7 tips for choosing foundation for problem skin

Updated: 03/07/2021 15:18:53

Expert: Ekaterina Alekseevna Savitskaya

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Not only foundation, but also powder can hide papules, ulcers, flaky areas and other skin blemishes. It smoothes out the complexion and remains completely invisible. Our experts have selected the ten best cosmetics for problem skin and compiled a rating based on consumer opinions.

Cosmetologists believe that a high-quality decorative product meets the following parameters:

1. suitable for skin type;
2. eliminates acne and inflammation;
3. does not clog the openings of the sweat glands;
4. does not include oils;
5. created on the basis of antibacterial substances;
6. has no pronounced odor;
7. is hypoallergenic;
8. relieves irritation;
9. is used sparingly;
10. has a long shelf life.

For convenience, the rating is divided into three categories depending on the form of release.

Which foundation to choose for problem skin?

This cosmetic product contains tinting pigments that help hide imperfections, even out complexion and texture. It usually also contains caring components. The foundation can have different release forms[207]:

• Cream. It has a dense texture that hides acne* and other imperfections well. But it can lead to rapid contamination of pores.
• Mousse. It has an almost weightless consistency and has a light toning effect, which is not always enough to disguise imperfections.
• Cream powder. Easy to apply, mattifies the skin well, smoothes its surface and hides imperfections.
• Fluid. It has a light liquid texture, evens out the skin well, and has medium coverage. Often contains antibacterial components and acids.
• Cushion. It has a weightless texture and is easy to apply. Due to the different coating densities, you can choose an option to camouflage serious flaws.
• Powder (loose, compact). Designed for correction and fixation of makeup, often has a mattifying effect.
• BB cream. Hides fine wrinkles, pimples*, redness, provides hydration and toning.
• CC cream. Contains tint pigments and light-scattering particles that correct complexion. But unlike BB cream, it does not hide imperfections so well.

If you need to hide acne* with cosmetics, you should choose a light toning fluid or BB cream with minerals. It will help even out the skin texture and give it a beautiful matte shade. [207]

Zao Make-up

The French brand Zao Make-up is very well known among professional makeup artists and cosmetologists. It is loved for its delightful texture, durability and, at the same time, completely natural composition. This is especially true when models have to apply makeup frequently and their skin is under constant stress, and such an organic product is just a godsend.

Glowing, soft, healthy and well-groomed skin, without a mask effect, ideal camouflage of imperfections. Zao Make-up is just a loose powder, so get ready for a thorough make-up and stock up on a good brush!

Mineral powder has made its own small revolution in cosmetology and makeup. Powder not only adds beauty to the skin or disguises blemishes, it gently cares for the skin, gives it protection and even slows down the aging process.

Rules for choosing a foundation for acne

Manufacturers of cosmetics for problem skin focus not only on flawless coverage, but also on proper care, enriching the products with vitamins, minerals, and other useful ingredients. Here are some recommendations to help you choose a foundation:

1. Experts recommend choosing products with a light texture; it allows the skin to breathe, but will not effectively hide the rash.
2. Hypoallergenicity is one of the main properties of foundation for problem skin. In most cases, it is sensitive, prone to irritation. It is important that the cream does not contain components that can provoke irritation, redness, or new inflammation.
3. Creams with a dense texture are better at hiding post-acne scars and pimples*, but they clog pores, attract impurities, and interfere with the release of sweat and sebum. This creates the same anaerobic effect that promotes the proliferation of propionibacteria.
4. On the face, the product should not look like a mask. This applies to both density and shade. You still won’t be able to make the rash invisible; set yourself a goal - to make it less noticeable by choosing the most natural color possible.
5. The SPF factor must be indicated on the bottle. Sensitive and inflamed skin needs protection from ultraviolet radiation.
6. It’s good if the foundation contains components with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.
7. To hide oily shine, you need to choose products with a mattifying effect. They may contain extracts of St. John's wort, chamomile, and tea tree.

