Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
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Table of Contents
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Acne cosmetica looks like small bumps across the surface of the skin or scalp. The skin will look and feel rough. Manycomedones, and possibly some smallpapulesandpustules, will be present. There usually is little to no inflammation.
This article covers the causes of acne cosmetica and offers tips for figuring out which cosmetic product istriggering your breakouts. It also includes treatment options and ways you can prevent this form of acne.
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Acne Cosmetica Causes
In this case, cosmetic products that are comedogenic build up within a hair follicle and block the pore. As a result, excess skin oil builds up in the pore, causing it to clog and a blemish to form.
Certain comedogenic products are well known to cause acne cosmetica, including:
Furthermore, certain ingredients used in cosmetic products are known to be comedogenic, such as:
Algae extracts, coconut oil, and linseed oil are considered highly comedogenic as well.
Noncomedogenic Skin Care Products: Types and Benefits
Not knowing the cause of your acne cosmetica breakouts can be frustrating. The good news is that, once you stop using the product that is triggering your breakouts, you should gradually start to see clearer skin.
Finding the Cause At Home
Before you can remove the culprit from your skincare routine, you will need to identify which cosmetic product it is. One way to do this is to narrow down the cause at home through a process of elimination.
Keep in mind that in most cases of acne cosmetica, breakouts don’t occur instantly. Acne cosmetica breakouts take time to form—anywhere from a few days to six weeks after using a product.
If you recently started using a new product and are suddenly breaking out, the connection may be obvious. See if your blemishes improve when you stop using the new product for a week or two.
Otherwise, choose one product from your list and stop using it for at least a week. If your skin starts to look better, you may have found the culprit. If not, try eliminating the next product on your list, one at a time, until you notice a change in your skin.
Conversely, you can also start with a “skin detox,” in which you wear nothing on your skin for a month. Wash your skin in the morning and at night. If your skin is dry, you can use a moisturizer labeled “non-comedogenic.”
Keeping your skin clean and applying as little product as possible should improve acne cosmetica within weeks. At this point, you can start to add one product at a time back into your skincare routine.
This way, if a breakout develops again, you will have a better idea of exactly which product or products could have led to it.
You may find it helpful to keep a detailed journal of which products you are using and when, along with any changes you notice in the affected skin area. This information will also come in handy if you decide to see a dermatologist.
When to See a Dermatologist
The delay between when you use a product and when your breakouts occur can make it difficult to figure out which product is to blame.
You certainly do not have to stress yourself out over finding the cause of your acne cosmetica at home. If you have tried to eliminate skincare products and are still breaking out, you may not be dealing with acne cosmetica after all.
To further pinpoint the cause, your dermatologist may ask you questions, like whether your blemishes itch or get red and inflamed. They may ask you if you wash your face after working out, or whether you use powder or cream foundation.
This information will help them determine the right treatment for you.
If your acne is painful or causing you distress in any way, or if you simply aren’t sure what is causing you to break out, go ahead and schedule a visit with your dermatologist.
Acne Cosmetica Treatment
The first step to treating your acne cosmetica is to give your skin a break and time to breathe and heal. Going makeup-less a few times per week is a great start.
Granted, just keeping your skin bare won’t necessarily be enough to clear up your skin. You will likely need to take a few extra steps.
Acne Cleansers
Having a consistent cleansing routine is extremely important for all skin types—whether you have dry skin, oily skin, or skin that falls somewhere between.
To help clear existing breakouts more quickly, and to prevent new comedones from forming, use a cleanser or treatment pads containingsalicylic acid.
Salicylic acid is what’s known as akeratolytic(peeling) agent, meaning that it helps the skin break down and shed dead skin cells so that they don’t clog your pores.
A handful of studies have shown positive results from using cleansers that contain salicylic acid. For example, one study examined the effects of a salicylic acid face cleanser in people ages 12 to 30 who had mild to moderate acne.
After eight weeks of using the cleanser, significant reductions in acne blemishes were reported. Researchers also noted that the salicylic acid cleanser was gentle, non-drying, and well-tolerated.
Even if you don’t wear makeup, you should still cleanse your face in the morning, before bed, and any time you get extra sweaty, like after a workout. If you don’t feel comfortable going makeup-less all day, be sure to cleanse your face as soon as you get home. Definitely, do not go to bed without washing off makeup.
Exfoliants and Peels
To exfoliate means toremove dead skin cells from your skin’s surface. Exfoliation has become very popular in past decades, in part because the smoothing and polishing effects of exfoliation can often be seen and felt right away.
Commonly used chemical exfoliants include mandelic acid, glycolic, lactic, andmalic acids, as well as salicylic acid. You can find very low concentrations of these chemicals in over-the-counter exfoliants, like those you would purchase at a drug or beauty store.
