Mistakes in Concealing Acne, Scars and Marks with Make-Up

All it takes is just one, and chances are most of us will go into a frenzy? One what? Acne.

Now imagine if you're beset by an acne outbreak – the chaos would be unthinkable and may even be unmanageable for some! Acne, albeit common, is indeed one of the most dreaded appearance scares and apprehensions for many.

Many make-up techniques can help cover up or minimise the appearance of acne, acne scars and acne marks, but not everyone does them efficiently. There could also be other reasons why that cover-up is a blowout.

How to Conceal Acne, Acne Scars and Acne Marks

Brush it away

Still, choosing the right brush also matters regarding make-up tools. Those fluffy brushes help to blend the edges, while firm and small ones work wonders in covering up. Have a sponge on your hand, as it creates a natural effect. In the case of a bad breakout, a dry sponge is more efficient.

Too much is, at times, too much

There's a saying that you can never have too much of a good thing. Well, you can. Going overboard with make-up and thinking it will do a better concealing job is a common yet seemingly unreleased mistake. When you apply too much powder, the acne, acne scars and acne marks become more visible due to the added texture. 

Practice moderation and only do what is necessary to meet your needs. Always ensure that your face is moisturised before putting on make-up. Apply colour correction, foundation and concealer next. Everything is even out for a more natural finish.

Colour Correction for Acne, Acne Scars and Acne Marks

Colour correction

Getting the right shade or colour correct is an art, which is a challenge for many. You have to be patient, and you have to understand colours to address your acne, acne scars and acne marks issues when it comes to concealing them. For example, green or yellow shade addresses red and inflamed marks well. This also depends on the tone of your skin, so find something that suits you and your needs.

Conceal or uncover?

Choosing the right tools to do the job is often a given – but apparently, it's not! Don't be easily influenced by what you're being shown; focus on what you need. Choosing the wrong concealer can actually accentuate what you meant to hide. Selecting a colour matching your skin tone is the best solution, as anything else may result in the opposite.

Here are some tips on colours and how they can address your appearance issues.

Green corrector/concealer for redness

Skin redness can be neutralised using a green tone. It works for blemishes, rosacea and redness, particularly for those with fair to mid-skin tones. Those with darker skin tones may look ashy, so using a yellow corrector may be a better alternative.

Purple corrector/concealer for dark circles

Purple tones, violet or lilac, address dull and sallow complexion, commonly occurring among Asians. Apply it on areas that need a little perk up and brightening, like the forehead, chin and cheeks.

Orange/peach corrector/concealer for dark circles, pigmentation, dark spots, dark spots

Orange/peach works best on darker skin tones as it lifts the grey and/or blue undertones. Apply it around the eyes to address the blue-toned eyebags and around the mouth to correct any dullness.

In essence, the colours you should consider depend on your skin tone. As a general or rough guide:

• Fair skin – Pastel tones of peach, green and violet
• Medium/Olive skin – Warmer tones of peach and violet
• Dark skin – Richer tones of orange and ochre

Skincare habits that can improve acne condition

Let it heal

If you have acne, acne scars and acne marks, lathering make-up over them to cover them up does not help when they have not healed properly. The root of the problem lies in your skin, so let it heal. That can't happen if you keep piling on make-up. In fact, you could even be running the risk of infections. The thought of putting on tons of make-up on a wound is equally unsanitary as it is in practice.

Spring cleaning

When was the last time you checked the condition of your make-up brush? Pay close attention to them and other tools. Ensure that you clean them regularly and replace old ones with new ones. Check their state before using them because it could mean the difference between a cover-up and a total mess-up.

Stay hydrated

Proper skin care is important and even more so when you're having an acne episode. Moisturise your skin before putting on make-up, making for a smooth base. Keeping skin moisturised is also a good habit, and staying hydrated does wonders for the body.

Skincare routine for acne skin after wearing make-up

Use oil-based cleanser or micellar water to thoroughly remove the make-up and buildup of oil and grime. Keeping your skin moisturised is also important even if you have oily skin, as it actually helps prevent excess oil production.

By following these steps after wearing makeup, you can effectively cleanse your skin, lower the chances of breakouts, and enhance overall skin health.

Permanent solution for acne, acne scars and acne marks

Acne scars and marks happen when the skin cannot heal efficiently due to an acne breakout that penetrates deep into the skin, which damages the skin and tissue, leading to scarring. It is one of the dreaded skin issues that can affect an individual beyond appearance.

As dismal as the condition appears, there is a permanent solution.

Pico Fractional Laser effectively addresses acne, acne scars and acne marks, and reduces pore size significantly. It can penetrate deep into the skin with precision to target the problem areas without causing damage to the skin's surface. This is due to its 450-picosecond pulse, which means increased power, less downtime compared to traditional laser treatments, and improved safety.

This skin laser is FDA-approved and comes with a fractional handpiece, the HEXA MLA. This handpiece has a wide range of spot sizes and is also safer. Aside from shorter downtimes, its advantage includes:

• Improved safety
• Painless and comfortable
• Minimised damage
• Higher efficacy due to its shorter burst of energy capability

Addressing your skin concerns is about going about it correctly or getting the appropriate treatment. What works for others may not work for you, so it's best to always seek qualified advice for beautiful skin and increased confidence.