Mistakes To Avoid When Doing Makeup for Sensitive Skin

We spend a lot of time caring for our skin - washing, shaving, moisturizing, and applying makeup - and generally antagonizing over the changes, cycles, and conditions our skin goes through. For those with sensitive skin, skincare and makeup routines need to be airtight.

Skin sensitivity is a fairly common condition resulting from various factors, such as dehydration, which can leave the skin itchy and dry. Sensitivity can also be caused by skin-irritating ingredients, allergies, eczema, and psoriasis. People who usually don’t have sensitive skin can develop sensitivity over time.

If you’re finding that the makeup that you’re applying is causing your face to itch, burn, or sting, don’t just ignore it. There’s something wrong, and it isn't your sensitive skin; it’s your routine. It starts with choosing the right products and ends with our list of common mistakes you must avoid. 

Mistakes to avoid when doing makeup for sensitive skin:

Here are some common mistakes that people make when they apply makeup to sensitive, dry, or acne-prone skin:

  1. Not doing a patch test: If you know your skin is sensitive to makeup products, perform a patch test. Apply the product on the inside of your wrist to see if your skin reacts. If there’s a reaction on your wrist, there will be a reaction on your face. Put the product down, and never pick it up again. No matter how cute it is, it’s not worth temporarily or permanently damaging your skin. 
  2. Not prepping skin: Before putting anything on your skin, you must prep it. Start by cleansing your skin, toning it, and applying a lightweight moisturizer. Choose gentle products specifically formulated to suit your skin type.
  3. Forgetting to moisturize the skin: When cleaning the skin before applying makeup, don’t forget to moisturize it well. It makes a world of difference to your skin because it prevents drying. Harsh chemicals can irritate your skin when it’s dry, which can trigger breakouts and acne.
  4. Forgetting to apply sunscreen: With sensitive skin, you must use sunscreen to protect it. Apply it before putting on the makeup because it acts like a protective layer for your skin. It helps to prevent premature aging signs like wrinkles and fine lines.
  5. Overusing foundations and concealer: Sensitive skin needs to be pampered; you can’t burden it by caking on the foundation. Use foundation or concealers only when you must; allow your glowing skin to take center stage. You should only use concealers to hide glaring, unsightly blemishes and never on the entire face.
  6. Not cleaning makeup tools: We’ve all been there, and we’re not judging. Clean your makeup tools! Your brushes, sponges, and applicators need to be cleaned regularly. Sometimes dangerous bacteria can build up on your makeup tools, causing rashes or infections. Keeping your tools clean means not rubbing old makeup and dead skin cells onto your face. 
  7. Going to bed in makeup is one of the worst things you can do for your skin. The makeup doesn’t just rub off during sleep; it smears onto your skin and pillow. It then becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that may irritate your skin. Always remove your makeup completely before sleeping; your skin will appreciate it.
  8. Not looking at expiry dates: If you don’t use makeup often, you may not know that makeup has expiration dates. Although some products don’t list this date on the label, you can always check online to see how long you should hold on to something. Consider how long you’ve had your makeup products and whether it's time for a replacement. 

Follow these hacks to avoid these common makeup mistakes. Stick to a good skincare routine and research products well before applying these to your body. Sensitive skin doesn’t have to be a problem if you know how to look after it.

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