We have all found at some time in our lives seen our skin looking less than good and it is at times like these when we are prone to reach for the products which we will hope reverse the situation, such as foundation, concealer or powder. In fact more and more women are relying on products such as these to cover up the flaws that we do not want other people to see. But although cosmetics are great as a temporary fix and are superb for enhancing our best features, but depending on the type of cosmetics you are using to cover up these problems, you could actually be making them worse rather than better.

Many women are now finding that they are suffering from a problem called cosmetic acne which because they are using cosmetics regularly think they are trying to hide blemishes with it, when it is in fact the product that is causing them. It is easy to tell if your acne has been triggered by either a chemical or topic agent as they look different from those caused by genetic or hormonal problems (often look like red bumps and pustules). However, cosmetic acne is more like a rash and is generally made up of tiny pink or flesh coloured bumps on the skin. They can also appear any where that you apply cosmetics to your skin, such as the forehead, cheeks, chin or nose; you may even find some on your neck.

The problem is that a lot of people mistake this form of acne for chronic low grade acne which normally requires treatment using topical creams or antibiotics so they are tempted to cover up the problem even more with more cosmetics. By applying more cosmetic products to the skin they end up creating a more persistent and more notable rash in the future.

It is very important that women around the world recognize that this is not a true form of acne, which are normally caused by internal factors of the body and this form of acne is about what you are actually applying to your skin, and it therefore requires a different form of treatment compared to chronic acne. If you want to get rid of this form of acne quickly and easily, then the simplest way of doing this is to stop using cosmetics. You will find that the acne will have cleared up with a few weeks once you have stopped using the offending products.

However, it does not mean that you can not use any cosmetics at all if you suffer from this, it just means that the one’s that have caused it should no longer be used. It is best if you choose products that do not contain oils or look for ones that are marked “non-comedogenic”. This type of product supposed to be less likely to clog up the pores of your skin which results in your getting this form of acne. Whenever possible avoid using heavy, thick or greasy substances, and don’t be afraid to wear no make up at all, (just because you imagine you have all these terrible flaws, to other people there are hardly noticeable). In fact it is good to let your skin breathe once in a while.

If you happen to notice only isolated break outs of this form of acne along your hairline or on other parts of your body, then it is advisable that you take a good hard look at the various creams, soaps, shampoos and other substances you are using on your skin in order to find out what is causing the outbreak. It may be the conditioner you are using on your hair is too heavy and is clogging up the pores around your scalp or even on your neck and back (this is especially true of people with long hair where it is able to touch the skin). It might be an idea to use a lighter formula or being extra vigilant and ensuring that your hair no longer touches your skin.

However if it is the soap that you are using for your body seems to be the problem, then it is a good idea to change to one which offers extra exfoliation which will help to keep the skins pores clean. It might be worth considering a product that contains an acne-fighting ingredient such as salicylic acid in it, which gets rid of dead skin cells and prevents the pores from become clogged.

Finally you should always remember that what ever you apply to your skin is also wreaking havoc on your complexion, so it may be sometimes that you need to change what you are actually using.

So for example you scrub your skin too hard when applying facial soap, this can encourage your skin to produce more oil, which can lead to out breaks of acne. Also if you regularly rinse using hot water rather than luke warm this can also promote outbreaks of acne, so it is best if your keep your sink, bath and shower water at a comfortable and not too hot (steamy) temperature.

Also never ever dip your fingers directly into your pots of foundation or apply concealer a wand directly on to blemished skin, doing this allows the oil on your fingers and bacteria to take up residence in your cosmetics. So remember that next time when you use your foundation or concealer after doing this you are at risk of spreading acne on to your nice fresh clean skin.

So where at all possible, make a point of using disposable cosmetic sponges, q-tips and tissues to keep your cosmetics in a pristine condition. However, if you do use cosmetic brushes then make sure you clean them regularly. Ensure any make that has been sat in your cabinets or on your dressing tables for extended periods of time without being used are thrown out and ensure that all products you use on your skin are free from any potential hazards.