Your skin is a complex ecosystem, unique to you. Its environment or microbiome is made up of trillions of microorganisms. Such microbes are essential for healthy skin. Since makeup removers are a product used in everyday skin care we wondered if it’s something that can enhance or diminish the quality of our skin. We found that it depends on the product selected and how the makeup removers are used.
Remove your makeup remover
Most makeup removers should be used before cleansing the face not as a substitute for cleansing your face. Some products are being labeled as multi action, meaning they are designed to remove makeup, cleanse and refresh. Some of these are luxe wellness products, but some are not. If you leave the product on your face without rinsing, could harsh chemical residue be left on your facial skin? Clogging your pores? Killing beneficial bacteria? Always check what ingredients the product contains. Some preservatives, such as methylparaben are known to influence the skin’s microbiome. If you experience burning or stinging, alcohol content may be the culprit. This can dry the sky so try to avoid products containing it. Glycerin is a better preservative that hydrates the skin. To be sure your skin is clean, wash your face with a cleanser and rinse with water after using your makeup remover. In other words, remove the makeup remover.
Different kinds of makeup removers and how to use them
Makeup removers come in many different forms. There are creams, sticks, oils, waters, balms, foams and wipes that can remove makeup. Which one is best for you? Convenience, effectiveness and residue may be top on your list.
Balms are a good choice for people who find it hard to keep their skin hydrated, especially those living in areas with extreme temperature changes. Balms remove oil, dirt and makeup without drying the skin. Just massage into skin, rinse and pat dry with a cloth. Skin should feel soft and supple. Popular natural ingredients in balms include coconut, argon and almond oils, Echinacea and other botanicals, butters, and spices.
Creams are easy to spread across the face. They break down oils and remove face makeup. Wipe clean with a tissue or washcloth, cleanse and rinse. We are comfortable with creams since many of us use hydrating body creams regularly.
Micellar water contains tiny cleansing oil molecules called micelles that are suspended in soft water. It’s sold as an all-in-one product that removes makeup, cleans and moisturizers. It’s good for travelers, but not for those who wear heavy foundations or waterproof mascara. Another product may be needed. Apply to a cotton ball or pad. If you have oily skin, follow up with a facial cleanser.
Cleansing oils are good for removing long-wearing makeup.
Wipes are convenient when traveling but for home use read the ingredients to determine strength and whether or not you want those ingredients sitting on your face all night.
For specialty areas such as eyes and lips look for a product that is designed for that. An oil-free eye makeup remover may also work well for removing lip stain. Dab a tissue and wipe. Yves Saint Laurent sells such a product that removes eye liner, mascara, shadow and eyebrow gel makeup. It also removes color from long-wearing lipsticks and lip pencils. Be careful when using eye makeup removers so that eyes aren’t irritated and contact lenses are not impacted by residue.
Makeup remover routines
Here are some favorite practices we found from people who shared their makeup remover routines.
- Use coconut water cleansing wipes, then rinse with a cleansing milk, and follow up with a natural ingredient moisturizer.
- Massage coconut oil product onto face, cleanse with a warm washcloth, then moisturize.
- Use a facial pad with micellar cleansing water and makeup remover, and then a facial moisturizer.
- Wipe away liquid eyeliner with makeup remover, follow with a foaming face wash, and add a skin balancing face oil at night.
Skin Hydration
Overexposure to products containing harsh ingredients can dry and irritate skin. It’s important to remove makeup every night, cleanse, and then moisturize to keep your skin hydrated. YASOU’s vegan cell renewal night cream can give you the hydration your skin needs to replenish.
Nice to have elements in a makeup remover
Since makeup removers are usually applied at the end of the day, a relaxing aroma can be calming.
A makeup remover that leaves your skin feeling soft and refreshed is appreciated.
One that nourishe your brows and lashes is a plus.
Like our skin, makeup plays an important role in how we present ourselves to others. However, removing makeup should be a daily thoughtful, intentional process that protects the natural beauty of our skin and its unique microbiome.