Influence Of Cosmetic Foundation Cream On Skin Condition During Treadmill Exercise

There is an increasing trend of individuals wearing makeup while engaging in physical activities at the gym. However, the impact of makeup on the facial epidermis during exercise is not adequately understood based on current knowledge. PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the impact of a cosmetic foundation cream on skin conditions while engaging in physical activity. METHODS: Forty-three healthy college students, 20 males (26.3 ± 1.5 years) and 23 females (23.1 ± 1.0 years) were enrolled in this study. Foundation cream was applied to participants on half of the face in 2 zones (MT: makeup T zone and MU: makeup U zone). The other half of the face served as internal control (T: non-makeup T zone, U: non-makeup U zones). Skin levels of moisture, elasticity, pore, sebum, and oil were measured using a skin analysis device (Aramhuvis, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea) before and after a 20-minute treadmill exercise. Paired t-test and independent t-test were performed for skin condition measurements at pre- and post-exercise. RESULTS: The skin moisture levels in both the T and MT zones were significantly increased after exercise (p < 0.05), (Pre-T: 24.5 ± 1.3, Post-T: 38.5 ± 3.5 and Pre-MT: 18.7 ± 0.7, Post-MT: 40.4 ± 4.8). Elasticity also significantly improved in both zones (p < 0.05), (Pre-T: 25.6 ± 1.3, Post-T: 41.5 ± 3.5 and Pre-MT: 20.0 ± 0.9, Post-MT: 41.7 ± 3.7). The size of the pores in the T zone observed a significant increase after exercise (p < 0.05), (Pre-T: 41.7 ± 2.1, Post-T: 47.8 ± 2.4). The sebum levels in the T zone exhibited a reduction following physical activity, whereas there was a notable increase in sebum levels in the makeup zones (p < 0.05) (Pre-MT: 2.4 ± 0.7, Post-MT:4.2 ± 0.8 and Pre MU 1.8 ± 0.34, Post MU 4.9 ± 0.9). The oil level was increased in the non-makeup zones (Pre-T: 6.1 ± 1.4, Post-T: 11.8 ± 2.0 and Pre-U: 7.3 ± 1.5, Post-U: 11.9 ± 1.9; p < 0.05) and decreased in the makeup zones (Pre-MT: 13.3 ± 1.9, Post-MT: 7.4 ± 2.3 and Pre-MU: 22.1 ± 2.4, Post-MU: 3.2 ± 1.0;p). CONCLUSIONS: The use of cosmetic foundation cream while engaging in exercise helps in maintaining skin hydration. However, it is important to be aware that makeup can clog pores and result in excessive sebum production. Therefore, this study offers valuable information to the wider public, encouraging them to consider the possible consequences of using makeup during exercise.