Many manufacturers claim that cosmetics do not interfere with skin respiration. Unfortunately, this is not true. Therefore, even the lightest foundation can interfere with the release of sebum. To prevent this from happening, it is important not only to know how to hide acne* with foundation, but also to use non-comedogenic products for this. [207]

What is mineral powder?

Initially, mineral powder was available only to specialists in aesthetic medicine clinics. With the help of the product, skin healing was accelerated after various operations and injuries. Currently, this powder has firmly established itself in ordinary cosmetic bags due to its natural composition and beneficial properties. The product not only reliably fixes makeup, evens out skin tone, disguises imperfections, but also has a healing effect.

If ordinary powder consists of chemical compounds together with natural components, then mineral powder contains crushed minerals. They do not cause allergies, do not clog pores, do not provoke inflammation and perfectly absorb sebum, thereby protecting the skin from oily shine.

Composition of foundation for problem skin

To hide acne* on your face, you need to use a foundation that is designed specifically for problem skin. Its formula usually contains the following components [208]:

• zinc (regulates sebum production);
• salicylic acid (has antibacterial properties);
• vitamins (strengthen skin immunity);
• antioxidants (protect the epidermis from free radicals);
• silicon, perlite (mattify oily skin);
• hyaluronic acid (restores the hydrobalance of epidermal cells);
• SPF filters (protect the epidermis from ultraviolet radiation);

The foundation contains thermal water, rich in minerals, as well as light silicones, which ensure convenient application of the product. [208]

Benefits of mineral powder

1. There is no need to prepare the skin before applying the product: the powder is applied in a thin, invisible layer.
2. The minerals included in the composition are the purest inorganic substances that do not cause allergic reactions, rashes, inflammation or clogging of pores. Therefore, the powder can be safely used by people with oily and problematic skin.
3. Some of the minerals effectively absorb ultraviolet radiation, so there is no need to apply an additional product with an SPF filter before going outside.
4. Mineral powder does not have a wide range of shades, but it does a good job of masking inflammation, redness, fine lines and dark circles under the eyes. Thanks to its light consistency, this beauty product does not highlight imperfections.
5. Mineral powder has virtually no shelf life: the fact is that minerals do not deteriorate and are natural preservatives in which bacteria do not multiply.
6. The product is consumed very slowly, so one jar will last for a long time. There is definitely no need to regret spending money.
7. Mineral powder can be applied even after deep peeling and chemical cleansing. It will not cause irritation; on the contrary, it will accelerate tissue regeneration and protect the skin from the negative effects of the environment.

How to hide acne* on your face: choosing the right shade of foundation

The most common female mistake is choosing a foundation exclusively to match the tone of your face. At the same time, they forget about the neck, which is usually 1-1.5 shades darker. It's okay if the makeup base is a little darker than your natural skin color. The main thing is that after applying it, the face and neck have the same shade. [207]

Women who have close blood vessels should choose a beige foundation. It is better to avoid products with a cool pink tone, as they will once again focus attention on the redness. [207]

Rating of mineral powders

When compiling the rating, the vyborexperta.ru team took into account many factors. Of primary importance is the opinion of leading cosmetologists and makeup artists, user reviews and the availability of cosmetic products for free sale. Each nominee included in the rating review was assessed for compliance with the following selection criteria:

• Compound;
• Texture;
• Consistency;
• Caring properties;
• Efficiency;
• Hypoallergenic;
• Hue;
• Durability;
• Feel;
• Smell.

When choosing, all nominees were tested for the composition of the mineral complex. This important criterion is directly responsible for the hypoallergenicity and safety of the products. The beneficial complex should not consist of preservatives, fragrances, wax, parabens and oils.

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Don't forget about treatment

Using cosmetics for acne is not prohibited, but you need to remember that cosmetics need to be selected carefully; they should be specifically for oily skin with an anti-comedogenic composition. But cosmetics only mask imperfections and, even if they contain vitamins and other useful components, they are not able to cure acne. The second important point is removing makeup. Even one night with foundation can lead to acne appearing on your face in the morning. Don't take risks, don't forget to wash off your makeup in the evening.

