Home » Is Your Makeup Causing Your Skin to Age? Here’s How to Tell

Is Your Makeup Causing Your Skin to Age? Here’s How to Tell

Makeup is a powerful tool for enhancing your features and boosting your confidence. However, if you’re not careful, some makeup habits and ingredients can contribute to premature skin ageing.

Read on to find out how you can adapt your makeup routine to protect your skin health.

The Relationship Between Makeup and Skin Ageing

Depending on the products you use and how you apply them, makeup can have positive and negative effects on your skin. While makeup can enhance your appearance, some formulas may contain ingredients that dry out, irritate, or damage your skin over time.

Daily makeup habits—like forgetting to remove makeup or using products that clog pores—can also accelerate the symptoms of ageing skin by weakening the protective barrier, causing fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness.

Common Makeup Ingredients That Can Age Your Skin

Certain makeup ingredients may contribute to skin ageing without you even realising it. Here are some common culprits to watch out for:

Alcohol: Frequently found in foundations, concealers, and setting sprays, alcohol can dry out the skin, stripping away its natural oils and making fine lines more visible.
Fragrance additives: Synthetic fragrances in makeup can cause irritation and inflammation, weakening your skin and making it more susceptible to ageing.
Parabens: These preservatives are used in makeup formulations to extend their shelf life, but they can disrupt hormone function and impact skin health, potentially accelerating the ageing process.
Silicones: Found in primers and foundations to smooth the skin’s appearance, silicones can trap oil, dirt, and bacteria in the pores, giving rise to breakouts and dull skin.

Makeup Mistakes That Contribute to Aging

Even if your products are free from harmful ingredients, poor makeup habits can still lead to symptoms of ageing skin. Some of the most common mistakes include:

Sleeping with makeup on: When left on overnight, makeup can trap pollutants and clog pores, leading to inflammation, acne, and weakened skin.
Over-applying makeup: Too much makeup, especially in areas prone to fine lines, can cause creasing and emphasise wrinkles. Heavy foundation can also dry out the skin and leave it looking older than it is.
Using expired products: Makeup has a shelf life, and using expired products can expose your skin to bacteria, causing irritation, breakouts, and accelerated ageing.
Skipping SPF: Many women rely on SPF makeup alone for sun protection, but makeup with SPF is often not enough to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Sun exposure can cause skin ageing, and skipping proper sun protection will lead to wrinkles, dark spots, and sagging skin.

Symptoms of Ageing Skin from Makeup

Your skin can give you clear signs when your makeup routine isn’t working in its favour. Keep an eye out for:

Fine lines and wrinkles: If you notice an increase in fine lines, especially around areas like your eyes or forehead, your makeup could be exacerbating the problem.
Dryness and dehydration: Tight, flaky skin may indicate that your makeup products strip away natural moisture.
Redness and irritation: If your skin is frequently red or feels sensitive after makeup application, your products could cause inflammation, leading to long-term damage.
Enlarged pores and breakouts: Makeup that clogs your pores can result in acne and enlarged pores, giving the skin an aged appearance.

How to Protect Your Skin While Using Makeup

Maintaining youthful, healthy skin doesn’t mean you need to give up makeup. Instead, take these steps to ensure your makeup routine supports your skin’s longevity:

Choose skin-friendly ingredients: Look for makeup products that are free from alcohol, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. Opt for formulas with skin-boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants to help hydrate and protect your skin.
Use anti-ageing makeup formulas: Some makeup products are designed to fight the signs of ageing. Foundations or primers with ingredients like collagen or peptides can help smooth the skin and soften the appearance of fine lines over time.
Establish a proper cleansing routine: Use a gentle cleanser to remove your makeup before bed. Follow up with a moisturiser to restore your skin’s moisture barrier and keep it looking fresh.
Prioritise skincare first: Ensure your skin is well-hydrated and protected before applying makeup. Use a good-quality moisturiser, and always apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 underneath your makeup to prevent sun damage.

Time for a facial?

It may be time for a professional facial treatment if you’re experiencing symptoms of ageing skin or irritation despite improving your makeup and skincare routine. One option to consider is the Intense Hydrating HA Facial offered by SkinLab. It helps with clogged pores that come with regular makeup use.

Balance Is Key

Makeup can be an excellent addition to your beauty routine, but it’s essential to strike a balance between makeup and skincare. Choose the right products and avoid common mistakes to keep your skin youthful and radiant for years.

If you need help to choose the right treatment or to come up with a personalised makeup routine, you can speak to one of our skincare experts. Book an appointment with us today.