The makeup removal process can reveal a lot about who you are. Whether or not you have a skincare routine, a part of learning how to wear makeup includes a lesson on how to remove it at the end of the day. Whether it is our parents, siblings, or favorite beauty influencer to teach us how to remove makeup, how can we be sure that we are actually removing makeup effectively?

As a Pomp Esthetician, I find that though makeup removal is an integral part of a successful skincare regimen, many people don’t give much attention to how they perform this crucial step. Today on Skin 101, I want to provide tips for the best ways to remove your makeup. Your skin type does matter when removing makeup, and there are a few ingredients I recommend avoiding to maximize the effects of your skincare routine. First things first…

Skip the Makeup Remover Wipes

I am almost positive that everyone has relied on disposable makeup removing wipes at one point or another. It’s easy, quick, and makes for an enticing option as you travel or after a long day or night. I hate to be the one to break the bad news to you if you haven’t heard this already, but makeup removing wipes will not get you to your best skin. I am begging on behalf of all my fellow estheticians, set this skincare hack aside and never look back! 

“But, why do I feel so strongly against makeup removing wipes? What did they ever do to you?”

Well, did you know that makeup removing wipes are formulated with sensitizing ingredients? This includes harmful alcohols that strip the skin of its natural oils which can lead to dryness, irritation, and can even cause your skin to produce excess oil to overcompensate. Rather than removing all traces of build-up and makeup, makeup removing instead moves the debris on your face all around your skin. 

No matter how much my fellow estheticians and I despise makeup remover wipes, we do understand that sometimes there is no other option. And that is the ONLY time you should be using makeup remover wipes: when there is literally no other option. If you use them as a last resort, preferably only to remove heavy eye makeup and lipstick, make sure to use them in a gentle manner.

Double Cleanse in the Evening With a Gentle Cleanser or Balm

One method that I recommend to remove makeup is to use a double cleansing technique. If you wear heavy makeup, I recommend even triple cleansing. But how do you cleanse your face without using makeup remover wipes, you may ask? Here are some basics to help you out…

The first cleanse you use should be a cleansing balm or a gentle cleanser with makeup removing capabilities. For the next cleanse, I suggest using another gentle cleanser if there are still traces of makeup left behind and then you can follow that up with a more active cleanser to cleanse the skin itself.

Invest in a Reusable Makeup Remover Cloth

Makeup remover wipes are not only problematic because of their ineffectiveness, but they are also harmful to the environment. That is why investing in a reusable makeup removing cloth is a more sustainable and more effective way to remove makeup before cleansing, or as an addition to the first makeup removing cleanse. 

These makeup removing cloths are normally made of microfiber that work by the fabrics fibers gripping onto makeup and removing it. There are some makeup removing cloths I have tried in the past that work so well it amazes me. My personal favorite is the Face Halo. 

A quick reminder: these types of cloth are not a substitute for cleansing, but can be used as a tool during the cleansing process. Be sure to launder these clothes after each use and avoid pore clogging detergents and all fabric softeners and dryer sheets if you have acne prone skin.

Removing Makeup with Acne Prone Skin

Makeup removal for individuals with acne-prone skin will need to be a little more cautious and mindful. If you are someone with acne-prone skin, I recommend avoiding cleansing balms and oils during the makeup removal process. Most cleansing oils are comedogenic which means they are prone to clogging pores. Though you will wash off a cleansing balm or oil, pore clogging ingredients are tricky no matter what. They have a way of sticking around and causing breakouts, so it is best to avoid them altogether if you have acne-prone skin. Instead, I recommend a gentle cleanser that is free of pore clogging ingredients. One that can loosen makeup and while using a reusable makeup removing cloth to aid in makeup removal. You can use the makeup removing cloth with acne-prone skin as long as you don’t have severely inflamed acne that is sensitive to the touch. If the acne is at this level, I suggest contacting a dermatologist to assist you on your skincare journey.

Actually Remove Your Makeup

Though most estheticians would prefer you to never use a makeup remover wipe, and there are more effective ways to cleanse your skin based on your skin type, none of this matters if you are not in the habit of actually removing your makeup. Not just the way you remove your makeup, but removing your makeup PERIOD is essential to any effective skincare regimen. 

Life gets busy. Life gets hard. It may even feel easier to sleep with your makeup on. But not removing your makeup before bed or whenever you need to is a complete violation of skincare. Even if you do the occasional mask or have a skincare routine you sometimes use, arguably one of the most important skincare habits you need to have for healthy skin is removing your makeup. You deserve to nourish and care for your skin before, during, and after makeup removal. It may seem like more work, but it’ll pay off in the long run when you have glowing skin because of how you took care of your skin. 

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