If you have problematic acne-prone skin, you should see a dermatologist. The doctor will select a set of medications for you to treat acne. For mild to moderate acne, azelaic acid, for example, Azelik® gel, can be prescribed. [5,9]

The drug normalizes the keratinization processes occurring in the follicles and exhibits antimicrobial activity against propionibacteria and Staphylococcus epidermidis. [5]

Azelik® gel reduces the level of free fatty acids on the skin. The anti-inflammatory effect of the drug is presumably due to a decrease in the metabolism of neutrophil granulocytes and a decrease in their production of free radical forms of oxygen. [5]

*acne

For dry surfaces

TF Cosmetics Mineral powder

Our review opens with fairly cheap, but at the same time very effective mineral-based products. It was developed by Polish cosmetologists specifically for mature problem skin. The manufacturer claims that this powder is based on exclusively natural raw materials. Indeed, reviews confirm this - the composition turned out to be quite decent, and no undesirable or aggressive products were found. But there is a light ultraviolet filter SPF10, with which it is possible to provide complete protection of the skin from harmful sunlight, which is quite important in the hot summer months.

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The composition is non-comedogenic, so the powder does not clog pores, the skin breathes freely throughout the day. It has been noted that the products are an excellent solution for dehydrated, problematic skin that has already begun to show signs of aging. Using powder, you can quickly disguise skin defects without drying it out. The minerals contained here absorb excess secretions, give the skin a natural matte shine, and the powder also contains extracts of algae, aloe vera and rooibos.

Advantages:

• Low price;
• Well masks even serious imperfections;
• Qualitatively protects against the negative effects of ultraviolet rays;
• Additionally nourishes and moisturizes the skin.

Flaws:

• Not every fashionista likes a very rich and thick aroma.

TF Cosmetics Mineral powder

Ecocera Banana Loose Powder

Next we have another Polish-made composition from the budget price category. Cosmetologists developed it specifically for dry and particularly sensitive skin of any age, which is prone to various types of rashes and irritation. Despite the reasonable cost, the products turned out to be of quite high quality, they are easy to use, and they are made exclusively from natural ingredients. The powder is absolutely not felt on the surface of the skin, the coating is soft and weightless, the skin becomes even, and all minor imperfections disappear.

The powder fights well even against oily shine throughout the day. The composition contains banana extract, which is characterized by the presence of antioxidant qualities. In addition, it also has nutritional properties - it contains a large amount of vitamins and minerals that are so necessary for problem skin. The powder has a calming and restorative effect.

Advantages:

• It is not felt at all on the skin of the face;
• Hides minor defects and oily shine;
• Consists exclusively of natural ingredients.

Flaws:

• Difficult to find in stores.

Ecocera Banana Loose Powder

Coverderm Camouflage Compact Powder

In this review, this is one of the most expensive products, but in terms of its positive qualities, the powder is significantly superior to all others. It not only masks imperfections, but has a certain healing and restorative effect. With its regular use, the quality of the skin noticeably improves. It is produced on the basis of rare natural ingredients that are able to heal imperfections and saturate the skin with the necessary amount of moisture. After its use, the epidermis acquires a healthy matte shine.

The powder can reliably hide defects such as vitiligo and various birthmarks. Professional cosmetologists recommend using it as a post-procedure makeup, especially if the skin has undergone invasive procedures, cleansing or peeling. It was developed taking into account all the characteristics of dry skin, does not cause allergic reactions, and has high waterproof characteristics.

Advantages:

• Nourishes and restores the skin;
• It can be used after most cosmetic procedures;
• Suitable as a makeup finishing product.

Flaws:

• It's very expensive.

Coverderm Camouflage Compact Powder

Make up Factory Mineral Compact Powder

Mineral-type products developed by German dermatologists and cosmetologists. It is characterized by the highest quality and has an excellent texture, which makes application and distribution over the skin easier. The product returns a matte shine to the skin, hides any imperfections, and makes the complexion as smooth and natural as possible. The powder is made from natural ingredients with the addition of minerals, which give the skin additional nutrition.

