You woke up super early and you applied all your makeup — you're flawless; it's a look. You've winged that liner and your lipstick is on point... but you have to go to gym later, and do you really want to do it all again for your appointment afterwards?
You've heard of sweat proof makeup, often designed with trips to the gym in mind. But how are they for your skin? We spoke to dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City and asked her this exact question. Keep reading to see her insights — and tips — when it comes to sweat proof makeup.
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So are they safe to use?
The short answer is yes, albeit sparingly sparingly. Nazarian points out that these products have ingredients in that help them cling to skin more effectively, but they can also mess with your skin's ability to regulate temperature.
"I would recommend their use only when absolutely necessary, but not as a daily habit," says Nazarian. "I recommend their use for short periods of time, and afterwards to have it removed thoroughly. It's always best to exercise without anything unnecessary on your skin, my exception would be sunscreen when running or exercising outdoors."
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What can happen if you wear sweat proof makeup at the gym?
"The primary concern is that the skin's ability to sweat is compromised when you apply makeup and even more so with heavier, long-wear, or budge-proof types," says Nazarian. "The combination of makeup and sweating can increase the possibility of developing acne and certain heat rashes that can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Constant use only increases the potential for developing these skin conditions."
Her main takeaway? "Less is better."
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How often should you go without makeup to let your skin breathe?
There's no set rule, according to Nazarian. Though you should definitely taking your makeup at night: "Skin does a lot of its healing and renewing while we sleep at night, so my general rule to my patients is that makeup MUST be thoroughly removed before bedtime so the skin can recover properly, at least 6-8 hours at night," she says.
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What's the best way to remove make up and look after your skin?
"Use a makeup removing wipe (one that's good for even waterproof formulas), and follow with a gentle cleanser to rinse off the residue. (I prefer unscented gentle cleansers like Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar, $2.99)," advises Nazarian. "Pat skin dry, and apply a lightweight calming oil-free moisturizer (Cetaphil or Cerave lotion is a good option)."
