Bare Minerals Causing Cystic Acne?
By Marie Pepper
My Story of Acne Through My Life
I got complimented on my skin today. It completely took me by surpise because I have never been complimented on my skin. I have been complimented on my eyes, ambition, and style. But, never my skin. Since I was in 7th grade, I have been plagued with those bumps on my face. They take on many forms and go by many names including pimples, zits, boils, spots, breakout, cysts, and my least favorite: acne vulgaris (the name just sounds horrible!).
I have been through many dermatologists, each one striking both my ego and my wallet. It was humiliating sitting in front of each one as they crinkled up their nose studying the one thing I spent 30 minutes that morning trying to hide. They would prescribe it all: antibiotics, face creams, gels, Accutane, and soaps. I dreaded my follow up appointments even worse than my initial appointments. I knew they would be disappointed in my progress and make a snide remark doubting I was following their regimen, which, truthfully, I did.
Then I would be off on my hunt to find a new dermatologist, hoping to find the one that could both help my cause and not make me feel even more insecure about my face than I already was. I never found "The One". Defeated, I resorted to over the counter medicatons, Benzoyl Peroxide, daily masks, and Salicylic Acid. One time I was in such dispair that I bought the Salicylic Acid for wart removal since it was more potent. But, before you try that, it does absolutely not work - well, unless you count a stinging feeling followed by no progress treatment! I tried all of the name brands, the 3-step informercial systems (you know the ones), and store brands. Each would work for a bit then the acne would fight back - and come out in full force.
I was now in my early 20's and completely envied anyone with clear skin. I made a comment at work that I would need to run home and fix my foundation before attending a happy hour. The receptionist was astonished that anyone needed to fix foundation during the day. I had one friend tell me that I always looked like I had foundation caking near my nose (uh, thanks?). I had one very rude colleague deliberately tell me that I had pimples and her boyfriend loved her for her beautiful skin. She was older than me and had no excuse for saying something so hurtful. Goodness, I am 35 now and sadly, those comment still haunt me.
Finally, in my late 20's it stopped. I have no idea if it was a combination of every single treatment throughout my life or the simple fact that I was getting older. I still had small surface ones, but they were the exception rather than the rule. Then, shortly after the age of 30, I switched to Bare Minerals from their fabulous late night commericals.
I loved Bare Minerals. It didn't itch my skin. It felt so light and made me look glorious, even in pictures. I would sometimes mix it with moisturizer or water for an ultra sheer look or just do the "swirl, tap, buff". After a few weeks, I started developing hard knots under my skin. They were deep, painful, had no head, and sometimes would swell up my face. I had never had this type of acne before and I was puzzled. But, I didn't visit another dermatologist. I just dealt with it. I tried new treatments and soaps. It never occurred to me it could be my pure Bare Minerals.
After wearing the makeup and battling cystic acne for for over four years, something made me do some some research. In this, I learned that other women were having bouts of the cystic acne when using mineral makeup. There were two possible culprits: 1) a person could be slightly allergic to the mica and bismuth oxychloride and 2) it is so finely milled and goes in your skin to give its great appearance. While this is a top selling point for those with naturally great skin, it can cause microscopic tears deep inside and clog deep pores with bacteria, causing large, ugly cystic masses for those prone to acne (and I was never gentle about putting it on - I pushed it into my skin).
So, I quit using Bare Minerals.I switched to a cheap drug store brand, Cover Girl Clean, simply because after hours of internet research on foundations, I realized that there was no "perfect" foundation. So, if its a "crap shoot", why not try the $6 one?
It obviously doesn't go into my skin like the Bare Minerals did, but it doesn't give me cystic acne either. It looks good. The tea tree oil cleared up the rest of the masses beneath my skin's surface and I haven't had any new painful boils, cysts, whatever you would like to call them since I made the switch. The Walgreens Alpha Hydroxy Acid has been fabulous, and honestly, its the best bang for the buck, at keeping my skin soft and eliminating my old dark marks and scars. I will hopefully have a revew on that soon.
