Millions of people around the world meticulously apply makeup every single day as part of their normal routines. However, in the process of enhancing their natural features with a variety of products, they may actually be ruining their skin. Below, you can discover how the wrong kind of makeup may actually be causing damage.

Foundation Without the Right Kind of SPF

Despite the warnings from physicians, and even despite the UV warnings issued by weather forecast providers, millions of people fail to understand the importance of sunscreen. Products with SPF prevent harmful UV rays from penetrating your skin, and without them, you might find wrinkles, dark spots, and even cancer at a startlingly young age. Remember that you need products that block UVA and UVB rays, not just one or the other. The higher the SPF number, the better the protection it provides. What’s more, if you layer a moisturizer and foundation that both have SPF protection, you get double the coverage.

Pore-Clogging Ingredients

Another common mistake that people make when it comes to their makeup is purchasing products with ingredients that are bad for the skin. For example, many cosmetics out there contain mineral oil, and while it does provide excellent coverage, it clogs the pores and enlarges them over time. Enlarged pores are difficult to shrink, and in many cases, they may become permanent. Stick to all-natural ingredients when possible, and choose ingredients that nourish the skin rather than simply cover it up.

Eyeliner Pencils

Almost every woman who uses makeup has an eyeliner pencil in her kit, and if you are one of them, you might want to trade that pencil for a more skin-friendly liquid product. Here’s why: when you apply pencil liner to the delicate skin on your upper and lower lash lines, you often have to pull at the skin to hold it taut if you want a straight line. Unfortunately, over the course of many years, this pulling and tugging causes pronounced creases and wrinkles. When you switch to a liquid liner product, you can apply a beautifully straight line with no tugging needed.

Makeup Advertised as “Long-Lasting” and “Waterproof”

Long-lasting and waterproof makeups are lifesavers in certain situations. For instance, that sweat-proof foundation stays in place even through a workout at the gym, and your waterproof mascara does not run if you shed a tear or two at a wedding. Unfortunately, the amount of difficulty involved with removing these products can actually damage your skin – if you do it incorrectly. When removing waterproof mascara and eyeliner, soak a cotton ball in a natural remover and hold it over your eyes for up to 30 seconds before simply blotting it away. Scrubbing can loosen the skin and cause wrinkles over time.

Although there are some makeup products out there that are downright terrible for your skin, the good news is that dermatologists and scientists are making new breakthroughs in beauty and skincare on a daily basis. Choose products with all-natural ingredients that contain a high SPF level for the best results.


Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel


Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel

With special expertise in all aspects of facial plastic surgery, and a particular skill for revision surgery, it’s clear why Dr. Spiegel is one of the most celebrated facial plastic surgeons in the world. If you are seeking the best possible results, or have a uniquely challenging problem, you’ve found the right doctor.

Learn More About Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel

Dr. Onir L. Spiegel


Dr. Onir L. Spiegel

Dr. Onir (pronounced “oh-near”) has years of experience in facial aesthetics and treats some of the most recognizable and famous faces. Dr. Onir started her career in oral health, earning doctorate degrees from both New York University and Boston University. She has been the recipient of numerous awards for her cutting-edge medical research as well as her technical skills in dentistry.

Learn More About Dr. Onir L. Spiegel

Dr. Jacob Tower


Dr. Jacob Tower

A board-certified specialist in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Jacob Tower brings a thoughtful approach and an artistic eye to New England’s premier plastic surgery practice, The Spiegel Center in Newton, Massachusetts. In addition to being an in-demand surgeon, Dr. Tower is an assistant professor at the Boston University School of Medicine, a sought-after lecturer, and an expert in facial plastic surgery.

Learn More About Dr. Jacob Tower
Back to Blog
Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 617-566-3223.
Contact Us