Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages and genders. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation out there about what causes acne and how to treat it.

One of the questions we hear most often is whether or not makeup can cause acne. The good news is that makeup in itself doesn’t cause acne—but using the wrong kind of primer can be problematic. Let’s find out why!

The Basics Of Acne

To understand how makeup affects acne, it’s important to have a basic understanding of what causes acne in the first place. Contrary to popular belief, acne isn’t caused by eating greasy foods or chocolate; rather, it’s the result of an overproduction of oil in your glands.

When these glands become clogged with an excess of oil and dead skin cells, they swell up and create whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. So as you can see, it has nothing to do with what you put on your skin—it has more to do with hormones that activate the sebaceous glands beneath your skin.

Does Makeup Affect Acne?

Now that we know what causes acne, let’s get back to our original question: does makeup cause acne? The answer is no—makeup itself does not cause acne. However, certain types of makeup can exacerbate existing breakouts if you don't take proper care when applying them.

This is especially true for primers; because primers are intended to fill in porous areas on your face so that other products adhere better, they need to be applied correctly in order to avoid creating an environment where bacteria are able to thrive.

Using Primer For Acne-Prone Skin

If you suffer from sensitive or acne-prone skin, then using a primer specifically designed for this type of skin can help reduce breakouts and keep your pores clear. Look for products that contain ingredients like salicylic acid and glycolic acid since these ingredients help fight bacteria while also creating a barrier between your face and the rest of your makeup products.

Additionally, make sure you use only non-comedogenic formulas since these won't clog your pores or cause further irritation or breakout issues. Finally, always apply primer with clean hands or a brush, and never use more than one pump for each application; too much product will just end up sitting on top of your skin instead of sinking into it properly!

All In All...

Acne doesn't have one single cause but rather is caused by several factors working together at once—including hormones and improper skincare habits like not removing makeup at night or washing off sweat after exercising. While makeup alone doesn't cause breakouts, wearing the wrong type (or too much) could potentially aggravate existing blemishes or lead to new ones forming down the line if used incorrectly.

That being said, using a quality primer specially formulated for sensitive or acne-prone skin can help minimize breakouts while still allowing you to enjoy all the benefits that come with wearing makeup!


Check out our top picks of the best primer for acne-prone skin! Taking proper care when applying the right primer will ensure that you stay looking fabulous without having any extra unwanted side effects!