What Should You Know About Setting Sprays and Skin Health?

Setting sprays make your makeup look perfect and long-lasting. They have become an essential part of makeup routines for people because even if you have long-lasting makeup, a setting spray will help keep it fresh and intact all day, so there are no more worries about smudged makeup.

However, it is important to understand how these setting sprays can affect your skin. You must choose one that is suitable for your skin type.

Different Types of Setting Sprays

Hydrating Setting Sprays

These setting sprays are perfect for dry and sensitive skin because they keep skin hydrated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, glycerin, and many more moisturising ingredients.

These ingredients bring a shine and natural glow to your skin. Charlotte Tilbury setting spray is one of the best hydrating and lightweight sprays. 

Matte Setting Sprays

Oily skin types already have shine because of the oil. These matte setting sprays control the oil, which helps reduce the shine for oily and acne-prone skin. Controlling oil would also help makeup stay in one place instead of smudging all over the face. 

Illuminating Setting Sprays

These setting sprays are best for normal to dry skin because they give the skin a glowy and dewy effect. Some of the sprays contain light-reflecting particles that bring a dewy, radiant finish to the skin and make dull skin glow.

Key Ingredients

The makeup world offers a number of setting sprays for various skin types. However, to find the most suitable and effective setting spray for your skin type, you must understand the basic ingredients used in these products. 

Alcohol Denat. (Denatured Alcohol)

Alcohol evaporates fast, which is best for a quick-drying effect. These setting sprays dry faster than others, but they can be irritating or too much for your skin, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin.

Excessive usage could lead to skin barrier disruption, further damaging your skin. 

Water (Aqua/Eau)

These sprays are mostly found and used by people because they are water-based and do not cause severe skin issues. They are lightweight and generally suit all skin types. 

Glycerin

Glycerin makes sure moisture locks into your skin and keeps it hydrated for a long time. They are good for dry skin types because they are also non-comedogenic.

Botanical Extracts

Botanical extracts are natural ingredients like chamomile and green tea that are really good for sensitive skin because they can soothe and nourish the skin. 

Silicone

Silicone-based setting sprays are good for a smooth appearance of the skin. For example, dimethicone can help seal makeup and make it look smooth instead of cakey.

They are generally safe but might clog pores, so those with acne-prone skin should be more careful. 

Fragrance

A good fragrance always feels pleasant. However, setting sprays that contain fragrances often have synthetic fragrances, which can irritate the skin and are not suitable for people with allergies. 

The Pros and Cons of Skin Health

Pros

Makeup Longevity

Setting sprays are used to keep makeup on for a long time. They also keep the makeup fresh without reapplication. That’s why they can reduce skin irritation caused by constant touchups.  

Barrier Protection

Setting sprays can also protect the skin by acting as a barrier against environmental pollutants. 

Hydration

Nowadays, many sprays contain chemicals that keep the skin hydrated for a long time, which helps maintain the skin’s glow and gives it a dewy, radiant finish. 

Cons

Potential Irritants

Some setting sprays contain high amounts of alcohol or artificial fragrance that can irritate the skin, and some people even have allergic reactions. They are often not suitable for sensitive skin and make dry skin even drier. 

Pore Clogging

Many setting sprays have ingredients that clog pores for acne-prone skin. Ingredients like silicones can be harmful for oily or acne-prone skin if not properly removed. 

Barrier Disruption

Our natural skin barrier often gets disrupted because of the constant use of alcohol-based sprays, which leads to inflammation and increased sensitivity.

Conclusion

You can use setting sprays to keep makeup on for a long time, but be aware of the types and ingredients of the products before choosing one.

It is crucial to learn about the ingredients, types of sprays and your skin type before buying a setting spray to keep your makeup and skin safe.

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Jessica is our resident hairstyle expert. As a hairstylist with 15 years of experience based in Texas, she is the ultimate go-to person for picking the right hair color, choosing a trending hairstyle and any advice on hair makeover.