Whether you have severe acne or the occasional breakout, the ingredients in your skincare and makeup products may be the culprit or a contributing factor. Many people believe skipping blush is the best option for those with acne-prone skin, but non-comedogenic formulas provide all the beauty without specific dyes and inflammatory ingredients. Understanding why many red dye blushes cause breakouts is incredibly important for your overall skin health.
Red Dye Is Linked to Inflammation
Believe it or not, food manufacturers still use red dyes in formulas for candy, sodas, chips, cereals, and other foods. Although there’s a known link between red dyes #9 and #40 and inflammation in the body, many people continue to consume these foods. Inflammation in the body can cause acne and other skin conditions on the outside, and red dyes in makeup products can cause inflammation directly on the skin’s surface.
They May Cause Irritation
Artificial colorants, like red dyes, can irritate your skin and leave you with more redness than you wanted from the blush itself. Although your friends and family members might use specific products without issue, it doesn’t mean they won’t cause problems for you. Everyone has different body chemistry, and red dyes may or may not cause irritation for you.
When your skin is irritated, it can alter your overall oil production. Unfortunately, unbalanced oil production can increase your risk for breakouts and blemishes.
Your Skin Absorbs Product Ingredients
Although you might think your skin has a waterproof seal, it actually works more like a mesh material. It stops the big debris from entering your body, but it absorbs the small molecules from products you put on your skin.
Sometimes, red dyes come from coal tar, which may contain traces of toxins like lead or arsenic. Unfortunately, absorbing irritating, inflammation-causing toxins can wreak havoc on your skin and overall health. Although your skin absorbs products without your control, you can apply a naturally-formulated blush for acne and oily skin to ensure it doesn’t cause issues.
Even though it’s a known irritant, cosmetic manufacturers continue to use red dyes and other artificial colorants. Knowing why red dye blushes cause breakouts can help you make the best possible product selections for your acne-prone skin.