Makeup removal wipes also contain chemical preservatives, solubilizers, surfactants, and emulsifiers that dry and irritate the skin. In some cases, prolonged exposure to chemicals in makeup remover wipes can cause hyperpigmentation. 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.
according to a dermatologist, aging makeup, best makeup remover, best skincare for wrinkles, eye makeup remover, makeup remover mistakes, makeup remover wipesThe Worst Makeup Removal Methods You Could Be Following If You Have Wrinkles, According To A Dermatologist
December 31, 2021 by Marissa Matozzo
After a long day, oftentimes nothing feels better than taking off your makeup and starting your nightly skincare routine. How you remove your makeup contributes to your skin’s overall appearance, so it’s important to know what methods can help—or deter— you from your skincare goals. We spoke to Dr. Yoram Harth, Board Certified Dermatologist and Medical Director of MDhair about the best ways to remove your makeup that don’t contribute to the normal effects of aging like sagging skin and wrinkles. If you’ve ever wondered what removal mistakes you might be making that affect your skin’s glow (or lack of it!) read on for helpful tips for taking off makeup.
First Off, Can Makeup Removers Even Cause Wrinkles?Wrinkles are a normal, inevitable part of aging, but many people wonder how to prevent more from appearing and look to makeup removal as a possible contributor. “Makeup removers will usually not cause more wrinkles,” Dr. Harth explains, “but they can damage the natural protective layer of the skin and cause it to be more dry, rough, and dull-looking.”
Even if makeup removers aren’t directly linked to wrinkles, any product that prevents your facial skin from protecting itself is never ideal. Harth breaks down two popular makeup removal methods, and the negative effects of each.
Makeup Remover Wipes vs. Micellar WaterWhether you reach for wipes to remove makeup on-the-go or soak a pad in micellar water to wash away your foundation, these two removal methods are common for a reason. They’re easy to use, can often fit in your purse, and serve as a quick fix if you mess up that cat eye or cheekbone contour. Many makeup users have long debated whether one of these methods is superior to the other in both accessibility and skin benefits.
“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.”
If makeup wipes aren’t the prime choice, micellar water must be the better option, right? Not exactly— especially for anyone struggling with acne. “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, Harth still suggests a different removal option that doesn’t involve wipes or chemical-filled water.