Stage Makeup and Acne

[Tsybongo]

I am going to start a production of Sylvia in a few days, I normally use mehron student kit when I am doing shows but end up with clogged pores after and I am not even prone to acne.

 

Anyone have any tips on how to prevent this? Or products they have used with success? Should I switch to ben nye or MAC?

 

I always wondered how broadway actors wear this makeup everyday for years and don't get breakouts. Like Christy Altomare and Laura osnes their skin is so clear.

[trentsketch]

I had to abandon traditional grease paint because of skin issues. I try to find non-comedogenic foundation and use powders for any contour/blush.

I've had success with heavier products and special effects makeup using a moisturizer and then a barrier/setting spray before applying anything else. 

[veronicamae]

Elphabas get asked this a lot. They always say that the green makeup is extremely light (and water-based) - and it's MAC. They also get regular facials, which is something I would suspect many actors do for multiple reasons including this.

I don't have personal experience here, though; just reiterating what's been said in interviews.

[Niles Silvers]

It's not the products; it's your cleaning process.

[JudyDenmark]

I swear I am not a shill for the company, but try Drunk Elephant products. A lot of them have AHA/BHA in them which is a light skin peel that will help even things out, get rid of any traces of makeup gunk, and naturally unclog pores... but they're made from natural products that most likely won't cause an adverse reaction in problematic skin. I'd had crappy skin since middle school (I'm in my late 30s now), and am still in shock at how much these products changed my skin practically overnight. It's now flawless every day.

Specifically, look at the "Babyfacial" (for use once a week) and the "Framboos Glycolic Night Serum" (for use nightly/every other night), followed by one of their moisturizers. The products are not cheap, but man do they work, at least for me. You can find them at Sephora or on their website. 

Good luck!

[MadAboutTheBoy]

Try a primer. Another trick is to apply a thin layer of Milk of Magnesia. It helps create a buffer between your skin and the makeup.

 

[Dollypop]

I wore heavy makeup when I did THE KING AND I oh so many years ago. I used abalone cream to remove the greasepaint, then followed that with a witch hazel wipe-down. Lastly, I took a hot shower and let the steam clean my pores.

On matinee days I stayed in the theater and kept the makeup on.

[dramamama611]

Niles Silvers said: "It's not the products; it'syour cleaning process."

Largely this.

[CATSNYrevival]

Some of us just can't be helped. Over the years I've seen 4 different dermatologists, tried everything you can imagine, gave up wearing makeup all together, and still have acne. It's a disease.

[dramamama611]

And actors are using stage makeup less and less. My students have been in several workshops with bw make up artists that have made a point of saying this. Both recommend MAC.

[scripps]

I agree with the sentiment that your cleansing routine should be a priority. Look into incorporating a "double cleanse" into your routine, starting with an oil-based cleanser and then followed by a water-based foaming one. 

I had cystic acne in my youth which was calmed down by Erythromycin-Benzoyl Peroxide but surprise! Years after treatment and the reemergence of acne along my jawline, I was now allergic to benzoyl peroxide and graduated to Tretinoin to treat it, and treat it very effectively it has. Definitely consider adding a retinol to your nightly routine for clearer skin, but also remember to always wear sun screen if you do!