I can't say I have thrown my Bare Minerals away, even though I know I should because I'm sure its past its expiration date!! It does have a place in the back of my bathroom cabinet. I feel as if I do owe it some homage. I do wish my skin loved it as much as I did.
Comments
I don't know. All I know is that when I stopped using it, my cystic acne stopped. I know so many people have had reactions to the mica. I am positive it was the mica for me as well.
your story literally sounds exactly like mine. Im 22 and reallly sick of my acne and would do anything to get it away. I am buying new foundation but cant bear to throw away my 30 dollar bareminerals yet. THANKS
Your welcome!!! I have found that Walgreens Alpha Hydroxy Acid Cream mixed with a few drops of JASON tea tree oil every night really assisted in my "road to recovery". :) The tea tree oil will clear and prevent blemishes and the AHA will keep your skin turning over. It will cost like $16 and last for 2-3 months.
I am SO relieved to read your story. I had very good skin up until about a month ago when I started using some Bare Minerals samples I got for free. I went from having completely clear, smooth, even skin to developing hideous cystic acne (I currently have 7-8 cysts on my face) on my forehead and chin. It is so embarassing, especially since I just started a new job, and I kept putting more Bare Minerals on to cover it up. Now I'm starting to realize the Bare Minerals might be causing it! THANK YOU for sharing your story - I'm throwing out the rest of my Bare Minerals right now! I'm praying these horrible cysts don't leave scars...I just want my skin back!
Thanks again!
I am so glad to hear that my story helped! It was so personal and had some painful memories, I almost didn't have the courage to write it.
Thank you so much for posting your story here - i thought it was just me! I too started using Bare Minerals a few weeks ago and have started coming out in cystic acne. I have become really frustrated and depressed with it and suspected Bare Minerals was causing it.Now i have read your story im throwing the pot in the bin! Thank you so much xx
THANK YOU! I did some research and yours was the most well written and easiest to identify with. Everyone was telling me I was crazy for thinking such an amazign make up could be ruining what was other wise fairly nice skin. I just switched last week and already...relief! And no more dermatologists!
I just want to thank you for writing such a well written, clear article that I think just may be the answer to my prayers! I also have almost always had some degree acne but nothing too horrible. I recently started using Bare Minerals and alas, also started experiencing BIG, painful, deep pimples like I've NEVER had before. And just like you they really had no head and make my skin almost swollen. After reading this I think I now know why! The timing is too coincidental... I am stopping using it immediately and will be going to Walgreens as well tomorrow!!! Thank you... I hope this works! But either way, you're a great writer. :)
omg it never even occurred to me that this was the cause of my acne. never in my life have i had cystic acne until i started using this product.
I started using bare minerals three years ago which is when I started getting cystic acne. Now I am going to stop, as of today, using bareminerals and see what happens. Thanks so much for the article!!! This information needs to be more widely known.
I've struggled with acne ever since I was in 6th grade. I'm a junior now and I have the worst acne than I have ever had before! I've been using Bare Minerals since I got acne, and it never helped or worsened until this last year. Now I have huge, painful cysts on my face that I can't get rid of. I started using a remedy that my mom found where you have to put Apple Cider Vinegar on your face after washing and drink two tablespoons of it mixed with whatever you want to balance your pH levels. It's really helping overnight, but as soon as I put my make-up on it happens all over again. Thank you for this realization of what the cause was:)
I have had bad cystic acne on my chin since I was about 15, I'm now 18, and havent found anything (other than expensive prescriptions) that would clear the break outs and keep them away. I then read about using the Lady Soma Antioxidant Masque and have been using it for about 3 days now and am amazed. The stuff totally dried up my pimples and they are now scabbed over and healing.
I would not, however, recommend using the masque all over your face as it does dry out skin. Only use it as a spot treatment.
