A model removes her make-up as her hair is styled backstage before presenting a creation from the Prabal Gurung Fall/Winter collection during New York Fashion Week February 15, 2015 in New York.
Removing makeup is an essential step if you want to go to bed with clean skin, but some makeup removal mistakes can result in premature wrinkles, fine lines, and skin irritation.
Fortunately, many skin experts have pointed out the mistakes to avoid and the best practices to follow when removing makeup.
Read on to learn the dos and don'ts of makeup removal.
Makeup removal mistakes that age your skin
1. Harsh makeup remover wipes
Convenience meets consequences with makeup wipes. While undeniably handy, these wipes often fall short, leaving behind makeup that can clog pores, according to Dr. Yoram Harth.
The board-certified dermatologist told SheFinds that this can lead to acne, dullness, and premature wrinkles.
The doctor said that makeup remover wipes can leave the skin dry and irritated due to their chemical preservatives, solubilizers, surfactants, and emulsifiers. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can even cause hyperpigmentation, Harth said.
2. Micellar water mishaps
Micellar water, hailed for its refreshing feel, is not the best way to remove makeup, according to Dr. Harth.
Chemicals found in some micellar water makeup removers such as hexylene glycol and poloxamer 184 may leave a residue that acts as a film, potentially triggering acne breakouts and skin issues.
3. Soap and water pitfalls
Using soap and water for makeup removal also might not be as effective as it appears. Dr. Harth warned that this method may not get rid of all your makeup, leading to a concoction of residual makeup, dead skin cells, and accumulated dirt clogging pores.
"The rest of the makeup, together with dead skin cells, dry sebum, and the dirt accumulated on your skin during the day, [will be] smeared over your skin and clog the skin pores,” Dr. Harth told the outlet.
4. The sleepover mistake
While makeup wipes, micellar water, and the soap and water method are considered suboptimal, Dr. Debra Jaliman prefers them over the cardinal sin of sleeping with makeup on.
“Sleeping with makeup on is a big mistake many women make. Your cells regenerate themselves while you sleep, and your skin is then most able to absorb topical treatments and DNA repair is boosted," the board-certified dermatologist told SheFinds.
The consequences extend beyond acne and can include premature wrinkling and inhibited skin repair during sleep.
New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Charlotte Birnbaum made similar comments in an interview with CNN, saying, "Oil, dirt, pollutants and makeup when left on the skin can lead to breakouts, irritation, styes and even accelerated aging of the skin. The longer this debris sits on the skin, the more likely these undesirable effects can occur, which is why leaving your makeup on overnight is even more problematic. Overnight, this is compounded potentially by additional occlusion by a pillow."
Expert-approved makeup removal techniques
1. Mild cleanser
Dr. Harth suggested using a mild cleanser tailored to specific skin types. For dry skin, a hydrating cleanser is recommended, while those with acne-prone or oily skin can benefit from an active cleanser containing a small percentage of salicylic acid.
2. Cleansing balms
According to SheFinds, celebrity makeup artist Margina Dennis recommended cleansing balms, especially for individuals with dry skin. Products like It Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup Cleansing Balm and Sonia Roselli Japanese Cleansing Oil can remove makeup completely without stripping the skin, according to the skincare expert.
3. Double cleansing
Dr. Birnbaum recommended "a double cleanse using an oil cleanser or cleansing balm followed by a gentle water-based cleanser" for those with dry skin.
The dermatologist told CNN that the oil-based cleanser will break down waterproof makeup, while the water-based cleanser will "make sure you're rinsing any residue off and truly starting with a clean face."
4. Steam heat
According to Allure, which spoke to Laura Mercier Cosmetics creator Laura Mercier and celebrity makeup artist Maria Verel, steaming the face before washing can also help get rid of residual makeup.