Even if you do not normally wear makeup, Halloween is a time when most people go big with their hair and skin to make the most of their costumes. Although Halloween makeup is fun, it can also be hard on your skin, especially for those who are sensitive or acne prone. The products used to make many Halloween makeup products are thick and oily and can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and even allergic reactions without proper pre and post-skin care. Below are a few things you can do before and after your Halloween festivities to ensure your skin is spared from the spooky effects of Halloween night.

 Carefully Select Products

There is more to choosing Halloween makeup than running to the local costume store and finding the right colors to complete your look. Many products sold at local party stores or in the Halloween section of your local department store are hypoallergenic but may not be non-comedogenic. This slight distinction means some products may clog your pores and lead to breakouts.

Before choosing your items, take a moment to look at the ingredients. Look for fragrances, preservatives, and oils that may irritate your skin. If possible, find makeup products that are non-comedogenic and oil-free. Also, never re-use last year's Halloween left-over makeup. Makeup products (of any kind) that sit in a dark place, such as your makeup drawer, offer the perfect place for bacteria to grow.

Also, be sure to spot-test any of the products you purchase before applying them to your skin to see how your skin reacts to the product. Applying a small amount to your arm or leg a couple of days before Halloween night can help prevent an unforeseen allergic reaction.

Prepare Your Skin

After shopping for your makeup, the next step is preparing your skin. Some people find it beneficial to start a week or so before Halloween. The first stage of Halloween skin preparation should be exfoliation. At Upkeep Med Spa, we offer a range of facial care options, including exfoliating facials to help your skin start Halloween on the right foot. You may also purchase exfoliating cleansers over the counter.

On Halloween night, begin prepping your face by cleansing and exfoliating. Preparing your skin in this way removes dead skin cells and clears out clogged pores providing a smooth surface for applying your makeup. Ensuring your pores are clear before applying products protects you from locking dirt and oils into your pores which can lead to or worsen breakouts.

After cleansing or exfoliating, moisturize your skin and apply a primer under your makeup. Your primer should include a primer on your face that acts as a barrier between your skin and your makeup and a primer under your eyes. The facial primer will help protect your skin against irritation from costume makeup. Your undereye primer will protect the delicate and sensitive skin under your eyes and eyelids while also helping your eye makeup last longer.

Cleanse Before Bed

Sleeping in makeup of any kind is bad for your skin health, but Halloween makeup can be particularly damaging. It is essential to cleanse your skin before going to bed to remove oily and cakey products. Unfortunately, a makeup wipe is not enough to ensure your skin and pores are product free. After Halloween night, a triple cleanse is your best bet for skin health.

Start out with your usual cleanser and gently work it over your skin. Avoid harsh scrubbing or tools that may further irritate your face. It may take a few minutes for your cleanser to work through the layers of makeup. After cleansing, use an oil-based makeup remover to remove any makeup that remains after your first cleanse. An oil-based cleanser will work better than others because most Halloween makeup contains oils and oil-based products to break it down.

Once your skin is clean and free of makeup, exfoliate your skin to ensure your pores are free from dirt and debris that may cause breakouts. An exfoliant will also calm irritation and reduce inflammation. Remember to moisturize before bed to allow your skin to rehydrate and regenerate while you sleep.

Halloween can be a fun and exciting time. For many, it is an opportunity to step out of their “usual” routine. However, without preparation, the fun and excitement may be less than so for your skin and complexion. Planning ahead and taking the time to care for your skin at the end of the evening can limit skin irritation and breakouts. Another way to deep clean your skin after Halloween is to contact us at Upkeep Med Spa to schedule one of our relaxing, rejuvenating aesthetic treatments.