Halloween is all fun and games until you’re left dealing with skin issues that outlast your candy stash. While elaborate makeup is a seasonal must, it can wreak havoc on your skin if you're not careful. From clogged pores and breakouts to irritation and rashes, these post-Halloween “skin scaries” are all too common. Follow these simple tips to keep your skin glowing through the spooky season and avoid any unwanted “skin scaries” the morning after.
Halloween Makeup DON’TS
1. Avoid Chemical Peels Before Halloween
A chemical peel can leave your skin smooth and radiant, but applying heavy Halloween makeup immediately after a peel can lead to irritation, clogged pores, and breakouts. Plan your peels a week or two before the festivities for optimal results without the risk.
2. Don’t Use Expired Makeup
Expired makeup is a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause breakouts and skin irritation. Make sure to check the expiration date of your Halloween makeup, especially if you haven’t used it since last year. Most Halloween makeup products should be tossed after three months as they are easily prone to contamination.
3. Avoid These Ingredients
Checking your ingredients can be extremely beneficial for preventing breakouts, rashes, irritation, and allergic reactions, it can also be time-consuming. Here is a quick cheat sheet of what to look out for:
- Isopropyl Myristate and Red Dye: These are often found in petroleum-based face paints and can cause acne and rashes.
- Heavy Metals: Lead, mercury, and cadmium, sometimes found in cheaper makeup, can cause long-term health problems.
- Phthalates: Often used to soften plastic and cosmetics, these chemicals are linked to hormone disruption.
- Petroleum-Based Ingredients: Products like mineral oil and petrolatum can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
- Henna Products: Henna that contains paraphenylenediamine (PPD) can cause allergic reactions, especially if you’re sensitive to hair dyes.
- Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents: Ingredients like DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15 release formaldehyde, which can cause irritation.
Halloween Makeup DO’S
1. Always do a spot test
Always do a patch test before applying any new makeup product. Apply a small amount of the product on your arm or behind your ear to see if any irritation occurs. This simple step can save you from a full-face disaster.
2. Do Prep Your Face Properly
Starting with a clean, moisturized face is key. Applying a protective barrier before your makeup helps reduce the risk of clogged pores and irritation. Use a lightweight moisturizer like our Hydratint BB SPF44 during the day or Intense Recovery Complex in the evening. A good primer also helps keep your skin safe underneath the makeup.
3. Remove Makeup ASAP
It’s best to double cleanse first with an oil cleanser like Farmacy's Clearly Clean Cleansing Balm.Then follow-up with a water-based or clarifying cleanser, we recommend our Purify Foaming Cleanser to ensure no makeup residue is left behind. After removing the makeup, be sure to follow with a moisturizer.
I have a detailed YouTube video on “How To Double Cleanse” linked at the bottom of this blog.
Post-Halloween Skin Recovery
Even with the best precautions, your skin may need some extra TLC after Halloween. Excess makeup, sweat, and late-night candy binges can take a toll on your complexion. Follow these tips to help your skin recover:
- Use a hydrating sheet mask or overnight treatment to replenish moisture.
- If you experience any irritation, apply a calming product containing aloe vera or colloidal oatmeal.
- For breakouts, incorporate products like Clarify Pads with salicylic and glycolic acid, or Azelaic10 for more sensitive skin types, to keep acne at bay.
If you have a reaction or a rash see a Dermatologist to treat it early. Take a break from wearing makeup and fragrance-based products for 1-2 weeks. If your skin is sensitive, reduce your skincare actives such as exfoliants or toners. Focus more on gentle cleansing and moisturizing to strengthen and repair your skin barrier. Opt for hydrating sheet masks rather than clay or charcoal-based face masks.
Skincare Resources:
Halloween Beauty & Blunders Podcast
How To Double Cleanse