Thank you. I was a loyal "BE" consumer. I switched about 2 months ago to Makeup Forever liquid foundation because the mineral makeup wasn't giving me the coverage I needed. But I continued to use the bronzer on my neck. I currently have three large cycstic pimple on my neck and below my jaw. I am happy to know the solution.
Interesting! I had cystic acne for many years and my skin also cleared up. Then about 5 months ago I started using Bare Minerals bronzer and I am getting cystic acne again! I use tea tree oil as a spot treatment and pro-active. But after reading this, I am seriously considering getting rid of my bronzer
For those of you that had this same cystic acne reaction....have you found any other mineral makeup that doesn't break you out? I just love how bare minerals looks and I hate giving that up to go back to liquid which makes me shiny and feels so cakey...
EKP- Haven't found one yet. But I ordered samples from Everday Minerals. A friend suggested it and her face looks awesome.
I've been crying myself to sleep the last week or so over my horrible cystic acne. I too had acne problems growing up, but have had fairly nice skin the last few years. I'm 29 and started using bare minerals a few months ago...I now have 8 horribly huge & painful cysts on my chin. I am mortified and can barely bring myself to leave the house in the morning. After reading your article, I finally have some hope. I thought something had gone haywire with my hormones, but have now stopped using bare minerals. Thank you do much for writing this. And thank you to everyone else who commented in this thread as well. It helps immeasurably to know I'm not the only one dealing with this. Times like these, I'm so thankful for the internet!
I am hoping that anyone considering using Bare Minerals will read this review. I have always had acne prone skin, but found it cleared as I grew older. Wanting to experiment with new makeup, I bought a Bare Minerals kit. My skin became so dry and scaly that no moisturizer cleared it up. I also started experiencing deep cysts again. I felt like I lived at the dermatologist having cortizone injections. It was embarressing and expensive. I finally came across an article describing the allergic properties in Bare Minerals. I also started taking Spirolactone every day, which has been a lifesaver. I currently only use Clinique oil-free products, but when I need foundation, I turn to Benetint Fabulous Make up faker. It is oil free and provides great natural coverage. My 18 year old wanted to try bare Minerals and I discouraged her from buyimg it. She uses Benetint and Clinique as well and has pretty good skin for a teenager. If you are considering trying this makeup- just don't unless you are willing to risk ruining your skin.
I know Bare Escentuals makes the matte foundations vs. the original. Matte doesn't have bismuth but the box says it might contain mica. Has anyone tried it?
I use the matte foundation. I bought it 2 weeks ago and now have had 3 painful cystic pimples on my face. I just linked it to it being that time of month. I love my bare minerals and I really dont want to change it lol I paid a lot of money for the products! :( Ive always had really nice skin with a pimple or two here and there. Do you think maybe your skin just needs to get used to it first?!?
Hi there!! I don't believe skin should get used to anything. If it doesn't like it, why keep doing it to your skin and suffering from painful cysts in the meantime. :)
I have tried the matte and original foundations and haven't had reactions to either. I do know someone who reacts to it though. I don't think there's necessarily anything wrong with Bare Minerals' formulations. People simply have different skin chemistry and react to different products. My skin does very well with Bare Minerals, but reacts to any types of liquid foundation, especially those with perfumes.
Hello, I am 33, and have been using BE products (orig. Foundation, MV, and faux tan) for about 10 years. I started developing cystic acne, and blamed everything BUT the BE. (Denial? Lol) Thanks to your post, I just had a "lightbulb moment" and am quitting BE immediately. Thank you! Fingers crossed!
Thank you for your article! I have had clear skin for most of my teens and into young adulthood. I tried BE after hearing about it from a few friends and now have the worst acne I have had since I can remember. I stopped using it yesterday and am hoping that this was the culprit - I was racking my brain trying to figure out what I have done differently! Does anyone have any advice as to how to treat these painful pimples? Thanks!
fuzz 20 months ago
So what happened? Was the Mica an issue?