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When acne attacks, it can leave your face riddled with zits, acne scars and patches of red inflammation -- not a healthy look. But before you run for shelter, grab makeup that treats your skin to some much-deserved TLC. From green concealers to primers that mask skin bumps, an arsenal of acne-fighting cosmetics may be just what you need to win back your healthy, glowing complexion.
Even the Playing Field
Primer goes on after your moisturizer but before your foundation. It evens out your skin tone and sets your makeup, so oil doesn't seep through and ruin your look. And if acne scars -- you know, those little pits, from when past pimples messed with your skin's layer of collagen -- make your face look like a battlefield, primer can fill in those indentations with silicone and similar ingredients. The result? A totally smooth complexion.
Spot On
Sometimes you want to give extra attention to red spots that look especially volcanic with a dab of concealer. Make sure it's oil-free, as oil can trigger breakouts. A concealer with a yellow or green tint masks pimples most effectively, since those colors are opposite red on the color wheel.
Powerful Powder
If your skin is oily, a powder foundation can help leave your skin shine-free. The type that's gentlest on skin -- meaning no causing more breakouts -- is loose mineral powder. It's naturally non-comedogenic, which means it won't clog pores. Plus, many mineral powders lack the chemicals and preservatives that can lead to more acne flare-ups. Whatever you do, avoid the pressed-powder compacts, which usually contain oil that can inspire new pimples to form.
Deep Clean
So you don't just want to hide your acne, you want to treat it, too. For this, mineral makeup is safest, but you can take it a step further with an ingredient that blasts oil and bacteria from your pores -- and keeps it that way all day. It's called salicylic acid, available in some concealers and foundations. As an added bonus, it reduces inflammation and soothes irritated skin, so your acne-prone complexion stays clean and calm.
