Overview
The two big keys to a fantastic looking face are good makeup and great skin care. When it comes to the latter, you've probably heard a lot about the importance of keeping your pores clear. You may be wondering what kind of effect all that makeup has on your pores. Whenever you reach for your favorite makeup kit, it's important to consider how you can minimize the negative effects it can have on your skin.
The Basics
Sure, the whole point of makeup is to make you look like you have flawless skin, but unfortunately, it does, indeed clog your pores. Essentially, any kind of pasty, oily or powdery coating you slap on your skin and leave in place is going to deprive your pores of clear breathing time. This means your makeup will be working against the better health of your skin even while creating the illusion of perfect skin. Sucks, doesn't it?
Better and Worse
Some makeups are worse than others, depending on what's in them. Basically, if it feels heavy, it probably is; when your pores are clogged, you're going to feel warm and stuffy in the face because your pores are also responsible for opening up to keep your cool. Unfortunately, the makeups that feel the heaviest---the ones with a denser paste and oilier base---all also usually the ones that provide the best coverage. One workaround for this problem is to use a makeup made with acne-fighting ingredients, because these will help to medicate your pores against oil buildup and counteract some of the damage.
Keep it Light
Any time you can go without makeup, wear lighter makeup, or avoid foundation entirely, you're going to be doing your pores a favor. Work out a good skin care regimen for yourself; experiment with cleansers and face care products, especially those claiming to have an emollient effect, because this is what will give your skin a healthy glow and color, reducing the need for foundation. Just wearing powder, or a powder foundation, is usually a better bet because while the powders do clog somewhat, there's no oil. And of course, there's no need to wear makeup all the time.
Cleansing
The most important way to combat the pore-clogging effects of makeup, bar none, is through regular, effective cleansing. Wash that makeup away every night using a gentle makeup cleanser. It also helps to wash with very warm water because this will open up your pores to the cleansing process, releasing any particles they may have trapped inside during the day. Never go to bed with any makeup still on.
