Risks of long-term makeup use and what are the tips

This time we discuss the possible risks associated with long-term makeup use. It is important to understand how daily use of cosmetics can affect your skin health and what precautions you can take to take optimal care of your skin.

Long-term use of makeup can pose some risks, such as skin irritations, clogged pores and even allergic reactions. We will explore the different aspects of the cosmetic world, and discuss what you should and shouldn’t do to keep your skin healthy.

In addition, we will share tips on choosing the right makeup products, the importance of thoroughly cleansing your skin after wearing makeup, and how to find a healthy balance between enjoying cosmetics and maintaining a optimal skin health.

In short, this blog aims to make you aware of the possible impact of long-term use of makeup on your skin and provides practical guidelines to ensure you have a healthy relationship with cosmetics. Let’s discover together how to best care for your skin and enjoy makeup at the same time.

What is considered “long term” when wearing makeup can vary depending on the person and specific circumstances. In general, extended makeup use refers to situations where makeup is worn for a large portion of the day, such as for 8 hours or more.

It is important to note that long-term use of makeup is not necessarily harmful, as long as you also follow good skin care practices. Regular cleansing and avoiding certain risky habits, such as sharing makeup or wearing it while exercising, can help minimize any negative effects.

  1. Makeup allergies: Prolonged exposure to certain ingredients can cause allergic reactions, such as redness, itching, and swelling.
  2. Skin irritation: Some makeup products contain ingredients that can cause skin irritation, especially with prolonged use.
  3. Clogged pores: Daily use of foundation can clog pores, leading to acne and blackheads.

Cosmetic ingredients in makeup can cause a number of skin problems, including:

Some ingredients in makeup can cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to these ingredients. The most common allergic ingredients in makeup are:

  • Dyes, such as P-phenylenediamine (PPD), Black rubber mix, Cobalt chloride
  • Preservatives, such as formaldehyde, DMDM ​​hydantoin, Belzalconium chloride, Benzyl alcohol and parabens. Learn more about preservatives
  • Fragrances, such as Cinamic aldehyde, musk and linalool.
long term makeup
Certain dyes can cause skin allergies

Some ingredients in makeup can cause skin irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin. The most common irritating ingredients in makeup are:

  • Alcohol, such as hard ethanol alcohol. For example, it is stated that natural (100%) alcohol is often denatured because of its lower costs, whereby the denatured alcohol (synthetic alcohol) can cause skin reactions due to the synthetic products used. There are also types of alcohol ‘soft alcohols’ that do not or hardly irritate the skin, such as cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol and behenyl alcohol.
  • Sulfates, such as sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) are common sulfates used in cosmetics and known for their cleansing properties. However, there is disagreement about the potential skin irritations these ingredients can cause. Some sources suggest that SLS can irritate the skin and damage the top layer of skin, leading to symptoms such as dry skin, redness, itching, irritation and flaking. On the other hand, SLES is said to be milder than SLS because it has undergone a chemical reaction that makes it less irritating to the skin. It is important to note that the response to these ingredients can vary greatly from person to person and depends on factors such as concentration, frequency of use and skin type.
  • Parabens, learn more about parabens
  • Perfume, more about perfume
  • Dyes

Clogging your pores due to makeup can cause acne. This form is called Acne venenata, also known as pomade acne or cosmetic acne, and is caused by ingredients such as:

  • Mineral oil
  • Vaselin
  • Silicones
  • Fatty oils

This form of acne is often seen in people with dark skin, especially when very greasy products, such as Vaseline and paraffin petroleum jelly, are applied to the skin.

It’s important to note that there is controversy over the potential pore-clogging effects of these ingredients. Some sources claim that mineral oils and Vaseline do not clog pores or cause breakouts, while other literature sources suggest that they can occlude and suffocate the skin, preventing the skin from breathing properly.

In short, no, cheaper makeup is not necessarily more harmful than expensive makeup.

Longer answer: There are a number of factors that can contribute to skin problems caused by makeup, such as:

  • The ingredients
  • The quality of production
  • The way the product is used

The ingredients in makeup can cause skin problems, such as allergic reactions, irritation, or other skin problems. Some ingredients, such as azo dyes, parabens and perfume, are more commonly found in cheaper makeup than in more expensive makeup. However, these ingredients can also be found in expensive makeup.

The quality of production can also play a role in the development of skin problems. Cheaper makeup is often produced in factories where quality control is less strict than more expensive makeup. This can lead to the use of contaminated ingredients or the use of ingredients that are not properly mixed.

The way the product is used can also contribute to the development of skin problems. Makeup that is not removed properly can build up on the skin and cause irritation.

