Is it safe to wear makeup on eczema? This is a common question many people wonder. If you suffer from this itchy skin condition, we know it can be tempting to want to cover up flare ups with products. In this blog post, we’ll explore the do’s and don’ts of wearing makeup on eczema to avoid further irritating your sensitive skin.
Can Makeup Cause Eczema?
Many people wonder if makeup causes eczema: however, the exact cause of eczema is unknown.
Instead, researchers believe that the condition is linked to both genetic and environmental factors.
That being said, there are many triggers that you likely come across daily which could irritate your skin. These triggers can include chemicals and toxins found in beauty products. If you notice a burning or stinging sensation when you wear makeup, this can be due to harmful ingredients found in the products you’re using. That’s why we’re such strong advocates of products that use natural ingredients with names you can actually pronounce!
Ingredients to Avoid
To prevent further aggravating your already sensitive skin, always make sure you read labels carefully to check for any harmful ingredients. This is especially important when you’re trying a product for the first time.
We recommend looking for products that are “fragrance-free” or “made for sensitive skin” as artificial fragrances can negatively affect your skin. Sadly, no matter how good something smells, fragrances are almost always artificial (unless they are essential oils).
Also be wary of drying alcohol, talcum powder, and dyes. These have a tendency to further dry out your skin. Ingredients such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and retinol can also have a drying effect on the skin.
Preservatives, such as methylparaben and butylparaben, are helpful in the sense that they keep makeup from growing bacteria, but they can also cause inflammation. A better alternative is a natural preservative such as grapefruit seed extract.
Eczema-Friendly Ingredients
To help draw moisture from the air to your skin and get that “glow,” look for ingredients such as shea butter, glycerin, and lanolin. Your skin will love the extra boost of hydration!
To protect your skin from harmful UV rays, we suggest choosing products that contain sunscreen (zinc and titanium only). This will help strengthen your skin’s natural barrier and reduce the redness associated with eczema. Applying vitamin B3 (niacinamide cream) before applying your makeup can also be helpful.
Eczema and Makeup Tips
No matter how tired you are at the end of the day, we can’t stress enough how important it is to remove your makeup every night. Washing your face before bed is a vital step in any skincare routine – make it a habit!
We recommend you use gentle, clean beauty products that not only remove makeup but also care for your skin without harsh additives. A great option is River Organics’ Organic Concealer, a hydrating, buildable concealer enriched with Moringa, Apricot Kernel, and Camellia Seed Oils. It evens skin tone, covers blemishes, and melts seamlessly into the skin, all while keeping your beauty routine sustainable with its zero-waste packaging.
Pair it with River Organics’ Organic Solid Mascara, which defines and volumizes lashes naturally using organic castor oil and plant-based waxes. Smudge-free, flake-resistant, and eco-friendly, it doubles as a brow tamer and eyeliner for a multitasking touch. For a radiant glow, try River Organics’ Organic Shimmery Face and Body Bronzer Stick, infused with nourishing Shea Butter, Grapeseed Oil, and Rosehip Oil to add warmth and subtle shimmer for a sun-kissed finish.
After cleansing, always remember to moisturize. This step is especially important if you struggle with eczema or chronically dry skin. Replenish hydration with our Nourish + Hydrate Manuka Balm. With just five natural, dermatologist-recommended ingredients, including UMF®-certified Manuka Honey, Sunflower Oil, Camellia Seed Oil, Beeswax, and probiotic Lactobacillus Ferment, this soothing balm calms irritation, locks in moisture, and supports the skin barrier from head to toe.
In addition to reading labels when trying a new product, we also recommend doing a “patch test” first to ensure your skin doesn’t have a negative reaction. This is especially important when applying a product to the face.
Lastly, practice good makeup hygiene by washing your brushes and sponges often, or simply use clean fingers to apply your products. This helps prevent buildup of old makeup that can harbor bacteria and clog pores. And don’t forget product expiry dates, swap out your mascara every three months, even if it isn’t empty, to keep your eyes healthy and your routine fresh.
References:
https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/eczema/guide/makeup-with-eczema
https://nationaleczema.org/makeup-tips/
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/treatment-16/cosmetics-eczema-makeup