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This cosmetics is completely invisible on the face, and besides, it is not felt at all on the skin. The layer turns out thin and weightless, makeup is firmly fixed on it. The product is also characterized by antiseptic qualities - it quickly relieves irritation and inflammation. Belongs to the group of professional cosmetics, can be used daily, comes in a very convenient case with a small mirror.

Advantages:

• High antiseptic characteristics;
• The complexion becomes smooth and natural, the skin acquires a matte shine;
• Forms a thin and absolutely weightless layer.

Flaws:

• The price is much higher than average.

Make up Factory Mineral Compact Powder

Enough Collagen Hydro Moisture

The powder is produced by a world-famous South Korean company and has unique qualities. In particular, it is able to adapt to the natural skin tone; the product not only masks imperfections, but gets rid of them, evens out the skin without clogging the pores. The composition contains a significant proportion of collagen, which retains moisture in the layers of the epidermis, making the skin more elastic and toned. The coating is matte. The powder is absolutely hypoallergenic and does not cause irritation.

It is very easy to apply to the skin; the skin becomes silky to the touch. With this powder you can keep your makeup fresh throughout the day. The product particles are very small, so it is evenly distributed over the surface of the face without forming areas with excess. Additionally, there is also an ultraviolet filter SPF25. Often even professional makeup artists use this powder.

Advantages:

• When applied, it acquires the same tone as the skin itself;
• Applies evenly to the face;
• Carefully hides imperfections.

Flaws:

• There is a foreign smell, although it is weak and quite pleasant.

Enough Collagen Hydro Moisture Powder

Against dull complexion and photoaging

Glow-C Enzyme Powder

Suitable for: universal product for all skin types How to use correctly:

1) in professional care - to prepare the skin for peelings, cleansing and other intensive procedures; 2) in home care - 1-3 times a week while washing your face. More frequent use is possible, but after consultation with a cosmetologist.

The powder opens the new Glow Skin series, created to give the skin a healthy glow and shine. The main active component of the product is vitamin C, which acts as a powerful antioxidant, stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture and color.

The packaging of the powder is designed in the recognizable style of the ARAVIA Professional series. The product is available in a 150 ml bottle with a protective cap. The product lid is equipped with a disc top that can be easily opened with one hand. Simply press the top of the cap and turn the bottle upside down to release the product onto your skin.

Upon contact with water, the powder turns into airy foam. While washing your face, you can feel the refreshing aroma with citrus notes. This scent is pleasantly invigorating and uplifting. Despite the fact that the aroma is quite pronounced, it does not remain on the skin for long and quickly dissipates.

After using the powder, the skin becomes clean, matte and smooth. The product has a cumulative effect: if you use it every week, the skin tone is gradually evened out, its smoothness and elasticity increase.

Try something new >>

The best enzyme peeling gels for the face

Gel-like exfoliants to remove dead skin cells. They differ in active components, their concentration, and severity of action.

Gigi Classic Enzymatic peeling gel

A fermented exfoliant and at the same time a massage product made in Israel with antioxidants for facial skin care. Active ingredients are microcapsules with acids (citric, ascorbic) that dissolve and remove dead cells and comedones. When performing a massage, they seem to be injected into the epidermis, moisturize it, and then neutralize toxins and brighten the tone.

The gel-like texture transforms into a thin, delicate oil with a pleasant aroma. Additional components - aloe vera extract, papain, subtilisin, lipase, urea humectant, protease, amylase. The product is intended for all skin types without age restrictions. The soft packaging, 150 ml tube, demonstrates economical consumption.

Advantages:

• Professional level brand;
• Gentle surface cleansing;
• Beautiful holographic texture;
• Universal purpose;
• Powerful antioxidant effect;
• Softening, moisturizing.

Flaws:

• Leaks during massage;
• Requires a long procedure.

Mikhaylova Enzyme Expertpeel Gel

Product from the professional series of a doctor specializing in dermatology and aesthetic medicine - Natalia Pavlovna Mikhailova. An enzymatic gel that guarantees intensive cleansing of dead skin cells and comedones. This effect is ensured by special active components - the patented Keratoline complex.

