How to ditch the show week spots

Ever noticed breakouts on your skin during show week? Here’s some tips and tricks I use myself - an easy skincare routine for theatre and dance students to combat acne cosmetica.

FYI: this article has been written by Bessie, a dance student and member of our teen committee.

Calling all performers! Got a show coming up this week? From ‘Les Miserables’ to ‘Legally Blonde’ in your musical theatre society, dance recital or competition, being washed out from the harsh stage lighting (although effective on stage - we love you, tech team!) can only be combatted with equally heavy makeup.  

This type of makeup on a regular basis during show week can clog up your pores, and if you don't cleanse properly, it can lead to a type of acne called acne cosmetica – AKA acne caused by heavy makeup or other cosmetic products.  
The most likely reason for acne cosmetica is not removing makeup at the end of the day, either completely or partially. With the exhaustion of show week, longer rehearsals and late nights, when I get home after a show, relaxing and getting into bed takes top priority. We’ve all done it - falling asleep with makeup on!

It’s really important to cleanse every evening, but especially to take makeup off, because your pores are more likely to get clogged that can lead to bacterial growth in the skin, which then causes spots and breakouts.

Here are some products that are really helpful for makeup removal in the evening: 

Cleansing pads - these are SO helpful to remove all makeup effectively, leaving your skin feeling soft and clean after all that hard work you put into a performance! This product is especially good for sensitive skin, as it has been dermatologically tested to ensure it is suitable for use on all skin types.  

The small, travel-friendly format is suitable to be transported to and from the venue among your stage makeup products, with no damage to the product, so you can quickly remove makeup before you leave the venue, if that’s more your style.  

TIP: in your routine, use the Cleansing Pads before cleansing to ensure maximum makeup removal in the evening! I love my Universal Cream Cleanser as a pair with my Cleansing Pads.  

Show week is exhausting

It’s only normal to feel tired – it’s not a usual day for anyone, especially when coupled with a full-time school schedule.

If you're finding that your consistency with your morning and evening skincare routine slips, but this time can be where your skin is at its most vulnerable.

I set a separate alarm on my phone to remind me to do my skincare routine, at appropriate times in both the morning and evening that work with my routine. This extra reminder can be really helpfulto ensure you stay consistent. Consistency is key!!

Prep is important

Dealing with active breakouts is difficult, we’ve all been there! Make sure you resist the temptation to poke or prod at any spots, this creates an open wound that is especially sensitive to any makeup product. Before applying any makeup, apply a spot treatment to the pimple such as Spot On Paste to gently reduce the appearance of blemishes, with a colour-correcting green paste that’s great to conceal redness.  

Whether you’re performing as a principal cast member, ensemble or dancer, don't lose the focus on protecting your skin in show week!

Of course, this isn’t the most important aspect of your week - make sure to have the best time doing what you love, with the people you love, surrounded by the buzzing atmosphere and adrenaline of performing on stage. Break a leg!