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Why You Should Never Forget to Remove Your Makeup

Is not removing your makeup every day really a big deal?

After a long day (or night) out, it can be tempting to slink into bed and forgo your skincare routine. The truth is, failing to take off makeup can have negative consequences for your health, beyond the nuisance of a dirty pillowcase.

The Big, Bad Truth

When you fall asleep, your body gets to work. At night, the body generates new skin cells and repairs damage. But makeup can stop this crucial process in its tracks. When your pores are filled with makeup, they’re unable to breathe, and therefore unable to regenerate new cells.

As a result, you’ll experience deeper wrinkles, uneven tone, dark circles, puffiness, acne, and dryness. To make matters worse, your makeup attracts free radicals over the course of the day — particles that exacerbate aging. When your makeup is not removed, these harmful particles latch onto your skin for longer.

What’s a Girl to Do?

The solution is simple: be sure to take off your makeup before you go to sleep. However, makeup removal can be a deceptively complicated art. Here are our tips for ensuring that you avoid waking up to mascara streaks on your pillow.

• Double-cleansing is key. It’s best to approach your nightly makeup removal as a two-step process. For each area of the face, clear out the makeup. Then, follow up with a cleanser.
• Makeup wipes are overrated. When it comes to foundation, you’ll need more than a single wipe. These popular products only clear off the surface of your skin, leaving gunk stuck deep down in your pores. So, think of makeup removers as a primary step.
• Start with your lips. That scarlet shade might look foxy on your mouth, but it won’t be attractive smeared all over your cheeks. Cleanse your lips first to avoid a mess going forward.
• Move on to your eyes. After your lips, proceed to the delicate skin around your eyes. For best results, pat a cotton ball soaked with eye makeup remover around the skin. Avoid any rough rubbing motions.
• Finish off with foundation. After removing foundation, continue on with a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer.
• Apply heat. If you’re feeling particularly motivated, finish off your routine with a final touch: steam. Place a hot washcloth over your face for a few seconds. The steam will open your pores and remove any excess dirt lodged in your skin.

In many ways, a makeup removal routine is just as important as a daily skincare regimen. Cleansing your skin properly ensures that your evening acne care products and moisturizers can be especially effective. For further information, talk to a dermatologist about the makeup removal ritual that’s best for you.