For best results, use your over-the-counter exfoliant two to three times per week, and always exfoliate after cleansing. This way, the cleanser can lift dirt, sweat, and makeup from your skin’s surface, and then the exfoliant can penetrate deeper into your pores.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Drug and beauty store shelves have a plethora of OTC medicated acne creams, gels, lotions, and spot treatments to choose from.
Both are highly effective for preventing clogged pores and breakouts, and they work well together, too. In fact, you may even come across a two-step acne treatment that contains both a salicylic acid cleanser and a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment. However, for people with dry or sensitive skin, this combination may be too drying.
Keep in mind that some benzoyl peroxide products may cause bleaching of fabric, like towels, T-shirts, and pillowcases.
Differin (adapalene) is another OTC acne treatment that inhibits pimple formation.
Prescription Drugs
If you met with your dermatologist, they may or may not have prescribed an acne medication for you, depending on what type of acne you have and how severe it is.
Prescription acne treatments come in two forms:topical treatmentsin cream, foam, gel, lotion, or solution form andoral treatmentsin pill form.
Some kinds of prescription topical medications containtretinoin, which is a type of retinoid made from vitamin A. Other kinds contain benzoyl peroxide or an antibiotic calledclindamycin.
If your acne is more severe, you may be prescribed an oral medication. Oral medications are systemic, meaning that they are absorbed throughout your whole body. They may be a better option if you have acne that affects several skin areas, such as your face, chest, and back.
Prescription oral medications include a daily antibiotic pill (likedoxycycline or minocycline) and oral isotretinoin. If you are female and your acne is hormonal,birth control pillsor Aldactone (spironolactone) may be an option for you.
That said, prescription acne treatments are typically offered in more severe cases when acne breakouts aren’t responding to OTC treatments.
Home Remedies
Some studies have found that tea tree oil may be beneficial for acne, but more research is needed.
Manuka honey can have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. However, researchers have yet to confirm whether or not it is effective as an acne-fighting agent.
Witch hazel has garnered a lot of attention among the skincare community as well. This plant extract is an astringent, meaning that it removes excess oil and makeup from the skin and tightens pores.
While it sounds promising, there is not enough evidence to prove that witch hazel is effective for treating or preventing acne. It’s also possible that witch hazel’s oil-absorbing properties may be too drying and irritating for some skin types.
New Products
It is generally a good idea to switch makeup brands or products if your acne seems to worsen after wearing makeup for several days in a row.
Certain makeup formulations (even those labelednoncomedogenic) can cause acne breakouts if you are sensitive to certain ingredients in them.
If this seems to be the case for you, try another brand or product labeled noncomedogenic. Your skin might tolerate one better than another.
As with any form of acne, see your healthcare provider if you aren’t seeing improvement after six to eight weeks of treatment.
Summary
If you know what is causing your acne cosmetica, simply avoiding it and using cleansers containing salicylic acid should lead to clearer skin. If your acne doesn’t improve with at-home treatment, or if your acne is causing you distress, see a dermatologist.
Having acne is normal, whether you are a teenager or anadult. While there are innumerable over-the-counter acne treatments available, the trial and error that can come with finding the right product for you can be difficult and costly. If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed over your acne, go ahead and make an appointment with a dermatologist. You should never allow acne to rule your life.
Frequently Asked QuestionsTo help prevent acne, choose makeup that’s labeled “noncomedogenic,” “oil-free,” or “won’t clog pores.” For extra help, try using makeup that has salicylic acid, an acne-fighting ingredient.It’s possible. However, you can still use makeup even if you have acne. The American Academy of Dermatology says one of the keys is to remove it at the end of the day using a face wash that’s appropriate for your skin type.Try using over-the-counter acne products that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or adapalene.If you don’t see improvement after eight weeks, check with your dermatologist.
To help prevent acne, choose makeup that’s labeled “noncomedogenic,” “oil-free,” or “won’t clog pores.” For extra help, try using makeup that has salicylic acid, an acne-fighting ingredient.
It’s possible. However, you can still use makeup even if you have acne. The American Academy of Dermatology says one of the keys is to remove it at the end of the day using a face wash that’s appropriate for your skin type.
