Acne is not solely a teenager's burden, and it's not uncommon to have a few breakouts in adulthood. While waiting for them to disappear, it's possible to conceal them with makeup, particularly with a complexion corrector. Which color should you choose? How should you apply the corrector to achieve an even skin tone? Here are all our tips.
Which color corrector should be used to conceal a blemish?
Published on February 29, 2024, updated on March 25, 2024, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 6 min of reading
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The different types of pimples.
The appearance of blemishes on the face typically indicates an acne flare-up, a very common skin disease. Indeed, while people suffering from acne may sometimes feel alone with this dermatosis, it is important to emphasize that acne is the primary reason for consulting a dermatologist and it is estimated that about 80% of teenagers and 25% of adults are affected by this disease. The origin of blemishes can be varied : hormonal during adolescence and in adult women, but also environmental. Stress, a diet high in sugar, pollution, or even certain non-suitable cosmetic products can also be involved. There are different types of blemishes, which it is useful to learn to distinguish in order to better conceal them.
Whiteheads.
The emergence of whiteheads, or closed comedones, represents the initial stage of acne. These blemishes form when the skin's pores become clogged due to an excess of sebum or an accumulation of dead cells. This blockage prevents the sebum from being expelled, and its buildup results in a small white bump on the skin's surface.
Blackheads.
When the comedone opens, the oxygen in the air oxidizes the sebum plug and the dead cells, leading to the browning of the pimple: the blackhead then appears. Contrary to popular belief, open comedones do not indicate the presence of dirt on the skin's surface.
The papules.
When the accumulation of sebum persists or the hair follicle is colonized by the bacteria Cutibacterium acnes, a microorganism that feeds on the triglycerides present in the sebum, the pimple becomes inflamed and turns red. The diameter of these pimples is larger than that of comedones (≈ 5 mm) and they can be painful to the touch.
Pustules.
Larger than papules, red and sensitive, pustules have a white head filled with pus. The presence of pustules indicates a more severe and widespread inflammation and an imbalance in the microbial flora.
The nodules.
In advanced stages of acne, nodules can occur on the skin. These pimples are very painful and correspond to large papules that appear when the pressure is too high on the pore walls and the infection sinks into the skin.
If your acne is persistent, worsening, or it's affecting your mood, consult a dermatologist. With the right treatment, you could see your skin improve within a few weeks.
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Which concealer should you choose to hide a blemish?
Tone correctors are handy cosmetic products for concealing minor pigmentation flaws. They come in various colors, catering to different issues: redness, dark circles, dull complexion... And even small pimples! Indeed, contrary to popular belief, makeup and acne are not necessarily incompatible. The effectiveness of tone correctors lies in the use of colors that are complementary to pigmentation irregularities. In fact, two complementary colors cancel each other out. As for pimples, the camouflage technique varies slightly depending on their type. In all cases, it is important to choose a non-comedogenic product, which will not worsen your acne.
It is generally recommended to use a green concealer to camouflage blemishes. Indeed, this product works well in the case of red blemishes, due to the complementary nature of red and green colors. A small dab on the blemish is enough. Then, blend the product using a sponge or gently tap with your fingers. Your skin will then appear more soothed. For complete camouflage, it may be necessary to apply a traditional skin-tone concealer, such as an under-eye concealer, or a foundation over the green concealer.
Product Recommendation : To conceal your red blemishes, you can use the green concealer from Typology. In addition to having an immediate effect on redness, it reduces inflammation due to its richness in niacinamide and green algae extract, which are anti-inflammatory agents.
When it comes to pimples with a small white head, they are often more difficult to conceal. The orange concealers however, can partially mask them. Proceed once again with moderation to avoid any caked-on effect and apply a foundation over it for a more even and uniform complexion. Lastly, regarding blackheads, it depends on your skin color. If you have fair skin, we recommend starting with a yellow concealer, which will lighten the pimple's shade before camouflaging it with a concealer or foundation suited to your skin tone. If you have dark skin, an orange concealer will be more suitable and will provide a more natural finish.
Important : After using a complexion corrector in the morning or any other makeup product, it is essential to properly remove your makeup. This universal rule is even more true when dealing with acne as the accumulation of particles in the pores exacerbates skin inflammation. To deeply cleanse your skin, we recommend opting for a double-cleansing routine in the evening.
