Does makeup ruin your natural beauty?

Jul 27, 2022

How does makeup damage our skin?

Estimated reading Time - 8 minutes

The door shuts with a loud bang! I stand outside shaking my head in frustration. Teenagers!!! Oh! Why is this age so difficult! I have to remember to handle this with utter calm. I take a few deep breaths.

Me: (Talking through the door) Meera, I understand that you are unhappy with me for stopping you from doing what you wanted to. But rather than being uncommunicative, can we please have a civilized conversation about it. Let me understand your reasons for wanting to do it and hear my reasons for not wanting you to. Once we have heard each other out, then we can decide about how to move forward.

(Having said my piece, I patiently wait outside for more than 10 minutes before the door creaks open and I am let into the room)

Meera: Do you really mean what you said? Or is this just a ploy to get me to give into your will?

Me: I really meant what I said. Now, can we have a conversation?

(I get a nod of affirmation)

Me: Can we start with your reasons for wanting to rely on make-up to look good? (I tentatively ask as this is an unchartered territory)

Meera: This is just the thing amongst my friends and in my peer group. Everyone is experimenting with makeup, clothes and new looks and I feel like a freak and feel left out when I turn up the way I am (read that as with no makeup on). I feel “uncool” and am not even sure if that is a word.

Me: I understand what you are saying and can relate to it. But it is not just at your age that people are into makeup. It appears to have become the general trend, with social media flaming the fire and making it acceptable to be layered in makeup.

But what when the makeup comes off? Is that really you? Will you be able to accept the face which stares back at you from the mirror? Makeup only provides superficial beauty for a limited period and it is not real beauty.

(I can sense the alarm bells ringing in her head at this discourse)

Me: Just hear me out and if at the end of it, if it doesn’t make sense to you, we can go your way.

Meera: Ok Mom.

Me: Makeup contains chemicals and no matter how much a brand may claim that there are no side effects, they do harm the skin when left on for longer times and you know a natural face is only beauty of yours. There are many ayurvedic products available in the market like face cream, face cleanser and face tonic, which make your face look beautiful without damaging your skin.

does makeup damage our skin

Clogged Pores: Acne

Meera, you know that acne is most dreaded by teenagers and adults alike. In teenagers, this has more to do with hormones. And an adult may have acne due to various reasons that lead to clogged pores. Many products are made for adults to solve this problem: I have been using kumkumadi serum, which is 100% ayurvedic and adds a natural glow to my face. I also use a rose face tonic, which comes to be the most natural skin toner.

Makeup can be a major culprit for clogged pores as it can stick to sebum along with dirt and dust. Clogged pores lead to pimples, blackheads and acne.

Skin Allergies

Makeup products contain preservatives like parabens, to prevent bacteria from growing in them. These can cause allergies, itchiness, redness – a way for the skin to tell you that it is irritated. Preservatives are known to cause allergies and may even disrupt hormones.

Untimely Aging

I understand that aging of the skin is not a concern for you at your age. But I have learnt it the hard way that the sooner it becomes a concern the better. I am not saying that you can stop your skin from aging. There is no running away from it. What I am trying to say is that we can take care of certain factors that may make it age faster.

Makeup requires repeated applications by brushes and sponges and also re-applications throughout the day to keep it fresh. These may gradually lead to the appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles.

Untimely Aging

Re-application of sunscreen also becomes difficult with makeup on. This can lead to a build of free radicals which are a major contributor in aging as they break down collagen and affect the elasticity of the skin.

(And again, I see her examining her skin from a new angle giving me hope that all is not lost yet)

Change In Color

The makeup can lead to uneven skin tone, patches, darkening or lightening of skin etc., as it interferes with the skin’s physiology. For example, a 10 hrs long, lasting lipstick may leave your lips looking darker as it contains a compound which inhibits the supply of oxygen to the lips. I would rather suggest using ghee on lips which makes your lips naturally plump and pink.

(I observe a thoughtful look on her face as she had never thought about makeup from this angle)

Makeup Remover

While it goes without saying that makeup must be removed before sleeping, given your schedule, there are times when you may be too tired to do so.

And you don’t have to just remove the makeup with a remover, but the makeup remover also needs to be removed from your skin. Makeup removers contain many active ingredients which can cause a skin issue if left on throughout the night. You can use face tonic instead as a makeup remover and it is really good for your skin. Face tonic cleanses your skin and makes your skin hydrated all night but again, one must be wary of using chemically made face tonic. Instead, one must always go for an ayurvedic face tonic. The most important part of face tonic is, it restores the skin’s pH balance while makeup remover removes makeup from the skin. So, a good cleansing routine is a must.

Also, while you are using face tonic as a makeup remover, do not rub vigorously to get the makeup out. This can cause damage to the skin.

Makeup Remover

Irony Of It All

I find it so ironic that makeup is used to cover up imperfections in the skin whereas makeup itself can lead to the same imperfections becoming more pronounced and add on a few more.

The best makeup is good and healthy skin. Would it not be better to not require makeup at all? With a healthy skin, you can easily achieve a fresh and dewy look and can opt to wear makeup only for very special occasions. There are several remedies recommended for good and healthy skin on the internet. Some of them are suggested best ayurvedic products such as kumkumadi serum, face cream, and face tonic. The best part is that, these ayurvedic products are natural and contain no harmful preservatives just like face tonic which is made with only pure herbs like rose. And I can bet that with a healthy skin and natural glow, you would hardly need to wear much makeup and would be able to make do with just a lip tint, mascara and eyeliner.

Meera: How can I achieve a clear skin and healthy glow?

Me: Drink plenty of water and strive to use as many natural skin care products as possible and avoid the ones with harsh chemicals.

Chemical Free Natural Cleansers

It is time to turn back to our roots and use Chemical Free Natural Cleansers. Did you know that you can easily clean your face with raw milk? Not only does it clean your face but it also makes it soft. There are other ingredients that you can use to clean your face like oatmeal, cucumber and curd etc.

Exfoliate To Deep Clean

With rising levels of pollutants, it is a must to get rid of the dead skin, dirt and oil which can clog up the pores and lead to acne. Exfoliating using Ubtans or Natural Ayurvedic Face Scrubs will not only deep clean but the natural products will benefit the skin as well.

Face tonic and Serums

Face tonic is helpful in removing the last traces of dirt and impurities in the skin after a wash. It also helps to tighten the pores. Rose water is an excellent face tonic as it can balance the PH of the skin naturally. It is also hydrating and gentle and smells heavenly. The best part of face tonic is it won't irritate sensitive skin or cause excessive dryness.

Serums can provide potent antioxidants topically which keep the free radicals in check. Kumkumadi serum is the best serum for skin hydration and brightening.

Natural Moisturizer

Why does skin care have to be complicated? The best moisturizers are the Natural Moisturizers like Honey, Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil, Almond Oil, Milk, Milk Cream etc. I have a particularly soft spot for honey and turmeric. I have been using it to moisten my skin as well as get a natural glow for quite some time now.

And besides this the usual - use a face tonic/mist to stay hydrated and keep yourself safe from the Sun.

Natural Moisturizer