And The Problems That Can Come If You Don’t
At this moment in human history, we’re all about sustainability and saving the ecosystem, but have you ever considered that the tiniest ecosystem of all is thriving in the pores of your t-zone? The sebaceous glands in your face are home to a unique microhabitat called the skin microbiome. Keeping your skin looking fabulous is a matter of tending to that tiny world and keeping every element in balance—which begins when you remove makeup at the end of the day.
It’s not enough to splash some water on those cheeks and call it a day. You also must remove your cosmetics properly to ensure everything stays squeaky clean. If not, you may notice skin problems ranging from excess oil to acne to signs of early aging.
Remember, the skin is an organ, and keeping it in great shape contributes to your overall health. At MC Laser Clinic, we want to help you care for your skin so you’ll always look and feel your best.
Continue reading to learn the link between makeup removal and wellness and discover the makeup-removing products that will ensure you maintain healthy, glowing skin.
Why Taking Off Your Makeup Is So Important
The average human face is home to approximately 20,000 individual pores. They may be small, but each one is a tiny cavity where dirt, oil, and makeup can linger. This can cause irritation or become the site of small infections, impacting your overall health and appearance.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is going to bed with a full face of makeup and deciding to “wash it off in the morning.” During the night, our bodies undergo cellular cleanup and waste removal. Washing your face before bed helps remove dead skin cells, improving this process and allowing you to wake up refreshed and renewed.
Even if you skipped the foundation and concealer, that doesn’t mean it’s fine to leave your eye makeup on. Not only does sleeping in eye makeup contribute to a puffy appearance, but it’s also a frequent cause of eye infections like conjunctivitis. If you don’t remove your mascara, it can make your lashes brittle, leading to unattractive breakage.
Here are some other reasons to ensure your face is squeaky clean before hitting the hay.
Prevents Acne and Skin Problems
While some acne is genetic, a lot of adult acne is entirely preventable with a proper skincare routine.
Your skin is naturally thirsty and looks its best when it’s plump and hydrated. That’s why our bodies produce oil. It’s the body’s attempt to keep things lubricated, adding an attractive glow.
If you leave makeup on, it can create a barrier, trapping oils beneath the skin, clogging pores, and causing breakouts. It prevents your skin from “breathing” and undergoing necessary cell renewal processes. This causes blackheads, blemishes, acne breakouts, and other skin problems.
Removing cosmetics is one of our most essential makeup tips because healthy skin always makes a more attractive canvas.
Preserving The Skin Barrier
The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin—the part we see. Keeping that part healthy means keeping everything underneath healthy, too. You need a healthy skin barrier to keep in the good and keep out the bad.
Not only can leaving makeup on overnight prevent natural oils from dispersing, but it can also prevent your makeup-removing products from seeping in. Think of leftover makeup like a tiny plug, barring access to your pores. Instead of permeating and doing its job, your moisturizer and other products will sit on top, which doesn’t help anybody.
Plus, leaving makeup on introduces irritants to this essential layer of skin. When you keep healthy oils in and irritants out, your skin immediately begins to look better. More importantly, you’ll ensure the health of an essential source of fortification, so your skin will look younger, too.
How To Properly Remove Makeup
When makeup removal is a regular part of your evening skincare routine, you’ll improve the effectiveness of your other skincare products. Thus, removing makeup correctly can save you time in the long run. Consider it an investment in your health and confidence.
Proper makeup removal means complete makeup removal. Follow these steps.
- Tie your hair back to expose your entire face
- Remove the superficial layer of makeup with wipes, if necessary
- Wash your face with a makeup-removing cleanser, cleansing oil, or balm
- Give extra attention to your eyes and eyelids
- Clean up your hairline, pushing hair back if necessary
- Moisturize, including the application of lip balm and eye cream
Every skincare routine will look slightly different, as every skin type demands unique products. Regardless, the goal should always be to remove as much makeup as possible while remaining gentle. Moisturizing at the end will ensure you counteract any products with drying properties and leave your skin dewy and hydrated.
Pick The Right Products For Your Skin
Remember when we told you that your skin is its own ecosystem? No two environments are quite the same. All skin has unique needs, and the best way to address them is to start with products that support your skin biome and allow the entire system to thrive.
Skin Types and Concerns
The first step toward choosing products is understanding your skin type and concerns. It can be helpful to consult with an esthetician for an informed evaluation. A professional at MC Laser Clinic will serve as your makeup guide, helping you identify your unique skin care needs and matching you with products that work.
When we discuss skin types, we’re referring to the amount of oil naturally occurring in your skin. Poor skincare can sometimes shift this balance, so this isn’t necessarily obvious! Your skin type might be oily, dry, a combination (oily t-zone with dry cheeks), or normal.
Skin concerns might include some of the following:
- Sun damage
- Wrinkles
- Acne
- Scarring
- Large pores
- Low elasticity
- Redness
- Unique pigmentation
You should also consider your skin sensitivity level when choosing products. Many cleansers come in sensitive formulas. This can reduce irritation and improve the appearance of your skin.
We’ll discuss a few of your product options below.
Cleansing Balm
A cleansing balm is an oil-based makeup remover.
Have you ever had to clean up an oil spill or remove an oil splotch from your favourite shirt? You might have used an oil-based product to absorb the mess. Because oil absorbs oil, a cleansing balm can be an excellent, gentle option for anyone with oily or combination skin.
A balm is great for removing a full face of makeup, especially if you’re using a stubborn formula, such as waterproof mascara, sunscreen, or all-day foundation.
Makeup Wipes
Makeup wipes are single-use removal products that come pre-soaked in a cleanser or makeup remover. They include surfactants and emulsifiers that bring makeup to the surface. While these chemicals get the job done, you’ll need to wash your face after use to ensure they don’t linger and seep into your pores.
With that in mind, consider makeup wipes a first step in makeup removal, but not the end of the process. You should consider “double-cleansing” or using a face wash to remove anything the wipes leave behind.
Wipes can sometimes cause irritation, so they’re an excellent choice for travel, but they may not be ideal for sensitive skin or everyday use.
Cleansing Oil
Cleansing oil is another oil-based makeup removal product. Oils don’t contain the same surfactants and emulsifiers found in makeup wipes and most off-the-shelf facial cleansers. They attract the oil-based ingredients in your makeup, dissolving them rather than simply bringing them to the surface.
A fragrance-free cleansing oil can be appropriate for nearly any skin type or sensitivity level, making it one of the most versatile makeup removal options. If you’re prone to acne, you might still wish to double-cleanse with an acne-fighting face soap.
Cleansing oils also tend to add natural moisture to your skin, which can eliminate a step in your skincare routine if you’re travelling or short on time.
The Takeaway
Keeping your pores squeaky clean should be a regular component of your daily skincare routine. We know you’re busy, and it might seem easier to crawl into bed and deal with it in the morning, but we hope you’ll reconsider. The easiest way to begin caring for your skin is to get up, grab those wipes, and remove makeup completely at the end of the day.
If you’re unsure about your skin type or which products will help keep your face glowing, the professionals at MC Laser Clinic are here to help. We offer a range of services that will leave your stunning skin looking refreshed so you’re ready to show it off to the world. Book an appointment and see what it feels like to make healthy, glowing skin a priority.
