Achieving the “no makeup look” isn’t always easy if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Between the small pimples, mass breakouts, and redness, it can be challenging to commit to a solid beauty routine, where your products don’t irritate your skin or fade throughout the day. This is where a concealer for oily or acne-prone skin comes into play. Concealers and foundations formulated especially for oily and acne-prone skin can reduce the appearance of blemishes and prevent future breakouts at the same time. “The pros of using these products are that they provide some treatment while providing cosmetic coverage for the acne,” says Jennifer Chwalek, MD, a board certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City. “If you choose to use an anti-acne foundation or concealer, it’s important to be careful if you are using prescription acne meds because this could lead to excessive dryness or irritation.”
What to look for in a concealer for oily or acne-prone skin:
Non-comedogenic or oil-free label If you have acne-prone or oily skin, the American Academy of Dermatology advises that you look for makeup products, including concealers, that are labeled “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free” to avoid stubborn breakouts and clogged pores.Ingredients Some concealers contain key ingredients, including salicylic acid and sulfur, which, according to Julia Tzu, MD, founder and medical director of Wall Street Dermatology in New York City, help keep acne at bay. “Salicylic acid is keratolytic and can help unclog congested pores,” says Dr. Tzu. “Sulfur is anti-inflammatory, so it is also helpful for acne- prone skin.”Precautions Before testing out a concealer, speak with your dermatologist about potential complications. Tzu says your dermatologist can make sure that a concealer is compatible with other prescription topical medications that you use for acne treatment.Sun Protection Certain acne medications can make skin more sensitive to the sun. Tzu recommends adding products, including concealers, that provide SPF protection. “Many anti-acne medications (benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and doxycycline) can cause photosensitivity, so adding an SPF can mitigate that,” says Tzu. “Also, it’s just good practice medically and cosmetically to use an SPF on a daily basis.”
If you decide that you need to improve your beauty routine, here are our favorite concealers for oily and acne-prone skin.
Neutrogena SkinClearing Blemish Concealer
See price on Target
Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Powder
See price on Juice Beauty
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout
Key ingredients in this product’s formula include sulfur, which helps reduce skin inflammation, and zinc-oxide, which according Chwalek, can help acne-prone skin. “Mineral based makeups containing ingredients, such as zinc and titanium, tend to be less irritating to oily, acne-prone skin and these are oil-free,” says Chwalek. “Mineral-based cosmetics may also have have an anti-inflammatory effect on the acne.” See price on Ulta Beauty
Dr. Hauschka Coverstick
See price on Dr. Hauschka
CONS Organic Natural Concealer Paste
Glo Skin Beauty Oil-Free Camouflage Concealer
bareMinerals Correcting Concealer SPF 20
See price on bareMinerals
