Makeup is a choice. You can wear as much as you want—no judgement there! However, if you’re someone who keeps their skin health on top priority, then you need to know when to take a step back from makeup.

While makeup instantly adds a dash of glamour to your look, it has its own downsides too. Heavy-duty foundations, concealers and powders can sometimes be bad news for your skin. Here are 5 times you should give your skin a break from makeup.

 

#01: Before entering the pool

#01: Before entering the pool

Let’s get this straight! Chlorine water is bad news for your skin. When you jump into the pool with a face full of makeup, you’re probably inviting trouble. When makeup comes in contact with chlorine water, it causes skin irritation and inflammation. And, you don’t want anything to add your skin woes, do you?

 

#02: While heading for a workout session

#02: While heading for a workout session

Sweat and makeup together is a recipe for disaster. While it’s okay to dab some concealer to hide skin imperfections and a swipe of lip balm to moisturise your dry lips, wearing a heavy-duty foundation to the gym is certainly going to wreak a havoc on your skin. When sweat mixes with foundation, it can make your face look muddy and lead to clogged pores and eventually, breakouts.

 

#03: When you have acne

#03: When you have acne

Makeup is not the fix for covering up acne or breakouts. Applying foundation or concealer over your acne can actually delay the healing process, leaving you with breakouts for longer than usual. And that’s not all! Acne-causing bacteria can get accumulated in the bristles of your makeup brush, proving to be a disaster especially if you don’t wash your brushes often. It is, therefore, best to ditch makeup entirely until your acne heals.

 

#04: During skin treatments like laser hair removal and micro-needling

#04: During skin treatments like laser hair removal and micro-needling

You don’t want to complicate your laser hair removal or micro-needling procedure, do you? It is, therefore, ideal to go for such treatments with a bare face. Makeup prevents the hair follicles from getting zapped off easily. Similarly, it is ideal to wait for at least two to three days before using your makeup products. Your skin is sensitive immediately after the treatment which in turn could clog your pores.

 

#05: Atleast once a week

#05: Atleast once a week

Listen up! Your skin needs to breathe on some days. We suggest you give it a break once a week from makeup. Avoid applying anything heavy on your facial skin such as a full-coverage foundation or powder. On such days, you can rely on a BB cream or a tinted face moisturiser to add a dash of glow to your face. And, a lip balm could work just fine. Trust us, your skin will thank you!

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