Q: Is it true that if I exercise while wearing make-up, it will cause my skin to break out?

A: According to Dr Karen Soh, aesthetic and age management physician at Paragon's Pacific Wellness Centre, comedogenic make-up, combined with perspiration and bacteria on the skin, is likely to cause clogged pores and acne breakouts.

Comedogenic means something that tends to produce or aggravate acne. So if you are acne-prone, Dr Soh recommends that you stick to oil-free and non-comedogenic make-up and skincare products.

Also, try not to touch your face during exercise as your hands are likely to mop up bacteria found on gym equipment and surfaces.

'To be safe, it is best to wear as little make-up as possible, or none at all, when exercising. Most importantly, wash your face thoroughly with a gentle cleanser after your workout,' she adds.

If you are going to exercise straight after work with your make-up on, it is a good idea to remove it to minimise the chances of your skin breaking out.

A convenient way to do so is by using wipes saturated with make-up removing cleansing ingredients. The ones from M.A.C ($29) and Nivea ($9.90) are pretty effective.

If you insist on wearing make-up while exercising, stick to non-comedogenic products, which are usually clearly labelled as such.

Bare Escentuals, Bobbi Brown, Clinique and The Body Shop are some brands that offer non-comedogenic cosmetic products.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.