We’ve all spent ages perfecting our makeup, only to find that it looks uneven, sinks into fine lines and sits on top of the skin. While it is easy to blame the makeup itself, the condition of your skin often plays a much bigger role.
Dry or Dehydrated Skin
Dry skin lacks natural oils, while dehydrated skin lacks water. Both can leave the surface of the skin feeling tight, rough or flaky. As a result of dry or dehydrated skin the foundation looks uneven or even bumpy. Taking care of your skin and keeping it hydrated before applying makeup will result in a smoother and better finish.
A simple skincare regime using products that contain hydration in their formula can solve this problem. Professional skin treatments may also help improve hydration and restore a smoother, healthier-looking complexion.
A Build-Up of Dead Skin Cells
The skin has a natural exfoliation process where it’s constantly shedding dead skin cells. Sometimes the skin’s natural exfoliation does not remove all of the dead skin cells which can form on the surface of the skin and give the skin a dull, rough textured appearance.
When foundation is applied over this uneven surface, it may appear patchy or struggle to blend properly. Makeup can also gather around areas where dead skin cells are more concentrated.
Regular exfoliation of your skin is essential to remove dead skin cells. It is crucial to be careful not to over-exfoliate in order to avoid stripping your skin of its protective barrier. If you do happen to over-exfoliate, be prepared for dry and irritated skin, often worse than before.
Professional treatments can provide controlled exfoliation while taking your individual skin type and concerns into consideration.
Enlarged Pores and Uneven Skin Texture
Large or visible pores can affect the way makeup looks, particularly around the nose, cheeks and forehead. Foundation may settle into the pores rather than creating the smooth appearance you are looking for.
This uneven skin texture can be due to many factors. For example, the skin may have acne scarring, congested skin, fine lines, or even a decrease in the skin’s collagen production.
While a good primer or makeup can hide fine texture, dealing with the skin issue is more sustainable in the long run.
Smoothing your skin and increasing collagen production can also create a smoother surface over time.
Your Skin Barrier May Be Compromised
The skin is a barrier. It stops environmental irritants from penetrating into the skin whilst allowing moisture to enter, hydrating it. The skin barrier can be easily damaged by overusing active skincare products, or over exfoliating.
If you have tight, sensitive or uncomfortable skin most of the time, simplify your skin care routine and start to repair your skin’s barrier instead.
Excess Oil Can Cause Makeup to Separate
Dryness is not the only problem that can affect makeup application. Excess oil can cause foundation to separate, move around or disappear throughout the day.
Oily skin may be influenced by genetics, hormones, skincare products or dehydration. In some cases, dehydrated skin may actually produce more oil in an attempt to compensate for a lack of moisture.
Fine Lines Can Become More Noticeable
The skin on your face loses collagen and elastin as you get older which means that it can begin to sag and create fine lines around your eyes, between your eyebrows, on your forehead and mouth.
Heavy makeup may emphasise these lines, particularly if the skin underneath is dry.
Improving hydration and supporting collagen production can help create a smoother-looking complexion and may improve how makeup sits on the skin.
Creating a Better Base for Your Makeup
Correct makeup application starts with healthy skin. Rather than continually changing foundations or trying to cover areas of texture, addressing the underlying concern can help improve the overall appearance of your complexion.
This will depend on your individual skin concern, i.e. dry skin, dehydrated skin, enlarged pores, uneven colouration (pigmentation), acne, acne scarring or even wrinkles and fine lines.
Reach Out to Nuovo Clinic
At Nuovo Clinic we offer a full range of treatments to help to improve the skin and to help to treat skin problems to leave smooth healthy looking skin.
Book a consultation with one of our experienced medically-led practitioners who can provide you with a treatment plan to address your skin concerns.
