Does Makeup Age Your Skin? All You Need to Know

Minor habits like tugging the skins around our eyes for the perfect cat eye or packing on concealer to hide a pimple can worsen our skin’s health. Many of us rely on makeup to enhance our features and boost our confidence while leaving the question unanswered: Does makeup age your skin? 

The truth is that there is some evidence to support the concern that makeup can speed up the appearance of aging on the skin. Both harmful ingredients and unhealthy wearing habits (like dozing off with your makeup on) can contribute to the problem. 

But where there is a skincare concern, there is often a preventative counter-action. Here’s what you need to know about using makeup in a skin-friendly way, as well as how to protect your skin with nourishing, skin-loving ingredients.

The Science Behind Makeup and Aging

To prevent makeup-related skin damage, it helps to understand the how and why behind it. When we apply makeup, we are essentially adding a layer of chemicals to our skin. These chemicals can affect the skin in a number of ways, including:

• Causing irritation and inflammation – Some chemicals used in makeup, especially alcohol and fragrances, can be drying and irritating to the skin. Over time, this irritation can lead to inflammation. Research has shown that inflammation is a major contributor to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, the proteins that give our skin its elasticity and strength [1].
• Trapping dirt and debris – Even makeup that goes on feeling smooth and soft can cause skin problems. Many makeup formulations achieve that silky feel with ingredients like silicones, mineral oil, and petrolatum. These ingredients sit on the skin's surface, creating a layer that traps dirt, debris, and pollutants. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends that acne-prone people should avoid applying petrolatum and related products to the skin because they can lead to breakouts [2]. 
• Accelerating free radical damage – Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage skin cells and contribute to the development of wrinkles and fine lines. We’re exposed to free radicals daily from pollution and UV light. Makeup can trap these free radicals on the skin—meaning that the longer you wear makeup, the longer your skin is exposed to these damaging molecules [3].

In addition, the way we apply and remove makeup can potentially cause damage to the skin as well. Pulling and tugging at the skin while applying makeup, using dirty brushes, scrubbing to remove stubborn cosmetics—or worse yet, not removing makeup at all—can negatively impact your skin health. 

Tips for Reducing the Aging Effects of Makeup

Fortunately, with a few simple changes to your makeup routine, you can minimize the potential aging effects of makeup. Here are a few tips to keep in mind [4]:

• Remove makeup before bed – It's crucial to remove all traces of makeup with a facial cleanser before going to sleep to allow your skin to regenerate and replenish itself overnight. Why is this so important? When you leave cosmetics on overnight, all the damaging pollutants you were exposed to during the day that adhered to your makeup continue damaging your healthy skin. Your body can repair free radical damage—but only if the damage stops periodically so your skin cells can play catch-up [5]. 
• Wash your brushes – A good makeup formulation can be safe and even protective for your healthy skin, but if it’s applied with dirty brushes, all bets are off. Makeup brushes can harbor all sorts of debris that can lead to bacterial build-up or infections [6]. Dermatologists recommend cleaning your makeup brushes at least once a week with warm water and shampoo (yes, your regular shampoo will clean them adequately).
• Use non-comedogenic makeup – Non-comedogenic products are specifically formulated to not clog pores, which can help reduce the risk of breakouts and minimize the appearance of scars and hyperpigmentation.
• Build a moisturizing base – Applying a moisturizing primer before your makeup can help create a smooth, even canvas for your makeup and provide an extra layer of hydration and protection for your skin. However, many primers are silicone-based, which means they sit on the skin and form a barrier. You need to wash this layer off every night to avoid trapping dirt and oils under it. Alternatively, we recommend using a night cream to prep your skin with moisturizing ingredients so you can skip another layer of makeup.
• Consider mineral-based makeup – Mineral-based makeup is made with natural, crushed minerals from the earth and is often free from synthetic chemicals, fragrances, and preservatives. This can be helpful for those with sensitive skin or who are looking to minimize the potential aging effects of makeup. Not all mineral makeup is created equal, however, so you’ll still want to check the label to avoid harsh ingredients. (More on that below.)
• Take breaks from wearing makeup – You may find it helpful to give your skin a break from makeup every now and then to allow it to breathe and repair. Consider going makeup-free a few days a week, or using lighter-coverage products on a daily basis. (But don’t skip out on your daily moisturizer with SPF.)

Ingredients to Avoid in Your Makeup Routine

Makeup doesn’t have to be damaging if you choose a quality formula and practice correct application and removal habits. But with so many chemicals used in cosmetics—often with mysterious, unpronounceable names—it’s hard to keep track of right and wrong.

To make your life simpler, here’s a short list of ingredients experts recommend avoiding in your beauty products [7]:

• Alcohol – Alcohol can dehydrate the skin, leading to increased irritation, flakiness, and inflammation.
• Fragrance – The specific ingredients used in fragrances are purposely excluded from many product labels [8]. These mysterious ingredients can be irritating to sensitive skin and are even considered allergens to some. Since they don’t serve an important purpose in cosmetics, it’s best to simply avoid them.
• Parabens – These preservatives can accumulate in the body over time, which may contribute to collagen loss [9] and also contribute to risk of irritation for those with sensitive skin. 
• PFAs – Often found in mascara, lipstick, and foundation, PFAs may be linked to fertility problems and certain cancers.
• Phthalates – Often found in lotions, creams, and cleansers, these compounds may be linked to hormone disruption and harm to the reproductive system [10].

How to Protect Your Skin from Premature Aging

Aging is a natural part of life, and we’re all about wearing those crow's feet and smile lines with pride. But healthy, vibrant skin is possible at any age, and with a few good skincare habits, you can make sure your skin is at its beautiful best every day. 

#1 Never Skip the Sunblock

#2 Stay Hydrated

Additionally, hydration is important for maintaining the skin's barrier function, which helps to protect the skin from environmental damage. By staying hydrated, you can help to keep your skin healthy, youthful, and radiant—with or without makeup.

#3 Cleanse Gently Twice Per Day

Here’s how to cleanse your face properly, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association [12]:

• Wash gently with a moisturizing cleanser
• Instead of a scrubber or sponge, use your fingertips in a gentle circular motion
• Wash your face in the morning and evening
• Wash again after heavy exertion, since sweat can irritate the skin

#4 Nourish Skin from the Inside Out

Age-fighting antioxidants to include in both your diet and your skincare routine include:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E

Fortify and Nourish Your Skin with PROVEN Skincare

While makeup may be able to exacerbate the appearance or signs of premature aging skin, you don’t have to give up your favorite compact kit to keep your skin looking and feeling its best. 

PROVEN skincare can offset the harsh effects of makeup ingredients and application with science-backed, skin-protecting ingredients. We proudly display our ingredients on our labels because each of them is chosen with care and scientific proof, like vitamins A, C, and E. 

And with our personalized skin quiz, you don’t have to guess which ingredients are best for you. Try the quiz today and get a personalized formulation that will let you simplify your routine while still giving your skin exactly what it craves.