

Over time, this leads to the formation of comedones, commonly known as blackheads and whiteheads. This is also the perfect environment for the bacteria that cause acne.

Some types of makeup are worse than others. Those that are heavy or contain pore-clogging ingredients like oils and silicones are particularly bad, so the best approach to take if you’re experiencing acne or you’re keen to avoid it (who isn’t?!) is to stay away from these.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, this is particularly important as even the slightest build-up of makeup within the pores could be all it takes to cause a break-out.

Organic Mineral Makeup

So, what's the solution to avoiding spots caused by makeup? One way to avoid acne is with organic mineral makeup.

Unlike traditional makeup formulations, organic makeup is made from natural, finely ground minerals which are non-comedogenic, meaning they won't clog pores or make acne worse. This makes them ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin types.

In addition to spot prevention/protection, organic mineral makeup offers myriad benefits. Firstly, it's lightweight and breathable which means the skin can breathe, reducing the likelihood of pore congestion and breakouts. 

Like all organic cosmetics,  this makeup is also free from the harsh chemicals, synthetic dyes and fragrances that are commonly found in traditional, non-organic makeup products. So your makeup will be not only gentle but also suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. 

What’s more, organic makeup provides natural protection from the sun’s UV rays due to the presence of minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which act as natural sunscreens.

Other Tips For Battling Acne

As well as using organic makeup, here are a few other steps you can take to prevent or rid yourself of spots:

Cleanse Regularly: 

Remember to keep your skin clean, washing twice daily with a gentle cleanser to remove the dirt, oil, and makeup residue that accumulates throughout the day. If this is left on your skin, it can soon clog pores and cause breakouts.

Keep Skin Moisturised: 

Remember to keep your skin adequately moisturised at all times. In doing so, use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated without adding excess oil which will only cause pore congestion.

Avoid Touching Your Face: 

Many of us touch our face without even realising it, but this can contribute to acne as it transfers dirt, bacteria and oils from your hands. So try to minimise contact with your face as this will reduce the potential for breakouts.

Choose Non-Comedogenic Products: 

Make sure you choose skincare and makeup products labelled as non-comedogenic. These are formulated to not clog pores and are kinder to your skin.

Practice Sun Protection: 

Sun damage can make acne worse, as well as increase the risk of sun spots, hyperpigmentation and cancer. So wear sunscreen daily and avoid prolonged sun exposure to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Why It Has To Be Organic

Chances are you already know that products that come with the “organic” label are better quality, but do you know why? 

When it comes to skincare, organic means the ingredients used in natural products are grown without the use of any synthetic pesticides, herbicides or genetically modified organisms. 

This means that your skin absorbs the goodness of those ingredients, without any traces of the harmful chemicals that are often present in traditional, non-organic formulations.

This helps to minimise the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions, making organic face masks the safest choice for all skin types.

So those are the reasons why makeup clogs your pores and causes acne. Hopefully, you’re now equipped with all the info you need to tackle those spots and banish those blemishes for good!