The skin problems caused by daily makeup typically develop gradually rather than overnight, says Shuting Hu, PhD, a cofounder and the CEO of Acaderma, where she leads skin biology research and product development.
While those with acne, rosacea (a common skin condition that causes redness and acne-like bumps on the face), or eczema (inflammatory skin conditions that cause rash-like symptoms) are more vulnerable, anyone can experience makeup-related issues. Here’s what can happen over time.
You Could Break Out More Often
Makeup products can mix with sebum (an oily substance produced by the skin), dead skin cells, and sweat to clog pores, leading to breakouts along the forehead, cheeks, neck, and scalp.
Certain products pose higher risks. Rich creams, some foundations and powders, and items containing pore-clogging ingredients (certain fatty esters and lanolin derivatives) have been specifically linked to acne.
Talc — commonly used in powders and foundations — is another ingredient of concern. Some talc‑containing powders have been associated with increased acne risk, especially when they mix with skin oils and block follicles.
“Makeup is used to conceal imperfections, but it in turn ‘plugs’ pores and hair follicles and contributes to the acne cycle,” says Courtney Gwinn, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Advance Dermatology in Spokane Valley, Washington. This is particularly true when you’re trying to cover active pimples.
You Could Develop Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is an irritation or allergic reaction that causes skin to become red, itchy, flaky, or bumpy in areas where a product is applied. “Fragrances, dyes, preservatives, and drying or exfoliating ingredients can worsen redness, itching, scaling, or plaques, especially when applied over already compromised skin,” says Dr. Ahmed.
“Putting makeup on irritated skin just traps bacteria, worsens inflammation, and slows healing,” she adds.
Your Skin Barrier Might Get Stressed
Many long-wear makeup products use film-forming ingredients like acrylic polymers that create durable coatings on the skin. These coatings can trap oil, sweat, and pollutants, potentially disrupting your skin’s chemistry and microbiome (the beneficial bacteria that naturally live on the skin) over time, says Dr. Hu.
Your skin barrier — the outermost layer that keeps moisture in and irritants out — relies on a balanced microbiome to function properly. Beneficial bacteria produce protective compounds and regulate inflammation. When disrupted, skin barrier function weakens.
“You might not notice it right away, but months of this can show up as increased dryness, sensitivity, and more frequent breakouts,” Hu says. A stressed skin barrier also becomes more prone to redness or stinging and slower to recover from acne or eczema flares, adds Ahmed.
To reduce impact, simplify your routine with fewer leave-on products. When you do choose products, look for ones labeled “pH-balanced,” which clinical research suggests won’t disrupt microbiome diversity.
You Might Get Less Sun Protection Than You Think
Wearing foundations and tinted moisturizers with SPF may seem like an effective sun-protection strategy, but most formulas won’t provide adequate UV coverage unless you apply them in a thick, even layer — more than most people use, Ahmed says. Research also suggests SPF moisturizers tend to be applied more thinly and less evenly than sunscreen, leaving parts of the face (including the eyelids) uncovered.
Another issue is that people are less likely to reapply foundation or tinted moisturizer throughout the day, even though reapplication is key for maintaining sun protection. Without another form of sun protection, foundations or SPF tinted moisturizers alone can leave skin vulnerable to sun damage.
This is especially concerning for people with lighter skin tones, who have a higher risk of skin cancer. It’s also problematic for those with darker skin tones, who are more prone to developing melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation from UV exposure.
Existing Conditions Like Eczema or Psoriasis Could Flare
People with eczema, psoriasis (an autoimmune disease that causes itchy or sore patches on the skin), rosacea, or perioral dermatitis (a facial rash of red, inflamed bumps around the mouth, nose, or eyes) are more likely to react to ingredients in makeup, and daily use can serve as a repeated trigger. “Fragrances, dyes, preservatives, and drying or exfoliating ingredients can worsen redness, itching, scaling, or plaques, especially when applied over already compromised skin,” says Ahmed.
If flares appear primarily where makeup is applied — around the mouth, eyes, or along the hairline — or started after introducing new products, makeup might be the culprit, Dr. Gwinn says.
Your Eyes Could Be More Prone to Irritation or Infection
The skin around the eyes is thinner, has fewer oil glands, and is more prone to irritation from makeup than the skin in other areas of your face.
“Mascara wands and eyeliner tips can accumulate microbes over time,” says Hu. “Using old products or sharing them increases the risk of blepharitis or styes.” (Blepharitis is chronic eyelid inflammation, while a stye is a painful, red bump on the edge of the eyelid.) Applying these products on the inner rim of the eyelid (known as the waterline) or leaving them on overnight only increases the risk of skin irritation or bacterial infection.
Even newer products can cause problems if makeup isn’t removed well. “Going to bed with leftover mascara or heavy layers of product can really irritate the skin and make any existing issue — such as eczema, contact dermatitis, or periorificial dermatitis — so much worse,” says Ahmed.