Healthy and Glowing: How to Properly Remove Your Makeup Before Bed

You're probably well aware that you shouldn't go to sleep with your makeup on. Admittedly, it can be quite a bother at times, especially after a long (and fun) night out when you can't wait for a warm and soft pillow. But, neglecting to remove your makeup before bed can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and other skin problems.

So, if you want to keep your skin looking its best, it's essential to follow a proper makeup removal routine. Here's our easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide on how to remove your makeup – to keep your skin completely clean of impurities and allow it to regenerate overnight.

How to Remove Your Makeup Before Bed: Step-by-Step Guide

Sleeping is supposed to be the time when our skin repairs and rejuvenates itself, leading to a more refreshed and youthful appearance. It's not called beauty sleep for nothing! But if you go to bed with a full face of makeup, you're risking skin irritation and clogged pores, leading to a wide range of skin woes.

Plus, makeup will transfer onto your pillowcase. And if you're not careful and change your pillowcase the next day, it will cause skin irritation or even an infection in the future as well. Hence, it's crucial to remove your makeup and cleanse your skin before going to bed, and here's how to do it properly:

Step #1: Choose the right product.

The first step in removing your makeup is to choose a gentle makeup remover that's suitable for your skin type. Luckily, there are many options to choose from, including micellar water, cleansing oils, and makeup wipes, and you won't have troubles finding the one suitable for your skin type and needs. But no matter what type of product you go for, make sure it's free of soaps and fragrances, as these can dry out and irritate your skin.

Step #2: Remove your makeup.

If you go for micellar water, for example, soak a cotton pad in it and gently swipe it across your face. Start from your eye area, and then work your way outwards, across the face, and down to your neck. Don't forget other areas where you usually apply your foundation, like your ears and behind them. Repeat this step until the cotton pad comes away clean.

However, if you're using an oil-based makeup remover, a plant-based oil, like jojoba or almond oil, or a cleansing balm to remove your makeup (ideal choice for those with dry skin), the method is a bit different. Here's how to do it:

• Start by wetting your face with warm (but not too hot) water to help loosen the makeup.
• Scoop a small amount of the product, apply it to your face, and work it into your skin by gently massaging with your fingertips in circular motions. Focus more on those areas with heavier makeup coverage, such as the face and eyes.
• Once all the makeup is dissolved, use a warm, damp cloth or cotton pads to wipe away the oil and makeup gently.
• Finally, rinse your face with lukewarm water and follow up with the next step while your skin is still wet.

Step #3: Cleanse your skin.

There are bound to be some remaining traces of makeup and impurities even after the makeup remover. So, once you've removed most of your makeup and rinsed your face, it's time to cleanse your skin. Use a gentle face cleanser, and again gently massage it into the skin. Then rinse once again with lukewarm water and avoid hot water, as it can strip your skin of its natural oils and damage your skin's natural moisture barrier.

Step #4: Use a toner.

After cleansing your skin, pat it dry and use a hydrating toner to balance your skin's pH and remove any last traces of dirt. Also, go for nourishing and calming ingredients, as after a day-long wearing of makeup, your skin will need some recovery. Some of the best hydrating and soothing ingredients would be aloe vera extract, niacinamide, chamomile, green tea, glycerin, and panthenol, to name a few.

Step #5: Moisturize.

The final step in the makeup removal routine is moisturizing. This step is essential as it protects your skin from dryness – after all that cleansing and rubbing, your skin needs a rich and nourishing treatment.

Choose creamier moisturizers if your skin is dry, and fluids or lightweight moisturizers if you have oily skin, and apply it to your face, eyes, and neck. Pick repairing formulas, with ceramides and peptides, for example, to replenish your skin and keep its natural barrier healthy.

Of course, you can also do all the steps in between, like masks, serums, boosters, and other treatments, but these are the five essential steps you shouldn't skip.

Why Is It Important to Properly Remove Your Makeup?

As we already mentioned, sleeping is the perfect time for your skin to regenerate – blood circulation and the delivery of nutrients to the skin increases, and collagen production boosts. But makeup can disrupt that process.

Additionally, properly removing your makeup is essential for several other reasons:

• To prevent clogged pores: Wearing makeup for extended periods of time can lead to clogged pores, resulting in blackheads, acne, and other skin problems. So, always remove your makeup at the end of the day to let your skin breathe and keep it looking its best.
• To avoid skin irritation: Not removing your makeup before bed will undoubtedly lead to skin irritation, redness, and sometimes even infection, again leading to inflamed acne or dermatitis.
• To prevent premature aging: Leaving makeup on your skin overnight will disrupt the skin's natural renewal processes, leaving your skin dry and dehydrated and leading to fine lines and wrinkles.

Takeaway...

So, if you strive for healthy and clear skin, removing your makeup before bed is not a step to skip. Besides cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen, this should be another essential step in your daily skincare routine (that is, if you're wearing makeup every day), regardless of your skin type.

Therefore, put in that extra fifteen minutes of effort every night if you want to look your best, with or without makeup. Even if it's just BB cream and eyeliner, you should remove your makeup thoroughly every night.

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