Protecting Your Skin from a Frightening Halloween
Halloween costumes can be scary, but Halloween makeup shouldn’t be! Did you know that commercial Halloween makeup can be bad for your skin?
Halloween makeup contains more artificial dyes, fragrances, sensitizing chemicals, and oils than your everyday makeup. Be sure to keep reading so that you can take some precautions to avoid damaging your skin in service to achieving that perfect Halloween look!
Tips for playing it safe
- Don’t exfoliate or get a peel before applying Halloween makeup
The purpose of a peel is to exfoliate and remove the top layer of skin allowing other products to penetrate deeper and more effectively. Applying Halloween makeup after a peel can enhance the irritant and clogging properties of the makeup. That means that reactions and breakouts are more likely to occur.
- Don’t use old makeup- throw unused Halloween makeup away every year
When makeup goes untouched, it can cause bacteria to build up and ingredients to break down. And remember, all makeup has an expiration date. After three months, makeup easily prone to contamination and should be thrown away.
- Avoid harsh ingredients: isopropyl myristate, red dye, petroleum base, henna products, formaldehyde
Easier is not always better! Isopropyl myristate and red dye in a petroleum base found in face paints make it easier for products to glide onto the skin, but it’s known to cause rashes and acne. Steer clear of Henna products as they contain paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which can cause an allergic rash, especially if you are sensitive to hair dyes. If you’re looking for a gentle but effective dye, it’s best to use silicone-based gels or organic dyes. Lastly, look for formaldehyde-free makeup.
- Go for theatrical makeup, which is formulated to be safer
Halloween makeup contains more artificial dyes, fragrances, sensitizing chemicals, and oils than your everyday makeup. Theatre makeup is safer and better for your skin and is the best alternative as it’s not as harsh and is specifically made to withstand long-wear. Look for brands of theatre makeup that are specifically skin-friendly.
- Do a spot test before applying Halloween makeup
Avoid any extra Halloween scare! Do a spot test on an arm or hand to ensure that your skin isn’t too sensitive for the ingredients in the makeup that you plan to wear!
- Start your look with skin that’s clean and moisturized
As with most things in life, preparation is key! Before applying your Halloween makeup, start with a clean and dry face. Add a protective base, moisturize and prime your skin to provide a barrier between your skin and the makeup so that it is prepared for the festivities of the night and to avoid potential breakouts!
- Take off your Halloween makeup as quickly as possible
Double up! Start with an oil cleanser and then move to a water-based or clarifying cleanser, to ensure no makeup residue is left behind. As always, after removing the makeup, be sure to follow with a moisturizer.
- See a dermatologist if you have any adverse effects
Hopefully your preparations pay off, but if you have a reaction or a rash see a Dermatologist to treat it early. It is best to let your skin rest by taking a break from wearing makeup and fragrance-based products for 1-2 weeks. If your skin is sensitive, reduce your skincare, such as exfoliants or toners. Use gentle cleansing and moisturizing to strengthen and repair your skin barrier. Hydrating sheet masks would be more advisable than clay or charcoal-based face masks.
Swinyer Woseth Dermatology would love to help you with your skincare needs! Contact us to achieve the confidence that you desire. Call our office at 801-682-4715 to speak with a friendly, helpful representative and schedule with one of our friendly dermatologists today!