Clogged pores:
Everyone has pores. These are the small openings in the skin where hair follicles exist and where your sweat glands can empty their contents onto the surface the skin. If you have clogged pores, it might be because your skin overproduces sebum or you may have an accumulation of dead skin cells and other debris in your pores. This will increase the risk of clogged pores leading to acne.
Always do a thorough cleaning of your face by using a good makeup remover followed by gentle cleanser with a cleansing toner as a last step of your nighttime cleaning regime. Exfoliate your skin with a chemical exfoliator e.g. Salicylic acid. This not only removes the dead skin and excess oil on the skin surface, it reduces the sebum production too. Topical retinoids address the root cause of pore congestion by decreasing sebum production and by helping dead skin to slough away.
Skin is too dry / oily:
Dry skin can make your foundation looks patchy or flaky – this could be the reason for your foundation separating. You should always moisturize your skin prior to putting on your foundation. Choose a moisturizer that contains hydrating formula e.g Hyaluronic acid or Ceramide to quench your thirsty skin. This will help your foundation to blend well into your skin and stay all day long. On the other hand, oily skin can split your foundation. Apart from regular exfoliation, moisturize your skin with oil-free hydrator to help your make up stay longer on your face. Choose a foundation that helps to minimize shine and excess oil that creates a natural matte finish.
Fine lines around eyes:
Skin under the eyes is thin and fragile, hence it is more prone to fine lines developing as young as 20s. When it comes to skin around the eyes, less is more. Apply thick layer of concealer or foundation in an attempt to cover or conceal the lines will make you look older. How to address this? Moisturize the skin and use a primer prior to your makeup. Injection of skin boosters that contain Hyaluronic acid and vitamins will help to minimize fine lines and plump up the skin.
Acne:
None of the foundation can cover the acne completely. The key is to address and treat the acne. Use of topical products that contain Benzoyl peroxide (fights acne-causing bacteria), Adapalene (help to unclog pores ) or Clindamycin can help to improve mild acne. See your friendly Aesthetic doctors or Dermatologist if you have moderate to severe acne as you may need oral antibiotics or oral Isotretinoin (Vitamin A derivatives) for a more effective treatment. Be sure to choose an oil-free and non-comedogenic foundation if you have acne-prone skin.
Uneven skin texture:
Covering uneven, rough and bumpy skin can be an ordeal unless you have the best foundations for uneven textured skin. If you put a thicker layer of foundation to conceal the texture, it may end up looking heavy and cakey. Uneven skin textures can be caused by large pores, existing scars as well as tiny skin lesions e.g. seborrheic keratosis, skin tags, seborrheic hyperplasia. Large pores can be managed by regular exfoliation, use of topical retinoids or retinols and a good hydrator. Fractional CO2 laser treatment can improve your large pores or existing scars. If you have unsightly bumps on your face, CO2 laser may be a solution to lighten or remove them. See your friendly Aesthetic doctors or Dermatologist for proper diagnosis and effective treatment to address the underlying cause.