Reduce Acne by Switching Cosmetic Products

Many women wear cosmetics to cover up pimples, acne and red spots. Often the cosmetics are what is causing the acne, making the problem worse. This can be a vicious cycle that is difficult to break free from. An appointment with your local dermatologist can get you started on an acne treatment that will help combat the root problem instead of simply covering it up and hiding acne. Bring your cosmetics with you to your appoint and your dermatologist will help you determine which products are making the problem worse.

In general, it is also a good idea to pay attention to the ingredients in your cosmetics, lotions, sun block and other products you apply to your skin. Any effective treatment could be instantly ruined by using cosmetic products that irritate your skin or block your pores. Here is a list of acne-causing ingredients that you will want to stay away from when purchasing cosmetics:

• Lanolin: This oil extracted from lamb’s wool is great for softening your skin, but it can also clog your pores. Synthetic lanolin derivatives are most likely to cause acne, so if you truly enjoy the softening ability of lanolin, look for 100% pure lanolin oil.
• Stearic acid derivatives: Derivatives such as isocetyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, and butyl stearate can help cosmetics go on more smoothly and give you that sheer coverage you love, but it can also cause breakouts.
• D&C Red #9 and #40: These red dyes derived from coal tar are notorious for causing zits. Other red dyes besides #9 and #40 may cause blemishes as well, so it can be wise to stay away from all of them.
• Sulfates: Sodium lauryl sulfate and other sulfates are the ingredients in popular foaming cleansers, but are they really cleaning your skin? Sulfates can leave residue on the skin’s surface, which can penetrate into your pores and clog them, resulting in breakouts. Not so clean after all, right?
• Alcohols: While it is true that applying alcohol to the skin can help dry out pimples, it can also cause over-drying, which makes the skin more susceptible to future breakouts. Avoid cosmetics that have alcohol-based ingredients.
• Occlusives: Cosmetics and moisturizers containing petrolatum, sesame oil and cocoa butter ingredients can lead to breakouts. Stay away from products containing these ingredients. Mineral oil, however, is not likely to cause breakouts and is relatively safe for use on acne-prone skin.

It is important to read labels when purchasing cosmetics so as to not make your acne condition worse. Implementing a new dermatologist-suggested treatment in combination with smart cosmetics selection can make a world of difference in the health of your skin. Glowing, blemish-free skin is often a matter of what you choose to let come into contact with your skin.