Hydrating Skincare is a way to improve our appearance and, as such, is something that most people take pride in. Yet women specifically are constantly bombarded with products for the face (and hands and eyes) that purportedly give us beautiful skin.
Primers offer a means to do just this, but at what cost? If you're like many women, you probably use these products without questioning if they actually do anything beneficial — or if they might even be harmful instead.
What Are Skin Boosting Primers?
Skin Boosting Primers are a class of make-up products that promise to set your make-up in place or add a little extra. Although you can use primers on their own, many people choose to use them as an under-makeup foundation or base. Primers help make-up last longer and make it look better by filling in the pores and smoothing out the skin — a perfect application for everyday wear and special occasions.
Some Benefits of Face Primers:
They keep the skin looking smoother and more youthful. Skin primers provide a layer of protection by locking moisture in the skin, which keeps it looking younger. Any lines or wrinkles will be less visible when this protective layer is intact. Keeping the skin moisturized may also look smoother and more even-toned. They makes make-up last longer, work better, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Apply primer before wearing any foundation or other make-up product that you want to last throughout the day, and you'll notice that your make-up goes on smoothly and lasts much longer than usual. Many Primers also give an illuminating or mattifying effect depending on your skin type and the look you’re going for. Those with dry skin will want a more hydrating primer, glowy primer while others with a more oily skin type will reach for the mattifying and oil-free primers.
They brighten the skin tone, even out your complexion, and prevent make-up from caking. Primers act as a barrier, preventing the make-up that follows from clumping in some areas, thus reducing the appearance of uneven skin tone. Some may also contain ingredients to brighten and even out the skin tone while they prevent the foundation from settling in lines and wrinkles. Some primers are alcohol-free, which can help clear up acne. Antiseptics often found in skin primers could also be helpful for acne. Since many of these products are applied to the skin before make-up, they may help prevent future breakouts. The main use of primers is for a pore minimizing effect that evens skin texture and “primes” the skin for makeup to be applied on top.
Some are formulated for specific skin types or concerns. Primers may contain different ingredients for different people depending on their skin types, concerns, or preferences, and a primer that works for you can help prevent make-up from settling in lines and wrinkles. At the same time, another may be key to preventing acne. Prevents oily skin, which is linked to acne. Oily skin tends to become clogged, so using a primer designed for oily skin can potentially prevent this from happening. Some primers have ingredients that help keep your skin from becoming too greasy or at least make it appear less oily. Especially for the t-zone area.
The "cooling effect" can reduce redness and irritation caused by irritation from certain ingredients in make-up. Some primers are formulated with ingredients that help absorb extra oil and prevent your skin from becoming irritated by the make-up you wear.
They make the skin look more youthful. This appearance is simply a psychological benefit, but it's still a real benefit that many women find desirable for their self-image. When your face looks less wrinkled and full, you're likely to feel younger, too. They may protect the skin from external irritants like pollution and the sun. The ingredients used in some primers have antibacterial properties, which might help prevent or reduce blemishes and skin irritation or discoloration caused by exposure to the sun. This is called photoprotection and is a popular benefit among women who spend a lot of time outdoors and those who work in places exposed to air pollutants such as smog. They almost act as a natural spf and many of them do have sunscreen in them which is a great addition to your makeup routine.
Some Harms of Skin Primers:
They may increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun. Many skin primers contain ingredients that have photoprotective properties, which can help to protect the skin from being exposed to harmful ultraviolet rays. However, if you spend a great deal of time outdoors, you should check with your physician before using these. They might be more expensive than regular foundation or concealer. Skin-boosting primers can be less expensive than the full-sized foundation or concealer they're replacing, but the price will depend on your chosen formula and how well it's formulated.
They may worsen acne or make existing acne worse. More and more companies are adding ingredients to their skin primers to help with discoloration (also known as hyperpigmentation), as well as checking on ingredients that might cause rosacea and other skin irritations, which may contribute to acne breakouts. Ingredients like silicones and glycerin are very often used in primers. They might have an expiration date. Many skin primers are meant to be stored in a cool, dark place and might not last as long from exposure to light or heat. Some do not have expiration dates, and others may indicate that they should be replaced after a short period, although their products will still be safe for use for some time after the expiration date.
Some may cause skin allergies or breakouts when you first use them. If you have sensitive skin, some primers might irritate before your skin becomes more accustomed to the new product. When you use them, there's a possibility that the breakouts will be worse than if you hadn't used them.
Tips for Using Skin Boosting Makeup Primers and Finding the Best Primer:
Stick with well-known and reputable brands. Do not use products that contain ingredients that you are sensitive to. If a primer is causing your skin to itch, break out or get red, discontinue use immediately. Examine the product and see if it contains any ingredients that might be irritating or drying. You might be able to find a similar product that can be used in its place with no adverse side effects. If you apply foundation or other make-up on top of your primer, be sure to use a liquid foundation rather than a cream or mousse. The cream might not be able to blend in easily, and since they hold up better in hot weather, they might make the primer thinner. Do your research and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Some primers may include tips on obtaining maximum effectiveness from their product, as well as things to avoid that can make your skin look dry, blotchy, or irritated.
There are primers that cater to a variety of different skin types and looks. Whether its primer for dull skin, reducing the appearance of pores, mattifying primers, color correcting primers, smoothing primers, illuminating primers, highlighters, and primers for combination skin.
Primers are a great tool to help women look their best and may even provide a psychological benefit that helps to boost your self-image. However, they have several benefits, but there are some drawbacks that you should be aware of and understand before choosing a product. It's up to you to research and find one that can provide the benefits you're seeking while minimizing any potential harm.
