Makeup causes skin problems

Every girl wants to look good, whether she is going out with her friends, going to Starbucks or even going to school. Looking good does feel good, but what if looking good can cause damage to you without you even being aware of it?

Yes, cosmetics may help girls feel good about themselves, but girls also need to think about the negative effects that are caused from applying makeup and other cosmetic products. Many girls gain confidence by putting on makeup, dying hair, and using other products, but unfortunately they don’t realize the consequences that come after application.

According to the website HowStuffWorks, by covering your acne with makeup, certain oils in cosmetics can worsen acne. This type of acne is called acne cosmetica. Acne cosmetica is caused when oils from your makeup collect in and clog your pores.

Dr. Mandy L. Ramani, a dermatologist in La Cañada-Flintridge, said that makeup products don’t necessarily impact the skin in a harmful way, and in fact can protect your skin. “Currently, most makeups are now water based rather than oil based, so therefore are considered non-comedogenic, meaning they are not supposed to clog your pores,” Ramani wrote in an e-mail.

Ramani also recommended a solution for patients who are acne-prone: “Some makeups such as Neutrogena may include salicylic acid as one of its ingredients to possible help with breakouts; many makeups also  include some type of sunblock agent and list an SPF rating of sun protection to give added protection to your skin.”

Even though some girls use makeup to feel confident, some do to fit in with today’s style. Junior Alisa Karakozian views makeup as harmful and believes every girl should accept and be comfortable with themselves. “I think that it really is not worth the extra money to spend it on makeup because we’re not trying to impress anyone,” Karakozian said. “Most girls our age already have serious skin problems which are mainly caused from putting cover-up and other makeup on. Every girl has the right to feel pretty without having any excess chemicals on their skin.”

The common ingredients that should be avoided in a cosmetic product are ammonia, especially in hair dye. Ingredients like ammonia depletes the hair of moisture and causes other harmful effects to your scalp and skin.

Aside from resulting in irritated skin, makeup simultaneously creates wrinkles that are caused by the breakdown of elastin and collagen in the dermis layer of the skin. It’s important for women to make a habit of removing their makeup after coming home and especially before bed. Moisturizing and cleansing the skin will help the skin to

stay healthier and younger.

Junior Christine Sarkoshyan believes makeup and other products make you feel beautiful and confident. “Taking care of yourself and feeling confident in your own skin is important, and if some girls find their confidence through putting makeup and other stuff, then there is no problem in my opinion,” Sarkoshyan said.

Some agree with the idea that putting cosmetics will improve one’s self-esteem, and some think it is absolutely unnecessary. Junior Sevana Panosian falls in the latter category. “I think it is pointless to put makeup on your face when you are coming to school because there is no need to put harmful chemicals on your face when it is not absolutely necessary,” Panosian said. “You come to school to get education and it is absolutely unnecessary to put makeup.”

Senior Angelica Peregrino, attending Holy Family High School College Preparatory, an all-girls’ school in Glendale, does not feel the need to put makeup. “I don’t put makeup,” she said. “There are no boys in our school to impress and I come to school to learn, that’s it,” Peregrino said that does not find makeup essential when she is going to school and believes education is way more important.

Chemistry teacher Loussik Kassakhian said that putting on makeup can be harmful in many ways. “I think it is okay if you put a minimal amount of makeup, but keeping your skin moisturized is the most important part,” Kassakhian said.

Kassakhian said she uses Ivory soap to wash off her makeup and she keeps her face moisturized. “I’ve been doing this routine for a long time, and it helps keep my skin healthy,” Kassakhian said. Kassakian believes foundations with only 15 SPF are the best for people who are using makeup.