As common as psoriasis may be, the autoimmune condition, which typically presents as rash-like scales on the skin, poses a unique challenge for those who wear makeup. Many people with the flaky, often red patches psoriasis causes want to conceal the condition's most visible symptom, but those plaques are also especially difficult to conceal. Where daily makeup application may be an afterthought for those who don't have psoriasis, those who do may not know how to apply foundation and concealer without emphasizing the roughness of their patches or further upsetting their skin.

"Applying makeup to psoriasis is challenging because plaque psoriasis has scales that can be uncomfortable and easily irritated," says makeup artist Dana Rae Ashburn. "You don't want to make the area look worse by piling on product. And you also don't want to make the affected area appear even more dry."

We spoke to Ashburn and other experts to determine the safest and most effective approach to applying makeup when you have psoriasis so you can feel confident, even during flare-ups.

How should psoriatic skin be prepped for makeup?

Complexion makeup can get caked up if applied over dry, scaly, thick psoriatic skin, according to New Jersey dermatologist Shari Sperling, which is why she emphasizes the importance of preparing skin for makeup. "You should moisturize and use products that help to soften the skin prior to applying makeup," she tells Allure.

Makeup artist Meredith Baraf couldn't agree more, urging head-to-toe moisturizer application. "Make sure to give extra love to any areas ofpsoriasis. You are moisturizing to soothe, soften, and hydrate your skin," she tells Allure. "By doing this you are also prepping your skin for seamless coverage of any areas ofpsoriasis."

Ashburn's favorite pre-makeup moisturizer for psoriatic skin is the Allure Best of Beauty and Readers' Choice Award winner CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, which can be used on both body and face. She also recommends following that with a hydrating primer such as 100% Pure's Luminous Primer.

What kind of makeup ingredients should you avoid?

As important as moisturizing ingredients are to the look and feel of skin with psoriasis, it's also important to avoid other types of ingredients and some are quite common.

"People with psoriasis should avoid ingredients like fragrances and dyes, as they are known to irritate your skin," Sperling tells Allure. "Also, alcohol in products can dry your skin out."

How should I apply foundation to psoriatic skin?

As tempting as it may feel to pile on heavy, full-coverage foundation, both Ashburn who often refrains from covering her own psoriasis with makeup and Baraf say it's best to keep it simple. "In my opinion, the fewer the products and steps, the better," she says. "You don't want to irritate or aggravate the area in the process of covering."

The two makeup artists also agree that when it comes to foundation buildable is best. "Look for a foundation that has sheer to buildable coverage not mattifying, but has a good amount of pigment," Ashburn suggests. Her favorite is lightweight Ilia True Skin Serum Foundation. Baraf likes Dior Diorskin Forever Undercover Foundation.

No matter what foundation you choose, the way you apply it really matters. "Remember that the tools you use to apply your foundation play a huge role in the payoff of the product you are applying," Baraf tells Allure, explaining that her approach to coveringpsoriasison the face is to apply foundation as she would to non-psoriatic skin.

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How to Apply Makeup to Skin With Psoriasis Expert Tips - Allure