Sweat and Foundation: New Study Sheds Light on Makeup's Impact on Skin Health During Exercise

A recent study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology has provided new insights into the effects of wearing foundation cream on the skin during exercise. Led by Eun-Jung Yoon, PhD, and a team of researchers from Texas A&M University-San Antonio and institutes in Korea, the study aimed to cultivate a better understanding of how makeup influences the facial epidermis during physical activities. With a growing trend of individuals wearing cosmetics while engaging in exercise, the study addressed the existing knowledge gaps and explored the effects on skin conditions such as moisture content, elasticity, pore size, sebum distribution, and oil levels.

The researchers enrolled 43 healthy college students—20 males and 23 females—to participate in the study. Using a skin analysis device, they assessed the participants' skin on various parameters before and after a 20-minute treadmill workout. The foundation cream was applied to one half of the face in two areas, referred to as the makeup T zone (MT) and the makeup U zone (MU). The other half of their faces, without makeup, served as internal controls, labeled non-makeup T zone (T) and non-makeup U zone (U).

The study’s findings were significant and suggest that foundation cream affects skin properties during aerobic exercises. After conducting the exercise protocol, moisture levels in the skin significantly increased post-exercise in both the T and MT zones. Furthermore, skin elasticity improved notably in these zones. However, while the size of the pores in the T zone increased following the exercise, the sebum levels decreased. Conversely, makeup zones demonstrated a marked increase in sebum levels. Oil levels rose in the non-makeup zones after exercise but decreased in the makeup zones.

The conclusions of the study indicate that using foundation cream while engaging in aerobic exercise can lead to a reduction in skin oil, potentially causing dryness. Moreover, makeup was found to clog pores and raise sebum production. Consequently, the authors suggest that individuals with dry skin conditions may consider avoiding makeup during exercise based on these results.

This study provides important information for the public, encouraging awareness of the potential skin health implications of exercising with makeup. Knowledge translation from such research can help individuals make informed choices about their skincare routines, especially those related to physical activities and cosmetic use.