Researchers from Kongju National University in Korea conducted a study that explored how applying foundation before physical activity can influence skin health, including acne development and surface dryness. The work was documented in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (JCD).
The experiment enrolled 43 Korean students. More than half of the participants were female (23 individuals). Before the study began, all volunteers completed questionnaires to confirm the absence of serious illnesses and known allergies. Skin assessments included cleaning the face with micellar water, then measuring pore size, moisture levels, elasticity, and oil production with specialized instruments.
In a split-face design, foundation was applied to the T-zone (forehead and nose) and the U-zone (lower jaw, cheeks, cheekbones, and temples) on one side of each participant’s face, while the opposite side stayed uncoated. After the cosmetic application, participants completed a 20-minute treadmill session to induce a controlled level of exercise.
Upon re-evaluation, skin moisture and elasticity showed a slight uptick after exercise, with a more pronounced improvement in areas where foundation had been applied. Conversely, exercise caused pore dilation, making them more noticeable on the untreated side of the face.
The researchers noted that makeup can trap moisture and sweat against the skin, slowing evaporation and potentially contributing to localized irritation or inflammatory responses on the face.
Additionally, the study found that foundation-covered areas tended to become drier after the workout, with reduced sebum on the skin’s surface. These findings suggest that cosmetic products can affect the stratum corneum’s moisture balance during physical activity (citation: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology; Kongju National University study). Previous ophthalmology guidance has cautioned against certain eye-makeup techniques that may accompany such routines (citation: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology).”