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To avoid premature wrinkles, fine lines, and skin irritation caused by removing makeup, it’s important to avoid easy and common mistakes that many of us often make. By consulting with dermatologists and skincare experts, we’ve identified five of the most common errors and learned the best methods for removing makeup that are much kinder and gentler to your skin.
This way, you can promote graceful aging while maintaining a flawless complexion! Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Dr. Yoram Harth, board-certified dermatologist and Medical Director of MDhair, Dr. Debra Jaliman, board-certified NYC dermatologist and Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. and Margina Dennis, celebrity makeup artist and skincare expert.
The 5 Worst Makeup Removing Mistakes For Aging Skin
1. Using Harsh Makeup Remover Wipes
While makeup wipes are undeniably convenient for taking off your makeup after a long day, Harth stresses that this is a harsh method that doesn't even fully remove pore-clogging elements. "Most makeup removers [like makeup wipes] remove only part of the makeup," Harth adds.
When makeup clogs your pores and it isn't fully removed, this can lead to acne, breakouts, dull skin and premature wrinkling if repeated often.
“It seems that the less favorable method to remove makeup is with makeup removal wipes,” Harth says. He notes that these wipes also contain chemical preservatives, solubilizers, surfactants, and emulsifiers that dry and irritate the skin.
While this doesn’t always mean instant wrinkles, it isn’t beneficial for your face long-term. “In some cases, prolonged exposure to chemicals in makeup remover wipes can cause hyperpigmentation,” Harth says.
“The rubbing of makeup wipes on the skin is another undesired effect. Over-rubbing strips the upper protective layer of the skin and increases the vulnerability to harmful chemicals, fungi, bacteria, and UV.”
2. Cleansing With Micellar Water
Similarly, a micellar water makeup remover can feel refreshing but isn't the optimal way to remove makeup, according to Harth. “Using micellar water to remove makeup is also not optimal, especially for people with acne-prone skin,” Harth explains. When asked what exactly the ‘water’ contains, Harth says it will frequently include harsh chemicals like Hexylene Glycol, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Disodium EDTA, Poloxamer 184, and Polyaminopropyl Biguanide.
“These ingredients leave a surface residue on the skin, which can act as a film, blocking pores and increasing the risk for acne breakouts,” Harth says. Again, while this method doesn’t create wrinkles instantly, Harth still suggests a different removal option that doesn’t involve wipes or chemical-filled water.
3. Removing With Only Soap And Water
Using generic hand soap or a bar in the shower in a pinch can remove makeup, but Harth still doesn't think this is the best way to take it all off.
Again, while this method might feel like it works when preparing for bed, there is still a possibility that all of the makeup will not be removed, often leading to worse skin and premature aging. If you only do a quick rinse with soap and water, this likely will not remove all of your makeup, Harth says.
"The rest of the makeup, together with dead skin cells, dry sebum, and the dirt accumulated on your skin during the day," he notes, will likely then be "smeared over your skin and clog the skin pores."
4. Sleeping In Your Makeup (or Not Removing Enough)
While makeup remover wipes, micellar water and soap and water methods are not ideal, they are all still much better than not removing your makeup at all before bed, Jaliman acknowledges.
While it may not seem like a big deal at the time, sleeping in makeup can be detrimental when it comes to having clean pores, as hitting the sheets with foundation, concealer, contour, blush or other many layers can instantly clog them.
This can lead to not only acne, but also wrinkling as the skin won't be clean and ready to repair itself like it normally does as you sleep, Jaliman says. “Sleeping with makeup on is a big mistake many women make," says Jaliman. "Your cells regenerate themselves while you sleep, and your skin is then most able to absorb topical treatments and DNA repair is boosted," she continues.
After coming home and preparing to go to sleep, she stresses that it is crucial to "wash your face thoroughly before bed to remove dirt, bacteria, oil, sweat and pollutants, as well as any makeup."
She stresses that "sleeping with makeup on and not washing your face before going to bed or working out at the gym" can accelerate aging and wrinkles and also "allows bacteria to grow on your skin and clogs pores."
The 2 Best Ways To Remove Makeup, According To Experts
1. With A Mild Cleanser
Harth says the "best way to remove makeup is with the help of a mild cleanser." People with dry skin and oily skin will need different types, which he explains as well.
"The cleanser can be a hydrating cleanser for women with dry skin," Harth says, and a more "active cleanser with a small percentage of salicylic acid for people with acne-prone skin and oily skin."
Washing and cleansing your face should be done before putting on makeup and while taking it off to ensure that you are starting and ending your day with clean skin.
2. Using A Cleansing Balm
Cleansing balms, Dennis says, "are great makeup removers for dry skin because they won't strip the surface." To safeguard your dry skin from damage, it is essential to opt for a makeup remover that is formulated with oil. Dennis says that this not only deeply cleanses but also keeps your skin hydrated. "It Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup Cleansing Balm and Sonia Roselli Japanese Cleansing Oil are among my favorites," she shares.
Ultimately, our experts recommend washing your face thoroughly twice a day with a cleanser or product recommended by your dermatologist, moisturizing before bed and right upon waking, and always making sure to never sleep with makeup on!
