‘My skin has not always been like this’: Mira Kapoor recalls battle with post-makeup acne

Mira Kapoor, a prominent entrepreneur and influencer, recently opened up about her ongoing battle with post-makeup acne, revealing that her skin condition has worsened over the years. In a recent Instagram video, she shared her struggle, describing how her skin becomes congested and prone to breakouts after just a few hours of wearing makeup. Kapoor emphasized that conventional makeup can ruin the skin barrier, leading to a prolonged recovery period of weeks before the acne subsides.

Dr Swetha Sridhar, a dermatologist, explained that adult-onset acne is more common than one might think, particularly in women after the age of 25. However, she firmly believes that the issue lies not in makeup itself, but rather in the pore-clogging formulas and poor removal practices. Dr Sridhar suggested that using non-comedogenic, fragrance-free products and double cleansing before bedtime can significantly reduce the frequency of flare-ups.

In addition to skincare practices, Dr Sridhar recommended managing stress, maintaining a balanced diet low in refined carbohydrates, avoiding the temptation to pick at pimples, and adhering to a gentle skincare routine incorporating actives like salicylic acid or niacinamide. Consistency is key, as drastic changes often do not yield better results.

Hormonal fluctuations, especially the presence of androgens, play a significant role in acne development. These hormones, found in both males and females, stimulate oil or sebum production, clogging pores and inviting acne-causing bacteria. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum period, or perimenopause can exacerbate acne. Stress also raises cortisol levels, indirectly increasing androgen activity and contributing to breakouts.

Other lifestyle factors, such as high stress, poor sleep, certain medications, and non-comedogenic skincare products, can also worsen acne. Genetics are another contributing factor, as even individuals who had clear skin during their teenage years can develop adult acne if their hormones or environment change.

While diet is not typically considered a primary cause of acne, certain high-glycemic foods and dairy products can indirectly affect acne by raising insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), stimulating sebum production, and increasing inflammation.