Can Using Lipstick as Blush Cause Acne?

Shot of an attractive young woman applying lipstik on mirror in the bathroom at home.
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Finding an affordable beauty hack is not only enjoyable but also fulfilling.

Lipstick isn’t just for your lips. It can also be applied as eyeshadow and blush! Many makeup enthusiasts are concerned that using lipstick as a blush will cause acne breakouts.

Can using lipstick as blush cause acne? It certainly can, particularly when the lipstick is already contaminated.

This article will go over the issue and explain what you need to know.


Contents

How Acne Develops

Before we get into how using lipstick as a blush can cause acne, it’s important to understand how and why acne breakouts occur in the first place.

Acne is a common skin condition that affects many people, particularly on the face.

Acne lesions form when your pores become clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, or skin leftovers. Sebum is an important component of the skin. It retains moisture in the skin, protecting it from infection and injury.

Although sebum is essential for the skin, excess sebum gets trapped inside your hair follicles and causes acne breakouts.

Acne breakouts are also caused by dead skin cells produced as the skin renews itself.

As your skin replaces old cells with new ones, dead cells accumulate on the skin’s surface.

Over time, these dead cells combine with sebum, contributing to clogged hair follicles. Acne, including blind pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads, is caused by clogged follicles. 


What Is Blush?

Blush is a cosmetic product that adds radiance to the cheeks and cheekbones, making your skin tone healthier and more youthful.

It is most commonly found in pink and red shades, but it can also be found in other colors. 

While many blush creams are available (and some feel that these can cause acne), lipstick can also be used as a blush.

Lipsticks are often preferred over blush creams because they are less expensive and more pigmented than cream blushes. 

Lipsticks are often preferred over blush creams because they are less expensive and more pigmented than cream blushes. 


Can Using Lipstick as Blush Cause Acne?

Aside from diet and hormones, makeup can also contribute to acne. This condition is known medically as acne cosmetica.

Depending on the ingredients and your skin type, certain makeups can trigger acne breakouts on your face. This is because makeup is comedogenic, which means it can clog skin pores and cause acne breakouts.

Lipsticks are made of various waxes, oils, and fats (but not whale sperm!).

Comedogenic lipsticks, such as thick and waxy formulas, can cause acne breakouts.

There is no better way to find out if lipstick blush will cause breakouts on your face than to try it.If you notice new breakouts on your cheeks after using lipstick as a blush, you should stop using it until the acne clears up. 

There is no better way to find out if lipstick blush will cause breakouts on your face than to try it.


How To Minimize the Chances of Developing Acne From a Lipstick Blush

Using lipstick as a blush without taking any precautions may result in acne breakouts. This is due to the fact that different lipsticks contain various materials and ingredients.

The following precautions are necessary to minimize the chances of developing acne when you use lipstick as a blush. 

Don’t Go Heavy

When using lipstick as a blush, avoid heavy lipstick, which tends to clog skin pores and aid in the growth of bacteria that cause acne. To help minimize bacteria, always sanitize or shave off the top layer before applying it to your cheeks.

To help minimize bacteria, always sanitize or shave off the top layer before applying it to your cheeks. 

Cleanse

It’s important to cleanse your face regularly if you often get acne breakouts, especially if you wear makeup and use other products that can clog your hair follicles and contribute to blockages.

Choose Non-Comedogenic Lipsticks

When shopping for lipsticks to use as a blush, always buy non-comedogenic lipsticks. Check the labels properly and buy the ones labeled “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.” They have gentle ingredients on the skin and are less likely to contribute to acne breakouts.

Take It Off!

Never sleep with makeup on. This goes for lipstick, and especially mascara. Before you sleep, ensure you wash off all makeup and cleanse your skin to reduce your risk of developing acne due to clogged hair follicles. 

If you’re prone to acne, you should avoid using heavy lipstick as a blush because it can aggravate existing acne breakouts and damage your skin.

To avoid acne breakouts caused by lipstick blush, use non-comedogenic lipstick products. Consult your dermatologist for the best acne medication if you have moderate to severe acne breakouts.


Conclusion

Applying Lipstick as a blush (like any other makeup product) can trigger an acne outbreak. Always take the necessary precautions to minimize the chances of developing acne from a lipstick blush.

When you’re using a makeup product for a use it’s not designed for, you’re running risks (but often getting great benefits). Just be cautious with these hacks, and learn what works for your skin.

Written by Kayla Young

Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less).