Breakouts. Irritation. Scars. If these pesky skin issues are impacting your daily beauty routine, you’re not alone. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States and impacts 50 million individuals each year. Acne is caused by four factors: plugged follicles from skin cell debris, increased production of sebum (oily secretions) by the skin’s sebaceous glands, inflamed skin around the follicles, and Propionibacterium acnes bacteria. Acne treatments, including prescription medications and oral contraceptives, are available under the care of a dermatologist for managing small breakouts or severe cases of the skin condition. If you have acne, though, it can be challenging to find makeup. If you need to conceal breakouts, you might want to consider using a foundation that’s safe for oily and acne-prone skin.
What to Look For in a Foundation for Acne-Prone or Oily Skin
There are a few key factors you might want to consider before trying a foundation for oily or acne-prone skin.
Non-comedogenic or oil-free labels Using a foundation that’s non-comedogenic or oil-free can help reduce clogged pores and prevent skin irritation, according to Jennifer Chwalek, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City. “It’s important to use non-comedogenic or oil-free makeup because products that have an oily base can aggravate and worsen acne,” says Dr. Chwalek. “These can contribute to microcomedone formation or plugged pores.”Ingredients Some foundations for oily and acne-prone skin have key ingredients, including salicylic acid, sulfur, and hyaluronic acid. “[Foundations] may also contain ingredients that we use to treat acne: salicylic acid or sulfur (these help to reduce sebum and unclog pores),” says Chwalek. “Hyaluronic acid helps to hold moisture in the skin, which can be important since many ingredients used to treat acne sometimes cause excessive dryness.”Precautions Before testing out a foundation, it’s important to speak with your dermatologist about potential complications, according to Julia Tzu, MD, founder and medical director of Wall Street Dermatology in New York City. “Using the wrong skin care products can easily lead to an acne breakout,” says Dr. Tzu. “If you are on prescribed medications for your acne, make sure the active ingredients in the anti-acne foundation does not cause additional irritation to the skin.”Treatment While using a foundation for oily or acne-prone skin, it’s important to also consider other acne treatment options, according to Jennifer MacGregor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology. “Ideally, patients with acne or acne-prone skin use over-the-counter or even prescription topicals [such as. Clearasil or light glycolic-salicylic acid peel pads] to help their acne,” says Dr. MacGregor. “Short-term oral medication is also often needed for severe inflammatory, scarring, or hormonal acne.”
If you decide that you need to switch up your beauty routine, here are some options for foundations for oily and acne-prone skin.
Almay Clear Complexion Makeup
See price on Target
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna: Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
See price on Sephora
E.L.F. Cosmetics Acne Fighting Foundation
See price on E.L.F. Cosmetics
Lancôme SKIN FEELS GOOD Skin Nourishing Foundation
See price on Sephora
bareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15
See price on Cosme-De.com
Oxygenetix Oxygenating Acne Control Foundation
See price on Oxygenetix
Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup
See price on Ulta Beauty
