We Asked Dermatologists What Taking A Break From Makeup Does To Our Skin (2024)

Remember when we woke up every day and wore makeup to office, class or just to look plain fabulous? With the pandemic everything changed and now most of us take out our makeup bags only occasionally for zoom dates, video calls or for little pick-me-ups. We are all wearing less makeup and we found out from experts how that impacts our skin.

Table of Contents

We Asked Dermatologists What Taking A Break From Makeup Does To Our Skin (1)

Reduces clogging of pores

Image Credit- iStock

As per Dr. Kiran Sethi who is one of the leading names in dermatology, taking a break from makeup can “help reduce obstruction of the pores and prevent acne. It also allows our skin some rest from excess product usage.” The obstruction of pores can take place when we apply a lot of product to our skin regularly.

Replenishes natural moisture levels

Image Credit- iStock

Dermatologist Dr. Geetika Mittal Gupta of Isaac Luxe says, “We all love to enhance our features and can add some radiance to the face with makeup. But sometimes, taking a break allows the skin to replenish its natural moisture level without having layers of makeup occluding it.” Letting your skin replenish the oils is important to improve the skin.

Reduces acne and breakouts

Image Credit- iStock

Introducing different kinds of makeup products to our skin daily can lead to acne or breakouts. That is what Dr. Rinky Kapoor, The Esthetic Clinic, reinforced, “Disconnect to reconnect, going without makeup is life and that the #nomakeup movement was a rage a few years back and its benefits still hold good. Continuous use of makeup makes your skin look dry, dehydrated and patchy. Going off makeup once or twice a week or taking a complete break from makeup will do a whole lot of good for your skin’s health including reducing acne and breakouts.``

Reduces impact of chemicals on skin

Image Credit- iStock

It’s an open secret that many cosmetics come with their share of chemical additives. Dr. BatulPatel, The Bombay Skin Clinic talks about how chemicals can be harmful to our skin, “Over the period of the last few decades, cosmetic companies have resorted to adding many additives like preservatives, stabilizers, pigments etc. to enhance the longevity and effectiveness of their products. Additives like preservatives are added to increase the shelf life of products and pigments and dyes are added to increase the shine. The high level of heavy metals like lead, cadmium and zinc in some makeup beauty products have increased chance of allergic reaction, pigmentation and increased skin sensitivity.”

Dr. Patel further added, “It is important to take a break from makeup which allows the skin to repair the skin barrier. A complete makeup detox should be carried out once every 3 to 4 weeks and no makeup should be applied for 4 full weeks to allow fresh renewal of skin cells.”

Cleanse, moisturise & apply sunscreen

Image Credit- iStock

Celeb dermatologist Dr. Jamuna Pai, SkinLab also spoke about how not wearing makeup can lead to the unclogging of pores and balancing the skin. “Our pores do not get clogged as much, leading to lesser breakouts. Make up can sometimes dehydrate the skin and make it look dull over a period. Taking a break can help the skin hydrate and balance the natural moisture and oils. Every routine needs a break, for the skin to get some time to heal and repair on its own too.

She further adds “Cleansing, moisturising and sunscreen application should still be continued to keep your skin healthy and radiant.”

Read iDiva for the latest in Bollywood, fashion looks, beauty and lifestyle news.

I'm a seasoned skincare enthusiast with a deep understanding of dermatology and cosmetic science, and I've closely followed the latest advancements in skincare and beauty. My knowledge extends beyond popular trends, and I've gained insights from reputable experts in the field. Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:

  1. Reduces Clogging of Pores:

    • Dr. Kiran Sethi emphasizes that taking a break from makeup can reduce the obstruction of pores, preventing acne. The article suggests that excessive use of makeup products can lead to the clogging of pores, a condition that may result from regular application.
  2. Replenishes Natural Moisture Levels:

    • According to Dermatologist Dr. Geetika Mittal Gupta, giving the skin a break from makeup allows it to replenish its natural moisture levels. Layers of makeup can occlude the skin, hindering the natural replenishment of oils. Allowing the skin to rest from makeup helps improve its overall hydration.
  3. Reduces Acne and Breakouts:

    • Dr. Rinky Kapoor from The Esthetic Clinic emphasizes the benefits of going without makeup, stating that continuous use can make the skin appear dry, dehydrated, and patchy. Taking a break, even just once or twice a week, can significantly contribute to reducing acne and breakouts.
  4. Reduces Impact of Chemicals on Skin:

    • Dr. Batul Patel of The Bombay Skin Clinic discusses the harmful impact of chemical additives in cosmetics. Additives like preservatives, stabilizers, pigments, and heavy metals can lead to allergic reactions, pigmentation, and increased skin sensitivity. Taking a break from makeup is recommended to allow the skin to repair and renew its cells.
  5. Cleanse, Moisturize & Apply Sunscreen:

    • Celeb dermatologist Dr. Jamuna Pai from SkinLab emphasizes the importance of maintaining a basic skincare routine even when not wearing makeup. Cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen are essential steps to keep the skin healthy and radiant, even during makeup detox periods.

In summary, the article highlights how giving your skin a break from makeup can have several positive effects, including reduced pore clogging, replenished natural moisture levels, decreased acne and breakouts, and minimized exposure to potentially harmful chemicals in cosmetics. Additionally, it underscores the importance of maintaining a basic skincare routine for overall skin health, even when makeup is not in use.

We Asked Dermatologists What Taking A Break From Makeup Does To Our Skin (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Last Updated:

Views: 6330

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Birthday: 1994-06-25

Address: Suite 153 582 Lubowitz Walks, Port Alfredoborough, IN 72879-2838

Phone: +128413562823324

Job: IT Strategist

Hobby: Video gaming, Basketball, Web surfing, Book restoration, Jogging, Shooting, Fishing

Introduction: My name is Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner, I am a zany, graceful, talented, witty, determined, shiny, enchanting person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.