Removing Make-up The Right Way: Our Top 7 Tips

Our mothers warned us about going to bed with our make-up on. While their scare tactics may have been a little over the top, they were right –  removing your make-up at the end of the day is vital in keeping skin happy and healthy. It promotes cellular renewal by eliminating dead skin, it stimulates the skin’s microcirculation¹, it fends off breakouts, it helps unclogs pores and most importantly, it lets your skin breathe.

If left on, cosmetics, environmental impurities and dirt can wreak havoc on your skin leading to irritation and allergic reactions². The good news is, it’s never too late to start. Take a look at our top tips to removing your make-up the right way.

1. Prepare the area

First things first, make sure your face is clear from any obstructions so you have a clean palette. Use a headband and a hair tie to keep hair out of your face so it’s easier for your cleanser to do it’s job. Also, make sure you have a clean facecloth within reach to pat dry your face.

2. Different skin types = different cleansers

When it comes to cleansers, there isn’t a one type fits all solution. Different skin types require different ingredients for proper care³. For example, if you have oily or sensitive skin, an oil-based cleanser likely won’t work as efficiently as one that is formulated to properly cleanse oily skin. If you have normal-dry skin you will want to choose a cleanser that doesn’t over-dry or strip your skin of essential oils, like Riversol’s Hydrating Cream Cleanser.

3. Let your cleanser be the hero

The key to properly removing make-up lies in maximizing the benefits of your cleanser. The best way to use it – particularly in the eye area – is to generously soak a soft cotton pad or ball with cleanser (don’t be stingy) and let it sit on your skin for a minute or two. This loosens up and dissolves the make-up so you can gently pat and swipe it off. The last thing you want is the redness, irritation, dryness that comes from rubbing and scrubbing too hard.

4. Give your cleanser a boost

More make-up, more problems. Sometimes a cleanser alone won’t do the trick, so you may need add a step before. Using a gentle balm or micellar water not only helps remove make-up that won’t budge but also respects the fragility of the skin barrier⁴. These products work by loosening up your make-up first, making it much easier for your cleanser to what it needs to do. Just be weary of products that can dry out your skin.

5. Leave the baby wipes for the babies

   Some people believe that since baby wipes are formulated to be gentle enough for a baby’s skin, they’ll be safe to use on your face. This could not be farther from the the truth. Since baby’s bottoms aren’t typically covered in make-up, those baby wipes don’t contain the specific ingredients necessary for make-up removal. In fact, the last thing you’ll be doing is taking off your make-up. What you’ll be doing instead is spreading it around your face and irritating your skin in the process⁵.

6. Don’t forget the outer reaches

Ever get breakouts around your hairline and under your jawline? If you are a fan of foundation, chances are it will creep into those areas we tend to forget when washing. Make sure your cleaning routine is thorough enough to get to the far reaches of the face, into the hairline, under the jawline, and even the ears.  

7. Rise and shine and do it all over again

   While you don’t have to be as rigorous with your cleansing routine in the morning, it’s still important to refresh the cleanse when you wake up. Perspiration and sebum accumulated overnight can clog pores and lead to skin irritation.

   We can’t stress enough the importance of a thorough skin care cleansing routine, both at night and in the morning. It’s vital in keeping skin looking youthful and fresh. If you need help determining which products are best for your skin type, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible. To try a skincare routine developed for sensitive skin, click here to get a free sample of our Anti-Aging Trio. 

References

1. Journal of Internal Medication (1997) Microcirculation: its significance in clinical and molecular medication. Retrieved from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/store/10.1046/j.1365-2796.1997.125148000.x/asset/j.1365-2796.1997.125148000.x.pdf?v=1&t=j6xq5c3o&s=ae59a0fa8dc4cdad61d15edc2ab21336d27c481f
2. University of Iowa Health Care (2017) Take Eye Make-up Off Before Bedtime. Retrieved from:  https://uihc.org/health-library/take-eye-makeup-bedtime
3. Jensen, Robinson (2006) Methods for manufacturing an enhanced cosmetic skin care toner. Retrieved from: http://www.google.ca/patents/US7122211
4. Dermatol Res Pract. (2012) Cleansing Formulations That Respect Skin Barrier Integrity. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3425021/
5. J Allergy (Cairo) (2011). Contact-Allergic Reactions to Cosmetics. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3065000/

1. Prepare the area
2. Different skin types = different cleansers
3. Let your cleanser be the hero
4. Give your cleanser a boost
5. Leave the baby wipes for the babies
6. Don’t forget the outer reaches
7. Rise and shine and do it all over again