source: newsolio.com
For those who suffer with acne scars but can not pursue medical treatment for them, it is possible to hide scars by properly applying make up. Read this article for the best tips!
During adolescence, nearly every teenager develops some amount of acne, and a fair percentage of adults are also plagued with it. As a result, it is common for people to have some amount of acne scarring, ranging from virtually invisible to extremely prominent. Clinically termed as hyperpigmentation, these dark spots and pits can remain visible for years after the pimple that caused them, even a lifetime in some cases. Many people, in an attempt to remedy these disfigurements, seek out medical correction. Chemical peels and dermabrasion are popular procedures that eliminate acne scars and give the face a more even complexion. However, permanent though they are, they are deemed too expensive by many. Another option in that case is to conceal scars using make up.
Applying make up in any case is a delicate art, and when it is used to conceal imperfections it can be a difficult skill to master. The idea is to hide any flaws on the skin using thorough coverage without making it look like you are wearing a make up mask. As an added difficulty, skin with acne scars also tends to have recurring breakouts. The face can be oily or overly prone to irritation when products are applied. People tend to make their acne worse in an attempt to cover it up because their make up inflames their skin or dries it out. This leads to a vicious cycle of blemishes and scarring. To avoid this scenario, it is important to know what make up to use and how to apply it.
To begin with, it is impossible to properly hide scars unless you choose a foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone. Choose a color that is darker or lighter than you are and you will have a “fake” look that will only serve to accentuate flaws on the skin. Have a cosmetics specialist help you choose the appropriate shade and compare the product to your skin in natural light if possible. Secondly, look for a foundation that contains little or no oil, as this ingredient will contribute to future breakouts and can cake around blemishes and scars. Try to use a make up with a yellow base to help neutralize the redness of scars. Also, experiment with heavier options like cake or stick make ups, which tend to hide flaws better because of their thickness. If you suffer from acne along with scars, use products that will add preventative benefits. Ingredients like benzyl peroxide and salicylic acid are effective acne fighters that are in many foundations.
If you use acne medications, apply them and let them dry before putting on make up. Also, if you choose to use concealer, apply it beneath your foundation. Although some people find that concealers accentuate blemishes or do not work at all, there are others that find them very effective. When choosing a concealer, it is advisable to spend a little more money on a reputable brand than to purchase various inexpensive products that do not serve their purpose. For especially bright scarring, you may wish to use a green concealer, which does even more to cancel out redness than a yellow base. Keep in mind that depending on your skin tone, using this color might give spots a gray appearance, in which case it is best to avoid it. For those who do not use concealers, keep in mind that foundation can work well in its place.
To apply your foundation, dab it onto your face either with your fingers or with a foundation application pad. Then tap it into the skin, working it evenly over the face. Avoid rubbing the make up into your face, which will wipe off the majority of the product and can cause uneven application. Once you have finished, examine your face to determine how good the scar coverage is. If you are not satisfied, you can reapply foundation to prominent scars, again tapping it until it is completely blended.
Once your make up is in place, finish with a loose powder. This will help set the foundation, keeping it from “melting” off of your face throughout the day. Powder will also control oiliness and will add a bit more evenness to the complexion. When applying powder, do not use the thin cotton discs that often come with it. These can smudge and pull off foundation. Also, do not use a blush brush, which will not give enough powder. Instead, use a velour powder puff; dip it into the powder and tap the back with your hand to shake off excess powder. Dab the powder over your face to complete your flawless finish.
With these simple instructions, you can hide your acne scars like a professional. Spare yourself the expense and discomfort of laser resurfacing, alpha hydroxy treatments, and other drastic procedures. You can have a flawless look with minimal make up and tools — and no one will have any idea that you have ever had a blemish in your life.