Try using over-the-counter acne products that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or adapalene.If you don’t see improvement after eight weeks, check with your dermatologist.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.I have acne! Is it okay to wear makeup?.George RM, Sridharan R.Factors aggravating or precipitating acne in Indian adults: A hospital-based study of 110 cases.Indian J Dermatol. 2018 Aug;63(4):328-331. doi:10.4103/ijd.IJD_565_17Narayanan V.Holistic skin care and selection of skin care products in acne.Arc Clin Exp Dermatol.2020;2(1):e101.Jacobi A, Mayer A, Augustin M.Keratolytics and emollients and their role in the therapy of psoriasis: A systematic review.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2015 Mar;5(1):1-18. doi:10.1007/s13555-015-0068-3Woodruff J, Appa Y.A double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of 2% salicylic acid cleanser for improvement of acne vulgaris.Acne. 2013 Apr;68(4):AB12. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2012.12.052Rodan K, Fields K, Majewski G, Falla T.Skincare bootcamp: The evolving role of skincare.Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2016 Dec;4(12):e1152. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000001152MedlinePlus.Adapalene.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Tea tree oil.Alangari A, Morris K, Lwaleed B, et al.Honey is potentially effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis: Clinical and mechanistic studies.Immun Inflamm Dis. 2017;5(2):190-199. doi:10.1002/iid3.153Additional ReadingNational Institutes of Health.Questions and answers about acne
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.I have acne! Is it okay to wear makeup?.George RM, Sridharan R.Factors aggravating or precipitating acne in Indian adults: A hospital-based study of 110 cases.Indian J Dermatol. 2018 Aug;63(4):328-331. doi:10.4103/ijd.IJD_565_17Narayanan V.Holistic skin care and selection of skin care products in acne.Arc Clin Exp Dermatol.2020;2(1):e101.Jacobi A, Mayer A, Augustin M.Keratolytics and emollients and their role in the therapy of psoriasis: A systematic review.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2015 Mar;5(1):1-18. doi:10.1007/s13555-015-0068-3Woodruff J, Appa Y.A double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of 2% salicylic acid cleanser for improvement of acne vulgaris.Acne. 2013 Apr;68(4):AB12. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2012.12.052Rodan K, Fields K, Majewski G, Falla T.Skincare bootcamp: The evolving role of skincare.Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2016 Dec;4(12):e1152. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000001152MedlinePlus.Adapalene.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Tea tree oil.Alangari A, Morris K, Lwaleed B, et al.Honey is potentially effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis: Clinical and mechanistic studies.Immun Inflamm Dis. 2017;5(2):190-199. doi:10.1002/iid3.153Additional ReadingNational Institutes of Health.Questions and answers about acne
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.I have acne! Is it okay to wear makeup?.George RM, Sridharan R.Factors aggravating or precipitating acne in Indian adults: A hospital-based study of 110 cases.Indian J Dermatol. 2018 Aug;63(4):328-331. doi:10.4103/ijd.IJD_565_17Narayanan V.Holistic skin care and selection of skin care products in acne.Arc Clin Exp Dermatol.2020;2(1):e101.Jacobi A, Mayer A, Augustin M.Keratolytics and emollients and their role in the therapy of psoriasis: A systematic review.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2015 Mar;5(1):1-18. doi:10.1007/s13555-015-0068-3Woodruff J, Appa Y.A double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of 2% salicylic acid cleanser for improvement of acne vulgaris.Acne. 2013 Apr;68(4):AB12. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2012.12.052Rodan K, Fields K, Majewski G, Falla T.Skincare bootcamp: The evolving role of skincare.Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2016 Dec;4(12):e1152. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000001152MedlinePlus.Adapalene.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Tea tree oil.Alangari A, Morris K, Lwaleed B, et al.Honey is potentially effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis: Clinical and mechanistic studies.Immun Inflamm Dis. 2017;5(2):190-199. doi:10.1002/iid3.153
American Academy of Dermatology Association.I have acne! Is it okay to wear makeup?.
George RM, Sridharan R.Factors aggravating or precipitating acne in Indian adults: A hospital-based study of 110 cases.Indian J Dermatol. 2018 Aug;63(4):328-331. doi:10.4103/ijd.IJD_565_17
Narayanan V.Holistic skin care and selection of skin care products in acne.Arc Clin Exp Dermatol.2020;2(1):e101.
Jacobi A, Mayer A, Augustin M.Keratolytics and emollients and their role in the therapy of psoriasis: A systematic review.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2015 Mar;5(1):1-18. doi:10.1007/s13555-015-0068-3
Woodruff J, Appa Y.A double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of 2% salicylic acid cleanser for improvement of acne vulgaris.Acne. 2013 Apr;68(4):AB12. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2012.12.052
Rodan K, Fields K, Majewski G, Falla T.Skincare bootcamp: The evolving role of skincare.Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2016 Dec;4(12):e1152. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000001152
MedlinePlus.Adapalene.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Tea tree oil.
Alangari A, Morris K, Lwaleed B, et al.Honey is potentially effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis: Clinical and mechanistic studies.Immun Inflamm Dis. 2017;5(2):190-199. doi:10.1002/iid3.153
National Institutes of Health.Questions and answers about acne
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