Acne cosmetica or acne that is caused by the use of cosmetics, is a mild form of acne that disappears when a patient stops using a particular cosmetic which caused the skin irritation. The cosmetics that cause acne are those high in oil content, which plugs the skin pores that is susceptible to bacterial invasion.

Make-up is known to often conceal psychological insecurities apart from its physical cover up purpose. Acne cosmetics are often used by people to conceal the acne problem because unfortunately, people are not aware of the “action and reaction” relation between acne and cosmetics.

Studies have shown that cosmetics or make-up does not cause true acne, but it can worsen the existing condition. According to statistics, 30% have the skin type that is prone to acne, while the remaining percent have the skin type that is capable of withstanding the effects. This just simply means that not all skins react alike to the same cosmetic.

Cosmetic acne can strike anyone, teenagers, women in their 20s to 40s, men or women alike. This is characterized by a small, rashy pink bumps on the cheeks, chin and forehead and typically develops to a few weeks or months, and may even be unsightly persistent and troublesome, though, it infrequently leaves scars.

People who are not physiologically prone to acne can actually develop acne through the use skincare products. Since cosmetic acne usually appears subtly after six months of repeated use of a comedogenic product, (substances that clog pores) most women will not realize what brings about the problem. It unfortunately becomes a vicious cycle, the more make up you use to conceal your acne, the more acne you get.

Nowadays, many cosmetics and toiletry products are claimed to be “oil free.” But this is misleading because the oil substitutes that are used are synthetic, which legally speaking, are more harmful than the excess sebum found on the skin that clogs the pores. Advertising claims for many cosmetic terms as "oil-free," "dermatologist-tested" and "hypoallergenic" can be very ambiguous. Oil-free cosmetics mean products have been formulated with no oleaginous ingredients, which would be appropriate for oily or acne-prone skin. With so many products claiming to be oil-free, “dermatology-tested, and “hypoallergenic,” it’s easy to be confused by clever merchandising ads.

Cosmetic acne or acne cosmetica is easy to get rid of. Simply stop using the product that triggers the acne, and the acne will disappear. So try to keep away from creams and treatments that contain derivates of lanolin (found in sunscreens and lotions), analogs of isopropyl myristate (used in foundations), laureth-4 and D&C pigments (blushers, eyeshadows, face powder). It would be advisable to read labels carefully as cosmetic manufacturers change their comedogenic ingredients frequently. Try using natural products that kill germs effectively without irritating your skin. Even better, opt for a pore-refining product that has skin regeneration properties as well. There are many products available in the market that are non non-comedogenic (does not clog pores) and this is an essential step in preventing cosmetically-caused acne.