Whether you find yourself utterly drained after a demanding workday or returning home late from an exciting night out, the thought of removing your makeup before hitting the pillow can feel overwhelming. With stubborn products like waterproof mascara, smudge-proof foundation, and long-lasting lip stains, it may seem more convenient to skip this crucial step and deal with it in the morning. However, we want to emphasize that cleansing your face is absolutely essential for the long-term health of your skin. Continue reading to discover effective strategies that will simplify the makeup removal process, benefiting both your skin and your nightly routine.
What Are the Consequences of Skipping Makeup Removal? | Effective Techniques to Remove Makeup | Expert Tips for Special Occasion Makeup Removal | Essential Aftercare Following Makeup Removal
Understanding the Risks of Sleeping with Makeup On
Is it really that harmful to go to bed with makeup still on your face? The answer is a resounding “yes”! Renowned dermatologist Dr. Charlotte Birnbaum from New York City explains that allowing oil, dirt, pollutants, and makeup to remain on your skin overnight can lead to a host of issues including breakouts, skin irritation, styes, and accelerated aging. In essence, neglecting to cleanse your face before sleep can cause significant damage to your skin. Spending just a few minutes to properly address this issue can result in significant long-term benefits for your complexion.
We completely understand the temptation to crawl into bed without washing your face after a long day or night out. However, this essential skincare step should not be considered optional. While an occasional lapse might not destroy your skin, regularly skipping your nighttime cleansing routine can lead to cumulative harm. Some of the additional negative consequences of failing to remove your makeup consistently include:
- Dull skin
- Free radical damage
- Clogged pores
- Skin inflammation
Your skin naturally renews itself overnight. When you leave makeup on, you disrupt this vital turnover process, which involves shedding dead and damaged skin cells and replacing them with fresh, healthy ones. This is why getting a good night’s sleep is often referred to as “beauty sleep.”
Effective Techniques for Removing Makeup
Having established that going to bed with makeup on is not advisable, let’s discuss the most effective methods for removing it.
Mastering the Art of Double Cleansing
Double cleansing has been a hot topic in the skincare community for a while, and for good reason. This two-step cleansing process is the most efficient method for breaking down makeup and eliminating surface impurities such as dirt and oil. The technique begins with an oil-based cleanser, followed by a second cleanser of your choice, which is typically gel-based or foaming.
If you have oily skin, the thought of applying oils to your face might seem intimidating, but there’s no need to be frightened. The principle behind this approach—“like dissolves like”—is essential. According to Healthline, using clean, nourishing oils on your skin helps to lift excess sebum, the oily substance produced by your skin’s glands, unclog pores (such as blackheads and whiteheads), and remove dead skin, pollutants, and makeup.
Since oil attracts oil, using an oil-based cleanser as your first step is a gentle yet effective way to eliminate pollution, dead skin, makeup, and other impurities that accumulate on your skin throughout the day. This explains why many makeup removers include oil as a primary ingredient—it’s a logical choice!
Ready to try double cleansing? Here are the steps to follow:
- Begin by using a cleansing oil, balm, or creamy cleanser to break down your makeup. The oil in the cleanser will dissolve oil-based products like foundation and mascara, making them easy to lift from your skin’s surface. Warm a small amount of Stone Crop Cleansing Oil in your hands, then use your fingers to gently massage it across your eyelids and lips in circular motions over your entire face. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Another great option is the Coconut Milk Cleanser, which is creamy and gentle enough for all skin types.
- Follow up with a second cleanser to eliminate any remaining impurities. Now that you’ve loosened and lifted your makeup, it’s time to wash away stubborn dirt, grime, and bacteria that might still be on your skin. Simply apply your favorite cleanser to provide a deeper cleanse and target specific skin concerns, such as acne or signs of aging. This two-step process effectively clears both types of impurities that can lead to clogged pores, dullness, and premature aging. Ideally, the second cleanser should be gel-based or foaming.
The Stone Crop Gel Wash is suitable for all skin types and hydrates while cleansing due to the inclusion of shea butter and stone crop ingredients. If you struggle with problematic skin, consider using the Acne Advanced Cleansing Foam, which effectively unclogs pores and cleanses the skin. This foam features time-released encapsulated salicylic acid for pore unclogging, along with a natural herb blend. Alternatively, if large pores are a concern, the Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser minimizes their appearance. This milky gel contains a Lactic Acid Complex that works together with mangosteen to promote a smoother, more radiant complexion by exfoliating dead skin.
Excited to start double cleansing? Check out this video for valuable tips and product recommendations from our Lead Skin Care Trainer, Natalie Pergar.
Additional Expert Tips for Effective Makeup Removal
Why You Should Avoid Cleansing Wipes
It’s best to skip cleansing wipes altogether. Although they may appear convenient, most makeup wipes do not effectively remove all of your makeup. As James C. Marotta, MD advises in Good Housekeeping, “very few makeup wipes contain ingredients that can genuinely break down all of your face oils, makeup, and impurities, so you’re merely redistributing bacteria, irritants, and residue around your skin.” Furthermore, many cleansing wipes include harsh chemical ingredients and preservatives that can irritate and dry out your skin. Additionally, consider the environmental impact of these wipes; most are not biodegradable, and estimates suggest that over 20 million pounds of them end up in landfills every day!
Gentle Techniques for Removing Eye Makeup
Waterproof mascara and eyeliner can be particularly challenging to remove. If you’ve practiced double cleansing, you may have eliminated most of your eye makeup, but it’s still beneficial to give the area a little extra attention with a natural and organic product like our Herbal Eye Make-up Remover.
