Research shows wearing makeup during exercise hinders your skin’s ability to breathe

Research shows wearing makeup during exercise hinders your skin’s ability to breathe

Researchers have discovered that makeup can hinder moisture evaporation from the skin, potentially leading to blocked pores.

Hence they say it is highly recommended to remove your makeup before hitting the gym, as a recent study suggests. They caution that wearing makeup during exercise can clog your pores and hinder your skin’s ability to breathe.

While some women may be tempted to apply foundation before working out, it is best to keep your face fresh and makeup-free. The study involved 43 college students, including 20 males and 23 females, and examined the effects of wearing cosmetic foundation during aerobic exercise on the skin and its pores.

One half of the participants’ faces were treated with foundation cream on the forehead and upper cheek, while the other half remained clean.

A skin analysis tool was utilized to examine the skin before and after a 20-minute treadmill session. The study revealed that moisture levels rose post-exercise in both the makeup-free and makeup-covered areas.

Interestingly, there was a more noticeable rise in moisture in the makeup-covered areas, possibly due to the makeup acting as a barrier against moisture evaporation, as suggested by the researchers. Pore size increased in the makeup-free skin post-exercise, while there was no significant change in the skin with makeup, hinting that foundation might obstruct pores.

In contrast, the oil levels in areas without makeup increased while decreasing in makeup-covered zones. This indicates that maintaining proper oil levels on the skin may be challenging when wearing makeup. The study, published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, highlights a growing trend of individuals wearing cosmetics during physical activities.

The researchers noted that using foundation cream during aerobic exercise could reduce skin oil, resulting in dryness. Moreover, makeup has the potential to clog pores and increase sebum production. The findings from this research provide valuable insights to the public, urging them to consider the potential consequences of wearing makeup while working out.

Lead author Dongsun Park, from the Korea National University of Education, emphasized the importance of exercising with a clean face for optimal skin health. When pores become clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, and other substances, it can lead to the formation of spots.