Should You Breakup With Makeup?

by BR Kellie

If you'd told me a year ago that I'd be makeup-free a good fifty percent of the time (not counting at night, because we all know it's a big no-no to go to bed with your makeup still plastered on), I'd have laughed. For as long as I can remember, barring a short period during my pregnancy when my skin was so glorious I felt no need to cover it, I felt I was doing my duty to humanity by keeping my blemishes hidden behind a mask of makeup. Then my blemishes went next level. We're talking whiteheads, blackheads and cystic acne. And let's just say that applying makeup on top of that didn't make it look better. It made it look worse. Emphasising it to the point I felt like I was walking around with a microscope aimed at my moosh, with the world peering down on it. So what did I do? I quit wearing makeup all the time because I figured a) my skin looked better that way rather than when I tried to hide behind it and b) it might actually help my skin. But could it? Could it really?

Here's the thing, I've read plenty of articles where dermatologists have stated that it's important to break up with makeup for the sake of your skin. Some say we should try to go makeup-free two days out of seven, some say a full month is the way to go. But why?

Well, apparently it can help prevent clogged pores which, as well well know, can lead to breakouts. Something I'm actively trying to avoid.

Not only that, a makeup break is said to help rebalance the skin as some makeup products - especially those with ingredients on the harsher side - can play havoc with the skin's natural PH balance and moisture levels. So stepping away from the pretties can give your skin a chance to let its natural oils do their thing. Also, if your skin barrier is damaged, avoiding makeup is really important as you work to help your skin heal by using only the simplest skincare. 

Skipping cosmetics also gives your skin a chance to breathe, which can improve its overall health and appearance, including helping your skin tone look more even.

Oh, and as someone who used to sit in front of the mirror beating her face for twenty minutes a day, there's a delightful freedom in doing my basic beauty skincare routine, popping on some sunscreen and heading out the door in five minutes flat.

So is my makeup-free existence helping my skin? Well, it's not as bad as it was (also, the doctor's got me on medication to help with acne*), and the blackheads and whiteheads have abated. Also, I've noticed that my forty-four year old skin just looks better when things are kept basic. So when I do wear makeup, I keep my foundation sheer. It evens out my skin tone, and I then use concealer to deal to any gnarly spots. I'm also now a cream blush girl all the way. And even my lipstick is more of a tint.

At the end of the day, taking a break from makeup's not for everyone, just as wearing makeup full stop's not for everyone. Would I recommend it though? Heck yes. Apart from enjoying the extra time, and the way my skin looks when it's au natural, there's something empowering about going makeup-free. I feel more confident in myself. My only regret is that I didn't try it back in those plump, collagen-rich, bouncy youthful skin days. A classic case of youth being wasted on the young.

So, have you ever taken a break from makeup? How did your skin react? For better or worse? Or does the idea of breaking up with makeup break your heart? Get chatting below!

*And, as always, if you have any specific concerns about your skin, it's best to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional.