Makeup for Eczema-Prone Skin: Considerations, Products, and Tips – Healthline

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dryness, itchiness, rashes, and blisters.

Living with facial eczema tends to require some special considerations when buying beauty and skin care products something you might already know for yourself.

If you have eczema, its generally safe to wear makeup, except during a flare-up, says Emily Wood, MD, board certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology. When your skin is actively inflamed, youll want to lay off the makeup until symptoms subside.

That said, not all makeup is well suited to eczema-prone skin.

Some makeup, for instance, contains irritants that can trigger or worsen flare-ups. Thats why most dermatologists emphasize the importance of always checking ingredient labels before investing in a new foundation, blush, eyeshadow, or other makeup product.

Most people with eczema are more prone to skin sensitivity and allergies, says Tiffany Link, MD, a medical and cosmetic dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery. So, try to choose brands and products made for sensitive skin, which generally means they have minimal ingredients, no fragrance, and fewer chemicals.

Below, dermatologists share some helpful tips on how to choose non-irritating, eczema-friendly makeup.

As a general rule, make it a point to seek out makeup labeled as hypoallergenic or formulated for sensitive skin. These products tend to have fewer of the most common allergens that can worsen eczema.

Also, try to avoid gel-based products, Link recommends. Their alcohol-based formulas can strip skin of all its moisture and potentially aggravate eczema symptoms like dryness and itchiness.

You might opt for cream and mousse formulas instead, as these tend to be much less drying to eczema-prone skin than powders. Makeup powders can worsen or draw attention to any texture issues.

If you have an allergy or sensitivity to a particular ingredient, makeup with that ingredient can make your eczema worse, Link explains.

So, if you find your eczema flares up frequently on your cheeks, eyelids, or other areas where you apply makeup, a good next step involves connecting with a dermatologist. They can help you identify exactly which ingredients to avoid and offer more guidance on choosing eczema-friendly ingredients.

Sunscreen is a daily necessity. Still, you might have trouble finding a product that offers the right protection and also doesnt trigger an eczema flare.

Wood highly recommends sticking to physical, or mineral-based sunscreen, which is far less likely to cause burning, redness, and irritation than chemical sunscreen.

Learn more about the difference between chemical and physical sunscreen.

If you have eczema, you need to check ingredients on any products that touch your skin, says Link. This includes:

Some beneficial ingredients that could help soothe eczema or at least prevent it from worsening include:

You may want to avoid using makeup products with the following common irritants. These ingredients could trigger an eczema flare-up or make your symptoms worse.

Try to pick products that say fragrance-free rather than unscented, Link recommends, going on to explain that unscented products often use a masking fragrance to cover up an unpleasant smell. In short, theyre not completely free of fragrance.

In addition to paying attention to the ingredients in your makeup products, the following tips may help you avoid eczema flare-ups.

You can use sponges, gentle brushes, or even your fingertips to apply makeup without irritating and inflaming the skin.

Make sure you always clean your tools, says Link, since bacteria on brushes or your hands may aggravate the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing your brushes with gentle shampoo and water every 7 to 10 days to kill any harmful bacteria.

Apply products gently, with as little friction and pressure as possible.

Using a primer before applying foundation may help to provide a buffer between your skin and the makeup.

While you may want to layer makeup to cover up any eczema rashes, skin discoloration, or scaly patches, Wood emphasizes that less is more.

Thick layers of makeup are not helpful for maintaining a healthy skin barrier, says Wood. Plus, thicker layers are more difficult to remove without using harsh chemicals or rubbing the skin.

As far as eye makeup is concerned, Wood advises staying away from the following:

The following makeup products are free of many common irritants and may be a good option for eczema-prone skin:

Just remember that everyones skin is different, so what works for someone else with eczema may not be the right match for you.

Working with a dermatologist will enable you to craft a skin care and makeup routine that helps rather than worsens your eczema, Link emphasizes.

Interested in more product recommendations? It may be worth checking out the NEAs Eczema Product Directory, which features a list of skin care products that have received the NEA Seal of Acceptance, meaning theyre formulated specifically for people with eczema or very sensitive skin.

You can still wear makeup if you have eczema, but youll mostly want to opt for products without potential irritants and common allergens. Experts also recommend avoiding makeup during an eczema flare.

Remember, too, that its always wise to do a patch test when trying new products. Patch testing can help you check your skins reaction before fully applying the product to your face.

Having trouble finding makeup or other beauty products that dont worsen your eczema symptoms? You may want to consider working with a dermatologist who can offer more guidance on treatment options and eczema-safe products.

Rebecca Strong is a Boston-based freelance writer covering health and wellness, fitness, food, lifestyle, and beauty. Her work has also appeared in Insider, Bustle, StyleCaster, Eat This Not That, AskMen, and Elite Daily.

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Makeup for Eczema-Prone Skin: Considerations, Products, and Tips - Healthline