Tips for protecting your skin from Halloween make-up

Learn how to protect your skin when using Halloween make-up and reduce the risk of adverse reactions.

Halloween has become an increasingly popular celebration in Spain, even though it does not form part of the country’s traditional festivities. At this time of year, children and adults alike dress up in costumes inspired by witches, zombies, vampires and other Halloween characters.

Make-up often plays an important role in creating these looks.

However, costume make-up is applied directly to the skin and may cause irritation or other adverse reactions if appropriate precautions are not taken. These products may contain different pigments, preservatives and other ingredients from those found in everyday cosmetics, and some formulations — particularly dense or highly occlusive ones — may be less well tolerated by certain skin types.

“The main risk associated with typical Halloween make-up products is the possibility of developing comedonal acne as a result of pore blockage. These products often have a denser texture and may contain relatively high proportions of waxes or oils to improve coverage and help them remain on the skin for longer,” explains Dr María Marcos , a specialist at Grupo Pedro Jaén.

Comedonal acne can present as closed comedones or whiteheads, open comedones or blackheads and, in some cases, inflammatory lesions.

Mild cases may gradually improve with an appropriate skincare routine and non-comedogenic products, whereas more persistent or inflammatory acne may require specific dermatological treatment.

“It is particularly important to take care with the products used around the eyes and on the neck, as the skin in these areas is thinner and may be more susceptible to irritation or allergic reactions,” explains Dr Marcos.

How to protect your skin from Halloween make-up

The following measures can help reduce the risk of skin problems associated with Halloween make-up:

Choose appropriate make-up products

Avoid choosing a product solely on the basis of price because you intend to use it only once. Buy cosmetics from reputable retailers and check that they comply with applicable cosmetic safety regulations. Labels such as dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic or non-comedogenic may provide useful information about a formulation, but they do not guarantee that an individual will not develop irritation, allergy or acne. Professional costume or theatrical make-up from established manufacturers may be preferable when extensive or elaborate make-up is required.

Check products left over from previous years

If you plan to reuse make-up or special-effects products from previous Halloweens — such as prosthetics, artificial scars or fake blood — make sure they are still in good condition. Check the expiry date or period-after-opening symbol and make sure the packaging has been stored and closed correctly. Discard the product if its colour, smell or texture has changed, if ingredients have separated unexpectedly or if there are any other signs of deterioration.

Before applying Halloween make-up

If you are using a new product, particularly if you have sensitive or reactive skin, you can test a small amount on a limited area first. A small-area test may reveal immediate irritation or obvious intolerance, although it cannot rule out every type of allergic or delayed reaction.

Before applying costume make-up, cleanse the skin gently using your usual products and apply an appropriate moisturiser. This can help support the skin barrier and make the make-up easier to apply and remove.

A make-up setting spray may be useful with some formulations if it helps reduce the need for repeated touching or reapplication, provided the product itself is well tolerated.

When you get home after Halloween

Removing the make-up thoroughly at the end of the day is particularly important. Costume and theatrical make-up is often denser, more pigmented or more resistant than conventional make-up and may therefore require additional care during removal.

Some products may need an oil-based or waterproof make-up remover to remove them without excessive rubbing. The eye area should be cleansed gently with a product suitable for use around the eyes, and any adhesive used for false eyelashes should be removed carefully.

“No matter how late it is or how tired we are, we should take the time to remove costume make-up completely before going to bed and make sure no significant residue remains on the skin,” Dr Marcos explains.

After cleansing, an appropriate moisturiser can help support the skin barrier.

Take particular care with Halloween make-up if…

People with severe or actively inflamed acne, an active allergic reaction, areas of irritated or peeling skin, sensitive skin or inflammatory conditions such as rosacea should be particularly cautious with heavy costume make-up. Depending on the severity and activity of the condition, it may be advisable to avoid applying these products to affected areas.

Adhesive prosthetics and special-effects products used to create simulated wounds, scars or damaged skin can also cause irritation because of the glues, silicones or other materials involved. They may therefore be unsuitable for irritated, reactive or damaged skin.

In these cases, non-adhesive accessories such as wigs, masks or other costume elements may be a better option.

Remove Halloween make-up immediately if…

• Your skin becomes markedly tight, painful, itchy or starts to burn.
• Your eyes become watery, painful or irritated.
• You develop a rash, wheals or papules, whether or not they itch.
• Significant swelling develops, particularly around the eyelids, cheeks or lips.

We invite you to share this article on protecting the skin from Halloween make-up with family and friends who may find it useful.