Cosmetics and Acne

Cosmetics, because of their chemical compounds, are directly related to acne. In fact, acne cosmetica, or acne caused by cosmetics, is a common mild form of acne. This type of acne is triggered by topical factors and not the complex processes that take place inside the body. Even those people who are not susceptible to acne sometimes suffer from acne cosmetica. Because it is generated by outside chemical substances, acne cosmetica is easy to get rid of. Stop using the cosmetic which has triggered acne, and the acne disappears.

Acne cosmetica is small, rashy, pink bumps on the cheek, chin and forehead. It develops over a period of a few weeks or months and may be persistent for a long time. The outbreak can be stopped by end the use of the particular cosmetic which triggers the onset. In any condition, people suffering from acne should avoid using cosmetics. Studies have shown that make-up may not cause true acne, but it can worsen the existing acne condition.

With make-up being a part of daily routine for many people, the use of cosmetics is on the rise. So are skin disorders like acne. Acne induced by use of cosmetics can be identified by tiny whiteheads clustering over the cheeks, forehead and chin. Cosmetic acne does not result in scarring but it is as unsightly as any other form of acne.

Unfortunately, people are not aware of this "action and reaction" relation between acne and cosmetics, and end up worsening their infection by using more cosmetics to hide acne.

Some skin and hair care products can induce comedones, or a basic form of acne. This ability to induce acne is called "acnegenicity." Acne inducing ability refers to both comedogenicity (inducing comedones- whiteheads and blackheads) and papule and pustules formation. Acne cosmetica is different than other forms of acne because in this condition papules and pustules (pus filled pimples) appear first and comedones appear later. Most cosmetics carry the label of having been tasted for acnegenicity and being noncomedogenic, yet people suffering from acne should be careful in using even these cosmetics. The damaging effect of cosmetics on acne can be contributed to the presence of excess oil in the cosmetics. The belief that sebum is beneficial for skin is the reason most of the cosmetic manufacturers replicate this substance in their products. For this, Stearic acid and Myristate have been commonly used in cosmetics. These chemicals can be even more potent than natural sebum in causing acne.

Nowadays many cosmetic products boast of being "oil free." Although in a legal sense this is true, it doesnit make them harmless for acne prone skin as the oil substitutes used in these products is synthetic and much more harmful than the excess sebum found on the skin clogging the pores.

Not all the oils are harmful for acne condition. Non-penetrating oils such as mineral oil and sunflower oil do not penetrate the skin, so they are less harmful than the oils which penetrate the skin and cause comedones. One of the most common oily substances in cosmetics known to trigger acne is Lanolin, which is found in various sunscreens and lotions. Lanolin is a fatty acid produced from sheep's wool. Lanolin is thought to promote smooth skin, but its skin-penetrating quality makes it acne causing as well. Likewise, Isopropyl Myristate, which is used in many foundations and claimed to make skin smooth, is such an aggressive penetrator that it is used as rust-removers.

Apart from these two ingredients, D & C dyes used in cosmetics are derived from coal tar and are known to worsen the acne condition because of their comedogenous nature. Blushers are often a cause of acne because these red dyes have been proven to be comedogenic.

Sebum itself, which inspires all these cosmetic companies to produce cosmetics resembling this oily substance, has not been proven to be beneficial to skin. Claims that sebum is important in keeping the skin moisturized are also not true, as the fine skin is found in 8 year old boys and eunuchs, neither of whom have any sebum. Sebum does not even prevent wrinkles. Wrinkling or aging of skin is an accumulated effect of years of sun damage.

Strong fragrances in cosmetics also induce or worsen acne. It is a major cause of allergic reactions and irritation on the face. All the cosmetics use fragrances, even those which claim to be "unscented" may include fragrances to mask the smell of other ingredients. The most common acne inducing fragrances are ambrette, bergamot, cinnamte and musk family related fragrances.

Other Resources:

	Got Acne?... Want Results? May we suggest a comprehensive 5 Step Program to conquer your acne. Truderma Skin Care System comes with a risk free money back guarantee.