Clogged Pores to Skin Irritation, Dr Ajay Rana Explains How Makeup Can Trigger Breakouts

Dr Ajay Rana, Founder & Director, ILAMED, and President of the Indian Society of Aesthetic Medicine (ISAM), explains acne cosmetica, why application and removal habits matter, and how people with acne prone skin can choose and use makeup more carefully.

Makeup related breakouts can occur even when a person follows a regular skincare routine, particularly when products, application habits or removal practices contribute to clogged or irritated pores.
According to Dr Ajay Rana, Founder & Director, ILAMED, and President of the Indian Society of Aesthetic Medicine (ISAM), makeup can sometimes contribute to acne depending on its formulation, how it is applied and removed, and how it interacts with an individual’s skin.
Often referred to as acne cosmetica, this type of breakout may appear as skin coloured bumps, blackheads, whiteheads or red pimples, particularly in areas where makeup is frequently applied.

Acne develops when excess oil, known as sebum, and dead skin cells block a hair follicle connected to an oil gland. Certain foundations, concealers, primers and heavier creams may add to this blockage, particularly for people with oily or acne prone skin.
Products labelled non comedogenic are generally intended to be less likely to clog pores, but the label does not guarantee that every product will suit every individual. A formulation that works well for one person may contribute to breakouts or irritation in another. Existing skincare habits and individual skin characteristics can also influence the response.
Application and removal practices are another consideration. Throughout the day, makeup can mix with oil, sweat, dead skin cells and dirt. Sleeping without removing it can prolong the skin’s exposure to this mixture and potentially contribute to blockage and irritation.

Makeup tools also require regular attention. Brushes and sponges can accumulate oil, residual products and microorganisms when they are not cleaned frequently. Sharing cosmetics and repeatedly touching the face can introduce additional contamination.
At the same time, excessive cleansing is not the answer. Scrubbing aggressively, using harsh soaps or washing the face too frequently may disturb the skin and aggravate redness and inflammation.
Not every reaction to cosmetics is acne. Burning, itching, peeling or swelling after using a product may indicate irritant or allergic contact dermatitis. Folliculitis can also resemble an acne breakout.

The timing of symptoms, their location, accompanying discomfort and the appearance of the affected skin can help a medical professional distinguish between these conditions. Identifying the cause is important because treatment approaches can differ
People with acne prone skin can consider lighter, oil free and non comedogenic makeup while introducing one new product at a time. This makes it easier to identify a particular product if a reaction develops.
Makeup should be removed gently before going to bed, followed by cleansing and the use of a moisturiser appropriate for the person’s skin type.

Brushes and sponges should be cleaned regularly and allowed to dry completely before being used again. Makeup should not be shared, while products that develop an unusual smell, appearance or texture should be discarded.
Introducing several new cosmetics simultaneously can make it difficult to determine which product may be contributing to a breakout or reaction.
Persistent, painful, itchy or spreading breakouts, as well as acne that leaves marks or scars, warrant consultation with a dermatologist. A medical professional can assess both the makeup and skincare routine, distinguish acne from conditions that resemble it and recommend treatment when required.
For people experiencing makeup related breakouts, the focus does not necessarily have to be on avoiding cosmetics altogether. Careful product selection, hygienic application and removal practices, and appropriate management of the underlying skin condition can help reduce potential problems.

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