Common causes of foundation oxidation
Foundation oxidation occurs when the pigments in the foundation react with the oxygen in the air, causing the colour of the foundation to change. The most common causes of foundation oxidation are:
- Exposure to sunlight - Exposure to sunlight can cause the foundation to oxidize, especially if the foundation does not contain adequate UV protection.
- Poor quality foundation - Foundations that contain low quality ingredients or preservatives can easily oxidize.
- Incorrect storage - Storing foundation in a warm or humid environment can cause the pigments to break down and oxidize.
- Reaction with other products - Mixing foundations with certain skincare or makeup products can cause the foundation to oxidize.
- Incorrect shade matching - It is important to choose a foundation shade that matches your skin tone, as a foundation that is too dark can oxidize and change colour.
How to identify oxidized foundation
Identifying oxidized foundation can be a bit tricky, but there are some tell-tale signs to look out for:
- Colour change - The most obvious sign of oxidized foundation is a change in colour. If the foundation looks darker or more orange than when you first bought it, it may have oxidized.
- Texture change - Oxidized foundation may also have a thicker or more clumpy texture. This is because the pigments have broken down, causing the product to separate.
- Unpleasant smell - If the foundation has a strange or unpleasant smell, it may be a sign that it has gone bad.
- Poor performance - An oxidized foundation may not blend as well or last as long as it should.
The effects of oxidized foundation on the skin
Oxidized foundation can have negative effects on the skin, including:
- Clogging pores - Oxidized foundation can clog pores, leading to breakouts and other skin irritations.
- Darkened patches - If the foundation oxidizes on the skin, it can create darkened patches that are difficult to blend out.
- Uneven skin tone - An oxidized foundation can create an uneven skin tone, especially if the product has changed to a darker or more orange shade.
- Accelerated aging - Oxidized foundation can also accelerate the aging process, causing the skin to look dull and tired.
To avoid the negative effects of oxidized foundation, it is important to properly store your makeup, choose high-quality products, and correctly shade match your foundation. If you suspect your foundation has oxidized, it may be time to invest in a new bottle to keep your skin looking its best.
Strategies for Preventing Foundation Oxidation
The frustration of buying a perfect foundation only to have it change colours a few hours later is something we all have experienced. Oxidation is a result of complex chemical reactions of the ingredients of foundation with the skin, leading to a colour change. The good news is that there are strategies that can prevent this from happening:
- Match the foundation shade to your skin tone: The first step towards avoiding oxidation is to match the foundation shade to your skin tone. Using the wrong shade that does not match your skin colour can result in oxidation, as the formula of the foundation will react poorly with your skin.
- Use a primer: Primers are essential before applying foundation. They provide an even base for foundation, which reduces the effect of skin oils and porcelain seepage into the foundation. In effect, they save foundation by stopping it from reacting with skin oils.
- Avoid applying too much product: Applying too much foundation can lead to oxidation. The excess product could mix with the skin's natural oils to change the foundation's colour. Instead, apply a thin layer of foundation and add layers until you achieve the desired coverage level.
- Moisturize your skin: Dry skin cells absorb more moisture from foundation than hydrated cells. Oxidation is more likely to occur in skin cells that have absorbed excessive amounts of foundation. Proper moisturizer usage proves instrumental in preventing oxidation, as it hydrates the skin and reduces the amount of foundation that the skin cells absorb.
- Opt for long-lasting and oil-free foundation: Long-lasting and oil-free foundation versions are less prone to oxidation. They allow your skin to breathe by eliminating oils and perspiration seepage from the foundation, reducing the likelihood of oxidation.
How to Salvage Oxidized Foundation
It's disappointing when your favourite foundation oxidises, leaving you with no choice but to throw it away. Fortunately, there are tactics that you can use to revive your oxidized foundation:
- Adjust the tone with a white mixer: A white mixer is a product that lightens foundations, making them lighter. You can use a white mixer to take the orange tone away from your oxidized foundation, but be careful only to add a minimal amount as you can also lighten the product too much.
- Use a darker powder to deepen the tone: If your foundation turns too light or turns orange, you can still remedy the situation with the help of a darker powder. Dab a small amount of dark powder over the oxidized area to deep the tone. Remember to blend the powder correctly and apply it in small amounts
- Use it for a different coverage application: Applying oxidized foundation on the areas that require less coverage is also an option to avoid wasting the product. You can use it for contouring instead of using a bronzer or for a lighter coverage overall.
Common Misconceptions about Foundation Oxidation
There are various misconceptions about foundation oxidation that tend to confuse people. Here are some of them:
- Oxidation means the product is expired: Oxidation might occur with a product that is not yet expired. It occurs due to the reaction between the foundation's ingredients and the skin.
- The shade may appear darker when wet: Some people believe that when a foundation shade appears darker when wet, it is oxidizing. This is not the case since an oxidized foundation appears different even when dry.
- Oxidation can happen due to the sunscreen's ingredients: Although sunscreen in foundation can generate free radicals, which can cause the skin to react and oxidize the foundation, this is not always the case. The type of foundation and how it blends with the skin also affects the oxidation process.
The Science behind Foundation Oxidation
Foundation oxidation occurs due to the natural process of reaction between the foundation's ingredients and the skin. The process produces free radicals that cause the foundation to change colour as they bond with the skin's natural oils. The oxidation process accelerates due to exposure to oxygen and environmental stressors. Here is a breakdown of the scientific process:
- When the foundation interacts with the skin, it undergoes a process known as oxidative polymerization. The process involves free radicals (unpaired electrons) that combine with an available molecule to create a larger chain of molecules.
- The reaction triggers a chain of chemical reactions that produce more free radicals.
- The free radicals associate with melanin pigments in the skin, causing a breakdown of the melanin particles, and create a new compound with a different colour.
- The new compound produced is what causes the foundation to change its appearance. The foundation may either darken or get lighter, depending on the chemical reaction's intensity.
Foundation oxidation can be frustrating, but armed with the right knowledge, prevention, and fixing tips, it is not a problem with which you have to deal. Always keep in mind that it is an entirely natural chemical process, but proper usage and storage of the product can help reduce its occurrence.
