How Margaret Qualley got rid of acne after filming 'The Substance'

Actors often go to extreme lengths to embody their roles. For Margaret Qualley, her commitment to Coralie Fargeat's critically acclaimed body-horror satire "The Substance" came with an unexpected and grueling aftermath: a year-long battle to restore her skin after suffering severe acne caused by the prosthetics used during filming.  

The Role That Took a Toll  

Known for her impressive performances in films like "Maid" and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," Margaret Qualley showcased her talent yet again in "The Substance." Starring alongside Demi Moore, whose performance earned her a long-awaited Golden Globe win, Qualley played Sue, a complex character whose journey required a physical and emotional transformation.  

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However, behind the scenes, the intense makeup and prosthetics used to bring the role to life wreaked havoc on her skin. Speaking on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast with Josh Horowitz, Qualley revealed that her skin suffered so severely during production that "there was a point where they couldn't film my face anymore."  

Filming began in the spring of 2022, but the prosthetics' effects lingered long after the cameras stopped rolling. Even as she moved on to her next project, "Kinds of Kindness," released in the summer of 2023, her skin continued to show signs of distress.  

The Culprit: Prosthetics and Heavy Makeup  

Prosthetics are a hallmark of body-horror films, enabling actors to achieve dramatic physical transformations. Yet, the adhesive materials, artificial skin, and layers of heavy makeup used to create these effects can often clog pores, disrupt the skin barrier, and even trigger allergic reactions.  

For Qualley, this combination led to a severe acne breakout that proved difficult to manage. Persistent inflammation and blemishes impacted her skin's appearance and required creative adjustments during filming. Strategic camera angles and modified scenes became necessary to mask her condition, underscoring just how deeply the issue affected her professional and personal life.  

 The Year-Long Recovery Journey  

Margaret Qualley has emerged with glowing, healthy skin despite the challenges. Achieving this transformation required patience, consistency, and expert skincare practices. Her radiant complexion was showing on the 2025 Golden Globes red carpet earlier in January. 

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Qualley likely followed a rigorous skincare regimen tailored to her needs to tackle the breakout. Dermatologists and skincare experts often recommend starting with the basics:  

1. Gentle Cleansing: Daily Cleansing is vital for removing makeup, dirt, and buildup without further irritating the skin. A gel cleanser for oily or combination skin or a cream-based cleanser for dry or sensitive skin can help maintain the skin's balance.  
2. Targeted Treatments: products containing active ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are often used to reduce inflammation and treat acne. Vitamin C serums can also help calm blemishes and promote healing.  
3. Hydration and Barrier Repair: contrary to popular belief, acne-prone skin still needs hydration. Lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers ensure the skin remains nourished without clogging pores. Repairing the skin barrier with ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid is also essential.
4. Sun Protection: sunscreen is a non-negotiable step in any skincare routine, as it prevents further irritation and helps reduce the appearance of scars or hyperpigmentation caused by acne.  

The Silver Lining  

While her year-long battle with acne was undoubtedly challenging, Margaret Qualley's experience reminds us of the sacrifices actors often make for their craft. It also sheds light on the importance of skincare in industries that demand heavy makeup and prosthetics.  

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"The Substance," which critiques societal beauty standards, ironically became a personal journey for Qualley to reclaim her skin's health.