Based on these factors, it can be said that cheaper makeup is not necessarily more harmful than expensive makeup. However, it is important to pay attention to the ingredients, the quality of production and the way the product is used.

  • Always read the ingredient list of makeup products before purchasing them.
  • Pay attention to ingredients you know or know you are allergic to.
  • Choose makeup from a reliable brand.
  • Always remove makeup thoroughly at the end of the day.

If you develop skin problems due to makeup, stop using the product and consult a dermatologist.

  1. Cleansing milk and Cleansing lotion: Gentle cleansers to gently remove make-up.
  2. Scrub: Use a mild scrub to remove dead skin cells, but don’t overdo it; once a week is enough.
  3. Foam cleanser: For daily cleansing, especially suitable for oily skin.
  4. Micellair Water: A gentle and effective way to remove make-up without irritating the skin.
  5. Make-up remover wipes: Handy for on-the-go, but do not use them as a substitute for thorough cleaning.
  6. Use of toners: A mild toner can help restore the skin’s pH balance after cleansing.
  7. Eye makeup remover: Use a special eye makeup remover to minimize friction on the sensitive eye area.
  8. Daily Cleansing: Cleanse your face daily, even when not wearing makeup, to remove impurities.
sharing make up
  1. Don’t cleanse before bed: Never leave makeup on overnight as this can clog pores.
  2. Rough friction: Be careful when rubbingderen van make-up, ruwe wrijving met een washandje kan de huid beschadigen.
  3. Soap: Avoid harsh soaps as they can dry out the skin.
  4. Using too hot water: Hot water can dry out the skin, use lukewarm water to cleanse your face.
  5. Exfoliating too often: Excessive exfoliating can damage the skin; keep it to once a week.
  6. Unsuitable cleaning products: Choose cleaning products that suit your skin type; avoid aggressive ingredients.
  7. Long-term use of makeup sponges: Regular replacement of makeup sponges is essential to prevent bacterial build-up.
  8. Excessive use of makeup: Minimize the daily use of makeup to give your skin some breathing room.
  9. Sharing makeup: Sharing makeup, especially eye makeup and lip products, can transfer bacteria and lead to infections.
  10. Improper storage: Close makeup products tightly and store them in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth.
  11. Inadequate Cleaning of Makeup brushes: Regular cleaning of brushes is crucial to prevent bacteria build-up.
  12. Wearing makeup while exercising: Sweat mixed with makeup can clog pores; remove makeup before exercising.

Now that you have these tips, you can enjoy makeup and still take care of your skin. Remember that healthy skin is the most beautiful skin!

Allergic to a product?

Do you wonder whether you are allergic or do you occasionally notice that your skin becomes irritated, and do you want to know whether your care products play a role in this? There is a useful method you can try to discover this, namely the ROAT test.

The ROAT test, or the Repeat Open Application Test, is a reliable way to check whether certain care products cause reactions on your skin. It’s a simple test you can perform yourself to see how your skin reacts to repeated use of a particular product.

Here is an example of how to perform the ROAT test:

  1. Choose a small area on your skin where you normally apply the care product, such as your arm or wrist.
  2. Apply a small amount of the product to the chosen area.
  3. Use the product as you normally would, according to the instructions on the packaging.
  4. Monitor the area and watch for any reactions, such as redness, itching, or irritation.
  5. Repeat this test for several days to see if cumulative reactions occur with repeated use.

The ROAT test gives you insight into how your skin reacts to a particular care product and can help identify possible allergies or irritations. Always remember that it is important to exercise caution and consult a dermatologist in case of severe reactions.

Picture of Dr. Francis Wu

Dr. Francis Wu

Dr. Francis Wu, een vooraanstaande dermatoloog, is de drijvende kracht achter Iconic Elements. Hij heeft sinds 2004 zijn expertise ingezet om een veilige en effectieve huidverzorgingslijn te creëren, geschikt voor zowel gezonde huid als huidproblemen. Iconic Elements, opgericht in 2016, is de eerste brede skincare lijn in Nederland ontwikkeld door een dermatoloog. Als medisch specialist streeft Dr. Wu naar het bevorderen van het welzijn van mensen door hoogwaardige en effectieve huidverzorgingsproducten te bieden. De proefdiervrije en vegan producten vermijden schadelijke chemicaliën en bevatten natuurlijke ingrediënten.
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
WhatsApp
Iconopedia nieuwsbrief

Nieuwsbrief

Schrijf je in op onze nieuwsbrief voor meer informatie over huidverzorging en exclusieve voordelen.