Are You Removing Your Makeup Wrong?

Night is a pivotal time for your skin. While you’re catching your zzzs, your skin undergoes a renewal process where cells regenerate, improving your skin’s barrier and repairing the damage it took during the day. It’s what keeps your skin looking healthy, plump, and youthful. That means, one of the worst things you can do for your skin is sleep with your makeup on.

What Happens When You Sleep in Makeup?

When you sleep with makeup on, it disrupts that natural renewal process, trapping the dead skin that would normally be shed. This can lead to clogged pores and breakouts, as well as an overall dullness. The more your skin doesn’t get a chance to renew, the more stress, dirt, and other daily factors affect it. 

Taking an extra few minutes to look after your skin before you go to bed helps eliminate issues such as breakouts, premature aging, and eye irritation. Furthermore, applying your skincare in the correct order at night means you wake up to plump, supple, radiant, and refreshed skin.

Even if you don’t wear foundation and powders, your face picks up grime and dirt throughout the day, which all need to be washed off. A quick once-over with a cleansing wipe isn’t sufficient to rid your face of products, SPF, and daily impurities, but neither is going in with one cleanser. 

Always Double Cleanse 

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Yep, one cleanse isn’t enough; you should always be double cleansing, starting first with an oil or balm meant to break down makeup, sunscreen, and other products.

 “Double cleansing can be highly effective for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin, as it provides a thorough cleanse of dead skin cells, excess oil, and other impurities,” says board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. The first cleanse breaks down products and dirt, while the second ensures your skin is fully cleared and any residue has been successfully washed away. Pour a small amount of your chosen cleanser into the palm of your hands, then, in small circular motions, work the product into your skin. Do this for 60 seconds, rinse with warm water, and repeat with the second cleanser that works for your particular skin needs. 

Cleansing balms are a particularly effective way to remove makeup without harshly scrubbing, as they gently melt into the skin, removing liquid, powder, and even waterproof products. The Smooth Cleansing Balm from Japanese brand Perfect One combines charcoal and peat mud to remove makeup and dirt, with gold vitamin C to brighten and even skin, an enzyme complex for smoothing and renewing skin, and oils and ceramides to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier. Unlike many other popular balms, it won’t cost you half your monthly budget.

Ditch the Face Wipes 

Some nights, the thought of doing a full routine is exhausting. We get it. But face wipes tug and pull at the skin, causing irritation and even premature wrinkles. They are also formulated with harsh ingredients that end up sitting on the skin’s surface, exacerbating dryness and irritation, and ultimately, just don’t clean the face enough. For both environmental purposes and your skin’s health, invest in some cotton face cloths to complete your cleansing routine. “The texture of the cloth provides additional exfoliating benefits to the skin,” Dr. Green explains. “While the combination of water and cleanser on the cloth provides a deeper cleanse than a face wipe.” They can also be used first thing in the morning, by running the cloth under warm water and pressing it gently on the face. 

Create a Full Nighttime Skincare Routine

Not only does cleansing your face help you to avoid breakouts, but it also means your skincare works more effectively. A clean base allows products to be absorbed completely, enhancing their capabilities. And because your skin is working in overdrive overnight, it’s the perfect time for skincare ingredients to work their magic.

When it comes to choosing products for your nighttime skincare routine post-cleanse, Dr. Green says there are two essential ingredients to include. The first is the vitamin A derivative retinol. “[Retinol] accelerates skin cell turnover and increases collagen production to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin texture or tone, acne scars, and enlarged pores,” says Dr. Green.  Because retinol increases skin photosensitivity, always apply SPF the following day. The second is vitamin C, which brightens skin and enhances skin cell renewal. “Vitamin C can repair damage caused by free radical damage and oxidative stress,” she says. Ideal for skin cycling, these two ingredients can be applied on alternative nights to avoid irritation. 

Another product you might consider after washing your face is toner. While not everyone needs a toner, those with extremely dry skin may find adding a hydrating toner beneficial. Using an exfoliating toner, once or twice a week, is also a great option if you find your skin is looking slightly dull. Next, apply any serums, then retinol on dry skin once or twice a week to start. Once it’s completely absorbed, follow it with a night cream and eye cream.  

Featured Image Credit: Adene Sanchez/ iStock