When the substances come into contact with the skin, they moisturize it, soften clogged pores, and clean the ducts of the sebaceous glands. After this, cellular renewal accelerates. The gel-like texture is evenly distributed and quickly absorbed without drying out the dermis.

The product was originally created with the aim of preparing problem areas for hardware, mechanical procedures in a cosmetology office. One bottle contains 300 ml of exfoliant.

There are two options on how to use this product. In the first case, this is an enzyme peeling at home - apply, rinse after 10 minutes. The second method is preparation in mechanical cleansing, when the gel covers the face in a dense layer, a film or vaporizer is applied on top for 10-40 minutes.

Advantages:

• Patented complex;
• Intensive cleaning;
• Deep penetration;
• Large volume;
• Universal purpose;
• Effect after the first procedure.

Flaws:

• Price;
• Hard to find in stores

What's special about the new enzyme face wash powders?

Enzyme powder is a cleanser in powder format with tiny granules. Upon contact with water, it turns into foam that softly envelops the skin. Despite its gentle effect, the powder does not just remove dirt, but cleanses pores, regulates sebum production, and improves complexion and texture.

The main components in the powder are, of course, enzymes or enzymes. They break down the skin protein keratin, loosen and exfoliate the skin well. In their action, enzymes are similar to AHA acids, but they work much more gently and do not provoke photosensitization.

Papain, a plant enzyme from papaya milky juice, is usually added to enzyme powders.

How does papain affect the skin?

• gently removes dead cells,
• has an anti-inflammatory effect,
• enhances tissue regeneration,
• brightens the skin and evens out the relief.

The best enzyme cream peelings for the face

Enzyme peeling for the face is a healing and biorejuvenation procedure, the effect of which is based on natural enzyme catalysts. They break down the protein keratin, causing old tissue to shed faster and new tissue to grow. Products with a cream consistency have a soft, delicate effect. Purpose: young skin, summer season. We have selected the best-selling, clinically proven products that have received high ratings from beauty bloggers.

Arabia Papaya Enzyme Peel

A professional cosmetic product made in Russia, providing soft and gentle, but deep cleansing. The main substance of the formula is a papaya enzyme of moderate concentration, capable of removing protein contaminants, sweat, sebum, and lightening age spots. Additional ingredients - allantoin, glycerin, emollient vegetable oils.

Regular use promises an anti-inflammatory, regenerating effect without a negative effect on small vessels. The product is intended for dry, sensitive skin types prone to rosacea, rashes, and irritations. Age indication – 30+, 40+. Sold in a white bottle of 150 ml.

Arabia cream is applied with a thin brush to the face and neck, evenly distributed in a thin layer. After 10-15 minutes, wash off with water. Serves as a preparation for subsequent care with other products. The composition excludes acids, so some buyers found the effect weak.

Advantages:

• Soft, effective effect;
• No discomfort;
• Pleasant consistency and aroma;
• Professional line;
• Fighting pigmentation;
• Economical consumption.

Flaws:

• Presence of chemical components;
• Price.

Beauty Style Control

Enzyme peeling for oily skin from an American brand for deep but gentle removal of the stratum corneum and all types of impurities. The composition includes several components - enzymes and clay, green tea extract, papain, jojoba oil, castor oil, fucogel, glycerin.

After application, the ingredients exfoliate dead cells, waste products of the sebaceous glands, even out the shade, and also tighten pores. Afterwards, the regeneration process begins, due to which the skin acquires a fresh, healthy appearance.

Regular use prevents inflammation, rashes, and other defects. Another valuable substance is escalol 557, which is an organic ultraviolet filter for protection from sun rays in summer. Sold in a soft tube of 50 ml.

The skin must first be cleansed of makeup residues and impurities, then apply the cream in a thin layer for 10-15 minutes. After this, the residues are washed off with water and lotion or other care product is applied. Recommended for the summer season, as it creates a protective layer against ultraviolet radiation. Age requirements: over 16 years old.

Advantages:

• Nice texture;
• Delicate care;
• Evening out complexion;
• Organic UV filter;
• Narrowing of pores;
• No feeling of tightness.

Flaws:

• Chemicals additives;
• Weak effect.