Is Makeup Bad for Your Skin?

Wearing makeup can help you express your style, get dressed up, and feel more confident. But is it actually bad for your skin?

The quality of makeup formulas has come a long way. “Most makeup products made today are mineral based, non-comedogenic, contain sunscreen, and offer more sun protection than not wearing makeup or SPF at all, especially in South Florida,” says Ariel Eber, M.D., a dermatologist at the University of Miami Health System. Some makeup products even include skincare ingredients to help prevent or address issues like clogged pores, flakiness, or dullness.

Doesn’t my skin need to breathe?

“Metaphorically speaking, the skin doesn’t breathe,” Dr. Eber says. However, the skin does “regulate oil production and moisture and exchange gases,” which is all part of the natural epidermal cycle. “Your skin is a really smart organ. It will inherently regulate itself.” 

Is it okay to wear makeup if you have acne?

“It’s important to feel good about yourself, so 100% yes,” Dr. Eber says. For example, a light dusting of mineral-based tinted powder can help even skin tone and reduce the shine of oily skin.

Choose a water-based foundation, which is formulated not to clog pores. For lighter coverage, try a tinted, non-comedogenic moisturizer or CC cream with SPF. “These products have the added benefit of protecting against visible light, which helps prevent hyperpigmentation and signs of aging,” Dr. Eber says. “Some makeup formulations even contain glycolic acid or salicylic acid, which are comedolytic ingredients that break down the sebum that clogs pores.”

With oily or acne-prone skin, you should avoid makeup and skincare products that include oils, petrolatum, paraffin, beeswax, silicones, and alcohol (over-drying can trigger skin’s oil production). If you have sensitive skin, be wary of products including fragrances and botanicals, which are known to cause allergic reactions, irritation and skin inflammation.

Don’t forget to toss out old or expired makeup and regularly clean your makeup sponges and brushes. Pay attention to signs of an allergic reaction or skin sensitivity, such as itchiness, irritation, or redness after applying products, which can pop up even days later.

Makeup tips for dry skin

If you have drier skin, you may benefit from wearing an oil-based formula or one containing hyaluronic acid. “These products prevent trans-epidermal moisture loss and provide a layer of protection,” Dr. Eber says. “Matte foundations, however, can be drying, so they should be avoided if you have dry skin.”

Clean skin is happy skin

Always remove makeup before bed and try not to wear it longer than 10 hours. Dr. Eber says a proper skincare routine is the foundation of healthy skin.

Here’s the right way to cleanse your face before sleep:

• If you have normal to dry skin, you can start with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water. You can skip this step if your skin is naturally oily or if you don’t have makeup to remove.
• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil or Vanicream, and rinse with lukewarm (not hot or cold) water. Pat dry with a clean towel.
• Apply an alcohol-free toner. Toners with alcohol can be drying. Dr. Eber likes good old witch hazel (alcohol-free types).
• Apply moisturizer. Face creams and lotions with hyaluronic acid can help your skin stay hydrated throughout the night. Some people swear by “slugging,” which is the application of petrolatum-based ointments like Vaseline and Aquaphor before bed. While this provides a protective layer that maintains the skin’s moisture barrier throughout the night, these products may clog pores, cause milia (tiny skin-colored bumps), cause acne or trigger irritation for sensitive skin types.

You don’t have to use an abrasive exfoliant, like a scrub, to clean your pores. “If you’re using the right cleansers, you don’t need to scrub,” Dr. Eber says. “Scrubbing breaks down the skin, making it more susceptible to injury and can introduce bacteria.” If you tend to get blackheads or pimples, use a serum, toner or moisturizer with chemical exfoliation a few times a week. “Seek a dermatologist’s advice about chemical exfoliants that are right for your skin,” she says. “Examples include retinols, retinoids, AHAs and BHAs.”

How to prepare your face for makeup

It’s unnecessary to wash your face in the morning unless your skin is exceptionally oily, acne-prone or you have a medication or an active ingredient on your skin from the night before. “For example, retinoids can cause additional sensitivity and may interact with sunlight,” Dr. Eber says.

You may feel better after rinsing your face with water, and pat dry. With clean hands, apply products in order of thickness. For example, start with a serum; then apply a moisturizer. Always follow with sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Then your face is ready for makeup!

If you prefer to go makeup-free, it’s still important to keep your skin clean, moisturized, and protected with sunscreen. Whether you go full glam or fresh-faced, follow this skincare routine daily to put your best face forward. 

Nancy Moreland is a regular contributor to the UHealth Collective. Updated in 2025 by Dana Kantrowitz, a contributor for UHealth’s news service.

Last reviewed in March 2025 by Ariel Eber, M.D., a dermatologist at the University of Miami Health System.

Originally published on: March 12, 2024

Tags: daily makeup skin health, dermatologist, Dr. Ariel Eber, expired makeup, face foundation, makeup, skin care in Miami, skincare, skincare routine for makeup users