Makeup can hide pimples, reduce redness, highlight your best features, and match your outfit or hairstyle. It can affect your skin in both good and bad ways.

Makeup is used everywhere, and while it isn’t always harmful, it can create skin problems over time. Some products contain chemicals that may cause cancer, although experts don’t know if the small amounts in makeup are dangerous. Ingredients like preservatives, fragrances, and dyes can irritate your skin, causing redness, itching, or even allergic reactions.

If makeup isn’t stored properly or is used after it expires, it can grow bacteria or mold that may cause infections. Makeup can also clog pores, making them bigger or leading to acne. Wearing makeup often can even speed up aging if it dries out your skin, causes irritation, clogs pores, or weakens your skin barrier.

However, makeup can also have benefits. Products with SPF 45 or higher can help protect your skin from sun damage and lower your risk of skin cancer. Some makeup includes useful ingredients like moisturizers, salicylic acid to fight acne, or retinol for anti-aging.

Wearing makeup can also boost your confidence and self-esteem. A study in 2024 showed that makeup can reduce depression symptoms and help you feel better about yourself. Many people also use makeup creatively, which can lower stress and improve mental health.

The effect makeup has on your skin depends on different factors. Makeup is made from ingredients like water, dyes, fragrances, preservatives, and sometimes metals or rubber many of which can trigger allergies. Some ingredients, like phthalates, triclosan, and parabens, can affect your hormones. Your skin type also matters.

Products meant for dry skin may make oily skin worse, and the wrong products can cause breakouts or irritation. Using makeup correctly is important, especially when mixing products. Leaving makeup on too long can weaken your skin and cause clogged pores or infections, so removing it properly before bed is necessary.

To keep your skin healthy, choose products with safe ingredients, clean your face well, give your skin makeup-free days, throw away expired products, and practice good hygiene with your tools and makeup.