I’ve started off the month with a new beauty regime in mind – one which I’m hoping will mean I look fresh faced, and give my skin a chance to breathe. I’m sure I’ve mentioned this on the odd occasion before, but part of the reason it took me such. a. long. time to get into make-up is because I’ve struggled with eczema and dermatitis for the last ten years or so.
Over the last few months I’ve developed a bit of redness on my face – an issue I’d never struggled with previously – and it’s taken me just as long to realize that it’s all down to the foundation I’ve been buffing into my skin on an almost daily basis.
So, for the next month (and possibly the foreseeable future), I’ll be skipping a couple of steps in my beauty routine, in the hopes of clearing up any redness on my face. This means no fancy facial treatments, no serums, no moisturisers, no foundations, nothing. Just good old water, a light soap, and straight into the bronzer to warm up my face (and make the fact that I’m not wearing a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g on my skin slightly less obvious).
I’m hoping that this will give my skin a chance to breathe, heal, and have an overall refresh, while giving myself a chance to step back and think about what beauty products I actually want to use on my skin. But if there’s one thing I am gonna miss, it’s having a blank and even canvas to play with, although with winter coming up, I think I’ll be rocking a bold lip more often than not.
I’d be interested in knowing if any of you have had similar problems, and how you managed to deal with it, as I’m fairly certain that this isn’t a one-time deal for me. I will be looking to possibly pick up a mineral powder foundation, so any recommendations for ones which blend seamlessly and are irritant free would be greatly appreciated!
My skin has been prone to redness all my life. It actually doesn’t bother me that much since it gives me a bit of color-I’m so pale in the winter!
I only was my face once a day now, when I take my makeup off at night.
I apply a super basic cleansing milk to DRY skin and massage it in gently but thoroughly for a couple of minutes. Then I soak a washcloth in hot water, squeeze it well and wipe everything away with it. Then I moisturize with a very basic moisturizer (Clinique dramatically different).
In the mornings I use a dab of moisturizer before I put makeup on, or i mix it with my foundation.
So in essence less is more. I found that when my skin gets red and irritated it’s trying to tell me to back off and leave her alone!
Author
So you don’t wash in the morning? Ive just been splashing water on my face at the moment but it feels so weird not cleansing!
I think I’ll try using a cleansing milk or cream cleanser though – sounds like they are so much lighter and softer on the skin. Thanks so much for your comment! x
Hi Jamie!
I have never had this kind of problem to be honest but I do use a simple skincare and make up because I don’t have so much time to dedicate to it.
I use moisturizer, creamy cleanser and a creamy makeup remover. As for makeup I only use concealer and a blush (Tarte or Clinique Chubby Stick for Cheeks). What about using a skincar regimen (and makeup too) without perfume (maybe Eucerin)? I know a girl on YT (brogantatexo) that has eczema on her forehead and scalp and uses those kind of products because her dermatologist told her so.
Hope it helps!
Love your blog and YT channel!
Hugs from Italy.
Valeria.
Author
I think I’m going to start using a cream cleanser – they seem so much lighter on the skin!
I’ll check out brogantatexo’s channel too – thank you for recommending her. Sounds like her and I have similar skin issues. And thank you! So glad that you have been enjoying my content xx
I generally use a ton of items in my skincare routine (I have rather acne-prone and dry skin, and I developed the routine through a lot of trial and error). When my skin is acting up, I do cut down on my product list a lot for a week or so, though I still heap on moisturizing/treatment products that I know for a fact don’t irritate my skin. Cutting the routine down and adding things back very slowly is a good way to figure out what the problem item is.
When it comes to makeup though, I’ve cut down a lot. In my case, it wasn’t due to skin irritation, but just wanting to simplify. I’ve generally been using liquid foundations or tinted moisturizers in the last few years, so I don’t have any recommendations, unfortunately!
Author
Hi Xin – thank you for commenting, just reading it sounds like my own routine has always been vastly different to your own! Due to the dermatitis on my skin, I haven’t even been using a face wash (as this can cause it to flare up) and thankfully I’ve had no break outs and it’s started to go away. My skin is generally more on the oily side so I’ve managed to get away without using a moisturiser but I’m going to the doctor this week so crossing fingers that they can prescribe or recommend something as it’s been little annoying! Cutting down on products is definitely key though – I think it’s so good to give your skin a bit of a break
This is my favorite makeup trend for spring!
Emma | With A City Dream
I have had this problem soo many times. Have you tried washing your makeup brushes? Every time I have unexplained breakouts on my face, I know it’s time to wash my brushes – and it usually clears right up! Of course, less makeup will definitely help too 😉
Dori
http://www.dorigamii.blogspot.com
Author
I actually recently washed them – it’s from dermatitis so it’s a skin sensitivity rather than a breakout. I’ve stopped wearing any foundation and it’s made a big difference already. I’ve still got some redness but it’s subsided quite a lot.