Don’t let your skin turn into a nightmare on Halloween night

Allergic reactions, irritation and clogged pores, oh my!

These are just some frightening sights you might encounter if you wear certain makeup or face paint or don an itchy costume on Halloween night. Dr. Oyetewa Oyerinde, dermatologist at Baylor College Medicine, explains how to protect your skin from becoming a nightmare.

Makeup and face paint

For those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, be aware of the ingredients used in your makeup and face paint. Oyerinde says to look for products that are non-comedogenic (won’t clog your pores), fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.

“Common harmful ingredients include parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives and synthetic fragrances, which can cause irritation or allergic reactions,” Oyerinde said. “Talc and heavy metals like lead, found in some makeup products, can also cause irritation. Avoid products with alcohol as a main ingredient, which can be drying, especially for sensitive skin types.”

If you aren’t used to wearing makeup or face paint that often, try doing a patch test about 24-48 hours before the complete application of your Halloween look to make sure you don’t get an allergic reaction. Water-based face paint is a safe option because it’s less likely to clog pores. Oyerinde explains that it also tends to be gentler on sensitive skin and less likely to cause breakouts than oil-based or grease paints, which can trap bacteria and cause irritation.

If no allergic reaction is detected on the night of, prep your skin by washing it with a gentle cleanser. Follow up with a moisturizer to create a protective barrier between your skin and the makeup or face paint.

“For added protection, you can apply a primer, which helps the makeup last longer and reduces the likelihood of skin irritation,” Oyerinde said.

To remove these products, Oyerinde says to use a fragrance-free makeup remover or micellar water and to avoid harsh scrubbing. For heavier or oil-based products, you may need an oil-based remover or even petrolatum jelly, followed by a gentle cleanser to remove all residue. Water-based face paint is easier to remove.

“I don’t typically recommend makeup wipes because the friction can lead to skin tears and exaggerate the appearance of pores over time. However, if you must use wipes, follow with a gentle cleanser, pat dry, and a gentle moisturizer to restore your skin’s hydration,” Oyerinde said.

Costumes

Itchy Halloween costumes are a thing! The fabric of your Halloween costume (synthetic fabrics like polyester or materials treated with harsh dyes or chemicals) can irritate your skin. It’s best to look for costume clothing with breathable, natural fabrics like cotton, which is less likely to cause irritation.

“If a costume is made of synthetic material, wearing a cotton layer underneath can help reduce direct skin contact and friction. Avoid tight or restrictive costumes that can lead to skin chafing or contact dermatitis,” Oyerinde said.

By Taylor Barnes