Countless celebs – like Alicia Keys, Gwyneth Paltrow and Drew Barrymore – flaunt their no makeup selfies. It seems the au naturel trend is taking over Hollywood. But is going makeup-free actually beneficial to your skin’s overall health and beauty?
ENTITY sat down with Natasa Bose, renowned Los Angeles facialist, to find out.
ENTITY: Alicia Keys and Kim Kardashian have recently been spotted embracing the no makeup trend. Is it beneficial to go makeup free?
NATASA BOSE: I love the look of a clean make up free skin. I think it’s all individually based on your lifestyle. If you feel more confident, in need of covering blemishes, live in a highly polluted environment and spend time in the sun, makeup could be beneficial. But if you like the way you look without makeup and you take good care and protect your skin from harmful free radicals, it’s beneficial to go without.
ENTITY: How do you recommend caring for your skin?
NB: It’s very important to prepare by cleaning your skin twice a day and exfoliating twice a week. To allow your skin to properly repair itself at night, use a gentle face cleanser to remove all makeup. Then follow with a pH-balancing toner.
After the skin is clean, use a hydrating repairing serum and moisturizer. In the morning, repeat the cleansing and toning process to wash away any accumulated toxins. Use an antioxidant serum to protect from free radicals and a moisturizer.
ENTITY: How many days would you recommend going makeup free? How important is it to give your skin a break?
NB: It’s important to give your skin a break from makeup as often as possible. This is especially true if you are using traditional makeup made with chemicals. It’s heavier on the skin and harder to wash away. I would recommend removing your makeup as soon as you get home.
ENTITY: Once you allow your skin to breathe, what changes should occur in your skin’s appearance?
NB: If you take good care of your skin and use mineral makeup you shouldn’t see any changes occurring. If using traditional makeup and makeup with chemicals, breakouts could clear up. (Unless they are caused by a hormone imbalance.) Blemishes can diminish if the makeup created a skin irritation.
ENTITY: What about for individuals who don’t feel comfortable going completely makeup-free? Are BB and CC creams healthy alternatives to liquid and powder foundations?
NB: Yes BB and CC creams will still give you light coverage and skincare benefits. You should still use your main serum under the BB and CC cream for maximum hydration and protection.
ENTITY: You’re a Swedish-trained esthetician. Are there any Swedish skincare secrets to healthy-looking skin that are not practiced in the United States?
NB: Swedish skin care methods are very simple and are followed by a natural and often makeup free look. Keep a healthy lifestyle and hydrate the skin with good products and water.
