Wear Makeup when You Have Eczema

Eczema can cause chronically red, dry, itchy skin that can make it challenging to apply makeup. Also called atopic dermatitis because of its similarity to an allergic reaction, eczema usually occurs persistently. However, there’s no reason you can’t wear makeup despite your skin condition! Use products that will minimize your risk of an allergic response, practice the right makeup techniques, and do your best to calm your skin to create a smooth, even surface.

Steps

Using the Right Products

1. Use a mild, unscented cleanser. Perfumes and dyes may irritate your skin further, so wash your face with a mild cleanser that’s fragrance-free. Gently lather your face with warm water and rub your face with your fingertips, then rinse it off thoroughly. Avoid harshly scrubbing your skin – this won’t make it smoother, and it may irritate your skin more.
2. Moisturize twice a day. Eczema can cause dry, flaky skin, so keep your skin as smooth and moist as possible by moisturizing regularly. Choose a rich, non-comedogenic (won’t clog your pores) moisturizer. Apply it to your face twice a day after a bath or shower while your skin is still moist.
3. Camouflage redness and inflammation with mineral-based cosmetics. Invest in cosmetics that contain powdered silica, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. These mineral ingredients can help to hide the redness and inflammation associated with eczema.
   • Mineral-based products are also less likely to contain water. Water-based products have to contain preservatives to prevent bacterial growth, which may irritate your skin.
4. Use products that reduce irritation. Some cosmetic products – familiarly called cosmeceuticals – include ingredients that reduce inflammation. This is a great option if you have eczema. Look for anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide and antioxidants.
5. Seek out hypoallergenic products. Purchase products that are labeled hypoallergenic, or less likely to cause an allergic response. This is very important, especially for products that go all over your face like moisturizer or foundation.
   • Select fragrance-free, dye-free products.
6. Choose makeup with SPF 15 or higher. Protect your skin from the sun without adding extra layers of product. Choose moisturizers or makeup that contain sunscreen of at least SPF 15.
7. Say no to shimmer. Shimmery products can enhance dry patches and problem areas, so stay away from products containing shimmer. Shimmer can also cause skin irritation, so is better avoided even on areas of clear skin.
8. Do trial and error. Because atopic dermatitis is like an allergic reaction, finding the right products may involve some trial and error. If a new product causes a flare-up in your eczema or redness, itching, or inflammation, throw it away. Note what ingredients it contained and try to avoid those ingredients. Try products one at a time until you find some that soothe your skin without causing irritation or allergic reaction.
   • Try to use only a few products at a time to reduce the risk of having a skin reaction. Choose moisturizer, foundation, and some accenting makeup and leave it at that.
   • If a product causes itching, redness, or irritation, stop using it immediately.

Applying Makeup Expertly

1. Use a recovery cream base. Rather than trying harsh exfoliants on scaly patches, use a nourishing cream to repair and protect your skin. This will create a smoother, healthier surface for makeup. Avoid brands that use the ingredient bismuth oxychloride, which can be irritating.
   • Try companies like W3LL PEOPLE and Alima Pure.
   • Avène Recovery Cream and Le Roche-Posay Toleriane Teint Fluid have been recommended to give good coverage without clogging pores.
2. Apply makeup with your fingertips. Pat or dab your makeup onto your skin with your fingertips. Makeup brushes can hold germs that can worsen your skin, and brushing makeup over scaly patches can leave makeup caught in flakes. Use your fingertips for better control and a cleaner application.
   • Always wash your hands first!
3. Use cream foundation and concealer. Powders can get caught in flaky areas and highlight skin problems. Use cream foundation and concealer instead, which can be better blended over problem areas. Apply your moisturizer or recovery cream base first, then use your fingers to gently apply cream foundation. Follow-up with small dabs of concealer blended over problem areas.
4. Use bronzer instead of blush. To cover or neutralize red patches, use a bronzer on areas that would normally catch the sun – especially your cheekbones. Blush can heighten the visual effect of redness, but bronzer will give you a sunkissed glow.
   • You can also try a green color-correcting concealer over red areas. Green tends to cancel out redness.
5. Define your eyes with gel liner and a flat brush. Use a gel liner rather than a pencil so you don’t have to pull on your skin as much, which can cause irritation. Use a flat liner brush to push the liner into your lashes.
   • Your eyelids are very sensitive. If you use eye shadow, choose lighter colors with a matte finish – these are less likely to be irritating. Consider using only eyeliner and mascara and avoiding eye shadow altogether.
6. Use soothing lipstick. If possible, choose a lipstick that contains hyaluronic acid. This keeps moisture in your skin without causing irritation. Stay away from lipstick with a matte finish if you have eczema around your mouth.
   • A gentle alternative to lipstick is natural lip balm.
7. Accentuate your healthy skin. If you have eczema on only one area of your face, highlight the rest! If your problem areas are around your eyes, invest in quality lip liner and lipstick and accentuate your look with a pouty mouth. If you have dry, flaky skin on your chin, go for a more dramatic look on your eyes.

Improving Your Skin when You Have Eczema

1. Don’t scratch! Your skin might itch, but don’t scratch it. This can worsen your skin condition and even cause skin infections. If you can’t stop yourself from scratching, try covering the area with cool, wet compresses or wearing gloves. Take immediate measures to improve the itching – use an over-the-counter antihistamine like Benadryl, Zyrtec, or Allegra, or apply calamine lotion or 1% hydrocortisone cream to the area.
   • For severe itching, visit your doctor for medical treatment.
2. Use a humidifier in your bedroom. Dry indoor air can worsen flaking and itching. Get a humidifier for your bedroom to add moisture to the air. Make sure you keep your humidifier clean so it doesn’t grow mold or bacteria.
3. Visit your doctor for medical treatment. Because eczema is chronic – long-lasting and recurring – you should see your doctor for help. They can refer you to a skin expert, or dermatologist, if necessary. Some medical treatments can help to clear up or improve your skin, creating a smoother, clearer surface for makeup.
   • See your doctor for treatment right away if you have signs of a skin infection, such as an open sore or cracked skin that looks red, inflamed, or is leaking fluid.
4. Try a medicated cream to reduce inflammation. Ask your doctor if a corticosteroid cream or ointment may improve your condition. This prescription medication can reduce the redness and itchiness from inflammation. It’s important to use this medication only as directed to prevent damaging your skin.
5. Try to prevent flare-ups with calcineurin inhibitors. Some medications affect your immune system and can help prevent flare-ups of eczema when applied to the skin. Medicine like tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel) may be an option for you if you have severe eczema. They can have some serious side effects, so are used after other options have failed. Discuss these with your doctor or dermatologist.
6. Decrease your stress level. Stress and anxiety can worsen flare-ups of eczema. Try yoga, meditation, deep breathing, taking a walk – anything that helps you relax. If you have a stressful lifestyle due to school or family, practice mindfulness meditation or learn stress management skills.
   • Talk to a friend or family member about what is stressing you. You can also confide in a school counselor, church figure, or your coach.

Sources and Citations

See also

• Care for Your Face (Males)
• Heal Raw Skin
• Use a Glycolic Acid Peel
• Know if Sunscreen Has Expired
• Heal over Exfoliated Skin
• Wear a Face Shield
• Apply Yellow Blush
• Wear Makeup in Humid Weather
• Stop Hard Water from Ruining Your Skin
• Wear Frosted Eye Makeup

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