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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To Go Without Make-up

34 replies

Bubbles2002 · 02/05/2011 17:17

I am sure some will think this is a really trivial but then others will know exactly where I am coming from. Basically I have been suffering with really bad skin (spots) and it's really getting me down. At the moment it's like a vicious circle because when I don't wear foundation it improves quite dramatically (although still far from perfect) but then I also feel really feel self-conscious of my skin when I haven't got it on. So what would you do - would you just bite the bullet and not wear the foundation any more? I have tried almost every foundation and they all seem to make my skin worse so there is no point changing. I could go to the doctors for something for it I suppose but I am still breastfeeding and when I was on medication for it when I was younger I had inflammation of the gullet through it. It's making me very grumpy indeed. Opinions please. xx

OP posts:

DirtyBit · 02/05/2011 17:24

Just go without, give your skin a break for a while.
Nobody else will care, and you know yourself that your skin will feel better for it.

DirtyBit · 02/05/2011 17:25

Also, have you tried a medicated face wash or something to try and help, rather than tablets?

FabbyChic · 02/05/2011 17:28

I'd not wear foundation for a few weeks. I used to wear make up daily and would never go out the house without it.

However for the past two years, I've worn make up only about 9 times. I've had no spots since. I'm old too! Still look the same, it is all about your perception of yourself.

PinkIsMyFavouriteCrayon · 02/05/2011 17:28

What about a tinted moisturiser? I feel for you, it might be worth going to GP's anyway to see if their's anything at all that may be suitable?

doley · 02/05/2011 17:29

Give your skin a chance to breathe ,and don't use any face washes or lotions that are too drying ...it will only make the problem worse as your skin will try to overcompensate :)

Burts Bees make a lovely serum I know but ,it contains lovely ingredients and just a little might help clear your skin .

TheVisitor · 02/05/2011 17:31

Do go back to the doctor too, as there are far more treatments than there used to be.

Original poster

Bubbles2002 · 02/05/2011 17:33

Hi Dirtybit, thanks for the lovely advice. I think you are right about giving my skin a break and it's lovely and reassuring to hear that you think people won't notice. When you say medicated face wash do you mean from the doctors? I have tried all the face washes eg Oxy etc and none help at all, in fact they make it worse. Thanks for your help. xx

OP posts:

doley · 02/05/2011 17:34

Yep,that is what I meant :)

Those face washes do more harm than good IMO .

IgnoringTheChildren · 02/05/2011 17:36

I know you say that you've tried every foundation - does this include mineral foundations too (decent ones, ie LilyLolo rather than the many high street versions that popped up when it became fashionable a few years back). It made a big difference for a friend of mine who's skin would flare up with other cosmetics, however if it's one of the minerals (rather than all the other junk they put in regular foundation) that's causing the problems for you then that won't help...

TastesLikePanda · 02/05/2011 17:36

How about a mineral face powder? They give a light coverage, but don't 'coat' your skin. I've recently converted to them and they are fab!

TastesLikePanda · 02/05/2011 17:36

x-post!

browneyesblue · 02/05/2011 17:37

I was in a similar position, and it turned out I was allergic to an ingredient commonly found in make-up, shampoos, toiletries, face washes etc (parabens). It really was a vicious circle, as the products I was using to try and help my skin were the main cause of the problems I was having.

I switched to mineral make up, and it doesn't cause me any problems. However, I often don't bother and go without make up a lot, so it's worth a go :)

Original poster

Bubbles2002 · 02/05/2011 17:47

Hi all, I've tried a mineral foundation by Sheer Cover and that didn't suit me either. Perhaps I should test out some other ones? I suppose my gut instinct is just to leave the foundation off at all as I am just SO sensitive. But it's just such a big confidence issue with me, I feel so self conscious. I am sure if I could persevere with not wearing the make-up it would probably clear up a lot. Perhaps I should leave it a few more weeks and if it doesn't heal up - perhaps then I should consider doctors? Thanks so much for all your support. Up until a few weeks ago I would never consider leaving the house without make-up and go in to a wild panic if the door knocked and I didn't have my make-up on. When I first stopped wearing the make-up there was a dramatic difference but now I am still getting a few spots and I suppose I am feeling down-hearted. So you definitely think I should face my fears and carry on without wearing it?