Keep in mind that the skin surrounding your eyes is thinner and more delicate, so it’s crucial to be gentle. Instead of scrubbing vigorously, saturate a cotton pad with the remover and hold it over each eye for ten seconds. This allows the product to break down and dissolve the makeup before you gently wipe it away. If you need to clean the eye line and inner corners, use a cotton swab for a precise and gentle cleanse.
Don’t Neglect Your Neck and Hairline During Cleansing
While you may have successfully removed the foundation from your face, it’s important not to overlook your neck and hairline. Failing to clean these often-missed areas can lead to the buildup of makeup residue, which can clog pores and trigger breakouts. To ensure a thorough cleanse, pull back your hair with a headband and extend your cleansing routine past your jawline to capture every last bit of makeup.
For a gentle option, try our Calm Skin Chamomile Cleanser to effectively remove the day’s impurities. This calming cream cleanser, infused with chamomile, arnica, and rosemary, is ideal for sensitive skin prone to redness and works wonderfully as a second step in a double cleansing routine.
If you’re dealing with breakouts, our Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser is an excellent choice for removing excess sebum from your complexion. This clarifying cream-gel cleanser treats oily and problematic skin with cucumber and tea tree oil while sweet almond milk and yogurt help reduce the visible signs of skin problems without stripping moisture. In other words, it can help your skin recover from past “mistakes.”
Strategies for Removing Special Occasion Makeup
Some special occasions, such as weddings, call for heavy-duty makeup, while others, like Halloween parties, may require full-fledged face paint. Regardless of whether your look is sweet and romantic or bold and dramatic, the removal process can be daunting. But don’t worry—we’re here to share tips, tricks, and essential advice to make this easier.
Expert Tips for Removing Wedding Makeup
Since wedding makeup typically consists of long-wearing and waterproof products, you don’t need to stray too far from your usual routine, with just a couple of exceptions. You’ve likely been extra diligent about caring for your skin leading up to your big day, so while the aftermath of a long day in full makeup can be concerning, it reinforces the need to remove it before bed!
Begin with the eye area. Your false eyelashes may have endured the vows, first dance, and tearful speeches, but they should not be left on overnight. Just like with waterproof mascara, the best method is to use makeup remover on a cotton pad and hold it over the eye for 10 seconds or more. This will help loosen the adhesive and allow you to gently remove the false lashes without damaging your natural lashes. If you don’t have eye makeup remover, you can use the oil-based cleanser from your double cleansing routine or a warm, damp cloth placed over your eye for 10 seconds. Long-wearing eyeshadow can be removed in the same manner, and always treat this delicate area gently to avoid irritation.
To effectively tackle heavy-duty foundation, we recommend a double cleanse. Follow the instructions provided earlier, and if you have the time and energy, finish with an overnight mask to replenish moisture. The Kombucha Microbiome Leave-On Masque is an excellent option for this purpose.
Removing Halloween Makeup Effectively
Halloween makeup poses its own unique challenges. Often applied more heavily than regular makeup, it can be a nightmare for your skin. While we advise against it, many people use face paint from Halloween stores for that one night a year. As with all products applied to the skin, it’s best to avoid those containing heavy metals, formaldehyde, and petrolatum.
To effectively remove Halloween makeup, start with an oil-based cleanser such as the Stone Crop Cleansing Oil or a cream-based cleanser like the Coconut Milk Cleanser. You might also find the Kombucha Microbiome Foaming Cleanser helpful; crafted with micelles, it gently traps and lifts oil, dirt, and debris from the skin. This liquid-to-foam formula effectively breaks down makeup without overdrying your skin.
The next step is to perform a second cleanse. Whether your first cleanser was oil-based or foamy, there’s a good chance some makeup remains. A gel or foaming cleanser is your best bet for a thorough clean. Follow this with a swipe of toner, like the Pineapple Refining Tonique for gentle exfoliation, or the Kombucha Microbiome Balancing Essence to soothe dry, dull skin.
Pro tip: If your costume involved body or face glitter, a lint roller can effectively lift it off your skin. The adhesive on a lint roller is much gentler than traditional tape, which many people mistakenly use.
Enhancing Your Cleansing Routine with Steam
If you’re still not feeling completely clean, consider giving your skin a facial steam to enhance your cleansing routine. Steam helps soften surface debris and releases any lingering grime and makeup trapped in your pores after washing. Follow these steps for a facial steam at home:
- Fill a sink or bowl with hot water.
- Cover your head with a large towel.
- Position your face about 5 to 10 inches away from the steam. Adjust your head position for optimal heat.
- Steam your face for 5 to 10 minutes (we recommend taking 2-minute breaks to avoid overheating).
Essential Aftercare Steps Following Makeup Removal
Successfully removing your makeup provides your skin with a clean slate, but it’s crucial to follow up with proper skincare to maintain your skin’s health and resilience. After cleansing, continue your skincare routine with these essential steps:
- Apply a serum, oil, or concentrate to target specific skin concerns and conditions.
- Moisturize to lock in hydration and protect your skin’s lipid barrier.
- Gently tap on an eye cream to achieve a bright and smooth eye area.
- Apply SPF to shield your skin from the drying and aging effects of UV rays.
If you’re seeking more guidance on which products to incorporate into your cleansing routine, consider visiting an Eminence Organics Spa Partner for personalized skincare recommendations from a licensed esthetician!
This article was originally written in August 2019.