6 Smart Ways To Cover Acne, Blackheads & Scars With (& Without) Makeup

Nothing can spoil your day (and mood) as swiftly as a glaring, red pimple staring right back at you from the mirror. But as annoying and inconvenient acne and pimples are, they are not really the end of the world. EVERYBODY GETS THEM. While some of us are lucky enough to face this problem every once in a while, others have to deal with it more often than they’d like to. 

And sometimes, even the best of skincare routines can’t help you keep this common skin problem away. But don’t let this stop you from going about your day as usual. While you can’t make acne magically disappear within minutes, you can effectively hide it with the help of the right products! 

Wondering how to cover pimples with makeup and without it? We can help you out! 

6 Major Factors That Can Trigger Acne

Before we tell you how to hide facial scars, blemishes and acne with makeup, let’s dig a little deeper into what causes this problem. Here are a few common triggers and causes of acne:

1. Hormonal changes
2. Certain medications
3. Oil-based makeup or skincare products
4. Lifestyle and Stress
5. Genetics
6. Frequent touch and friction on the affected skin

6 Different Types Of Acne You Should Know About

Acne is a broad term which encompasses  a number of variants. Here are a few common types of acne you should know about:

1. Blackheads

Blackheads are open bumps on the skin. These develop when dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells clog the pores. When they come in direct contact with the air, they oxidise and turn black, and hence the name. These are non-inflammatory in nature and are also known as open comedones.

2. Whiteheads

A whitehead is a common type of acne that develops due to the clogging of the pores. It forms when dirt, oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells accumulate on the skin and get trapped within the pores, forming a closed bump on the skin. They are white or slightly yellow in colour and are also known as closed comedones. 

3. Acne Papules

These are raised bumps on the skin that are usually red in colour. Like all other types of acne, this also forms when the pores or hair follicles are clogged. The pressure caused by the build-up in the clogged pores can rupture the wall of the pore and this can spread the bacteria into the skin tissue. And the immune system of our body responds to it with inflammation. The inflamed bump is a papule.

4. Pustules

Pustules are basically acne papules when they are filled with pus. The red bumps form a white or yellow head surrounded by redness and inflammation.

5. Nodular Acne

This is a severe type of acne because the infection caused by the bacteria in the clogged pores can go deep underneath the skin. It looks like a small bump under the skin. It can be skin-coloured or red when the inflammation increases. They do not have a head, and are hard and painful to touch.

6. Cystic Acne

These are pus-filled red bumps that form beneath the surface of the skin. Bacterial infection in clogged pores causes swelling in the middle layer of the skin, which results in cystic acne. These are tender and quite painful to touch and can linger for weeks or even months. These are the most likely to leave a scar.

While all of these skin problems can be super annoying, you can learn how to hide blemishes with makeup and without it for an easy quick-fix before you step out. 

How To Cover Acne, Pimples & Blemishes With Makeup?

Makeup can’t cure your acne, but it sure can help you hide it. Here is how to hide acne with makeup.

1. Concealer

A simple way to know how to hide pimples with makeup is by using concealer. For starters, always choose a concealer with a thick and creamy consistency. 

• Start by taking a small amount of product and dab it on the affected area with a small brush.
• Build up the coverage according to your requirement.
• Now, set it with compact powder to keep it in place.

Make sure to use a concealer that matches your skin tone perfectly. Otherwise, it will draw more attention to the affected area.

2. Colour Corrector

Wondering how to cover pimples with makeup? Simply use a colour corrector. Colour correctors use complimentary colours to cancel out pigmentation.  To cover acne, use a green colour corrector to cancel out redness. 

• Apply a small amount of it on acne using a small brush and then dab it onto the skin. Use a tapping motion to blend it into the skin. 
• Once it is completely blended, apply concealer or foundation on top of it and finish it off with a setting powder.

For hiding blemishes and acne scars, use peach or orange colour corrector in the same way. This simple trick is a great way to how to hide a pimple. 

3. Foundation

Using foundation is perhaps the best solution when you want to know how to hide pimples with makeup. Even if you are not willing to apply multiple layers of makeup, you can put this method to good use when you’re concerned with how to hide pimples with foundation only. 

• Start by moisturising and priming the skin. 
• Then apply a full coverage foundation that matches your skin tone.
• Blend it into the skin using a brush.
• Apply more to areas that still need coverage.
• Always set it with a setting powder using a tapping motion instead of swiping. 

Don’t have time to squeeze out those tiny, annoying blackheads before heading out? Use this method when your question is – how to cover blackheads with makeup.

How To Hide Acne, Pimples & Blemishes Without Makeup?

If you are not too big on applying makeup on a regular basis, here is how to hide pimples without makeup.

1. Ice Cubes

Ice cubes are very effective in reducing inflammation and redness on the skin. It will also minimise the look of your acne or pimples. 

• Start with clean skin.
• Take a thin cloth and wrap an ice cube in it.
• Place the wrapped ice cube on the affected area for a few seconds and remove it.
• Keep repeating this for a minute or two. 
• After this, use a moisturiser according to your skin type.

2. Acne Patch

Use acne patches to cover and treat your acne. These are like tiny stickers for your breakouts that act as a spot treatment. They minimise the appearance of pimples and accelerate the healing process. They can also help you prevent frequent touching and popping of the pimples.

3. Tinted Moisturisers

Here’s how to hide blemishes without makeup. Use tinted moisturiser all over your face and build up the product in areas that need more coverage. This will not only provide an even complexion by concealing blemishes, but will also keep you skin well hydrated.

6 Tips To Remember When You Have An Acne, Pimple Or Scar

While there are dozens of solutions to how to hide pimples without makeup and with makeup, your should focus on getting rid of acne and pimples for good. Here are a few amazing tips to help you reduce acne and scars. 

1. Use an over-the-counter acne treatment containing salicylic acid, lactic acid, or benzoyl peroxide to curb bacteria and dry out the acne.
2. Always use oil-free and non-comedogenic makeup products and sunscreen.
3. Keep your hair clean and away from your face.
4. NEVER EVER pop a pimple, no matter how tempting it may feel! 
5. Moisturise according to your skin type.
6. Avoid touching your face every now and then.

Acne, scars, and blemishes are extremely common. But luckily, it’s not really that hard to learn how to hide a pimple with and without makeup. For a long-term solution, build a skin care routine according to your skin type and follow a healthy lifestyle. Consult your dermatologist if the condition does not improve after 4 to 6 weeks of starting any treatment.

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