OP posts:

izzywhizzyletsgetbusy · 02/05/2011 17:54

Your hormones are probably still in overdrive which could be exascerbating the problem.

One of my DF's swears by Witch Naturally Clear Oil Control Foaming Face Wash - it's cheap and cheerful and works for her.

Another friend suffers from severe acne which clears up when she goes on summer hols to the Med - sun and salt water can work miracles for various types of skin conditions.

Go makeup free for a while, bathe your face in a salt water solution, and get out in the sun as often as possible.

browneyesblue · 02/05/2011 17:58

Absolutely keep trying without it :) If the skin problems continue though, it may be worth going to the doctors, or eliminating other possible causes (face wash, hair products for example).

If you do want to try another mineral foundation in the future, LilyLolo (someone mentioned them above) sell small sample pots for less than £2.

Ephiny · 02/05/2011 18:11

I have sensitive skin and have had spots, I find the best thing is to leave it alone as much as possible - no makeup, and just use a gentle unscented wash/cleanser when needed (I don't even use this every day) and try not to touch my face any more than necessary.

If you feel you can go without the makeup then I definitely think you should give it a try, I bet you'll look fine without it and people won't notice anything like as much as you think :)

Rowgtfc72 · 02/05/2011 18:16

I'm 40 next yr and wear make up only for special occasions. I probably feel the same wearing it as you feel not wearing it. The only comments I get are "Haven't you got nice skin," no-one has ever mentioned I never wear make up. Give it a go, it can only do your skin good and you'll find you have more free time with not putting it on. You may surprise yourself !

Stricnine · 02/05/2011 18:20

I'm with Rowgtfc72 - only a tad older! - 48 next birthday and don't wear makeup or use any of the regularly advertised skin care 'stuff'... and also get comments along how young I look (!) and how nice my skin is - "what do I use" .. they never believe "nothing"...

Make up is not necessary on a day to day living level so let your skin recover then decide how you feel!

Crawling · 02/05/2011 18:29

I am 23 I used to wear make up and have terrible spots I had quite a few scars but I stopped wearing make up and given chance (and seeing the light of day) the scars seem to have gone and my skin is far far better, it takes a few months though but once you give it a try it is great now wearing makeup makes my skin feel grungy, heavy and dirty and I hate it.

Original poster

Bubbles2002 · 02/05/2011 18:50

It's so lovely to read all your messages, as it is tempting just to go back to covering up every day but I know it will never heal if I keep doing that. As someone on here said I do love the fact that I have much more time on my hands without all the time I need to constantly reapply. And when I am wearing the make-up it does make my skin feel heavy and itchy and almost like I can feel the spots appearing. I also noticed I am getting less migraines since I have stopped wearing it for the last few weeks - so I wonder if it was because it was irritating my whole system? Or maybe just co-incidence. Thanks again all.

OP posts:

IgnoringTheChildren · 02/05/2011 18:52

I also didn't get on with Sheer Cover (felt quite cheated as it's not cheap!) and wouldn't have gone for mineral foundation again if my friend hadn't raved about LilyLolo. I've also been braving the outside world without make up recently (by 'accident' at first - in a rush with irritating slow DS1 and needy - well he is a baby I suppose - DS2). It is quite liberating and I'm pretty sure that no-one notices! Hope that your skin clears up for you soon.

NinkyNonker · 02/05/2011 18:55

Trust me, no-one will notice. I feel horribly self conscious when my excema flares up, or I get a spot, but then if I am with someone with either I don't notice it OB them, if you see what I mean? It is always more obvious to you.

Just give your skin, and yourself a break. Not very pc, but a little sun will help as well I always think

SugarPasteFrog · 02/05/2011 18:56

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

olderandwider · 02/05/2011 19:00

I would recommend seeing your GP for a referral to a dermatologist, when you have time of course. It sounds like you are sensitive to something in cosmetics that may be exacerbating another condition.

valiumredhead · 02/05/2011 19:01

Have you tried Bare Essencuals mineral foundation - it's very good for problem skin. I've been using it for over a year now and no break outs at all.

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