Removing makeup is an essential part of any evening skincare routine, yet aggressive scrubbing and harsh products can damage the skin barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and discomfort.
It is possible to cleanse the skin and remove makeup without disrupting the barrier, and even contribute to improving barrier health, which is what we’re discussing in today’s article. In this guide, we’ll explore how to remove makeup properly with the best facial cleansers from NassifMD® facial plastic surgeon skincare.
Continue reading as we cover:
- Why not removing makeup can damage the skin barrier
- Why some makeup is difficult to remove
- How to remove makeup properly
- What is the best makeup remover?
- Considerations for eye makeup remover
- A barrier-protective evening cleansing routine
- Makeup remover FAQs
Why Leaving Makeup on Overnight Damages the Skin Barrier
Accumulated skin residue and buildup, including makeup, can interfere with skin barrier function overnight. Cleansing before bed is essential for barrier health.
The skin barrier is the skin’s outermost protective layer, containing skin cells and lipids that help retain moisture and keep irritants out. It works with the skin microbiome to maintain a delicate yet strong shield.
Makeup alone doesn’t damage the skin barrier, especially if you use high-quality, biocompatible products. However, combining all-day makeup, sweat, oil, sunscreen, and environmental aggressors can contribute to skin congestion and strain the skin barrier. Not washing all this away before bed can lead to:
- Clogged pores
- Acne
- Irritation
- Dryness
- A compromised skin barrier
When the skin barrier is overwhelmed, you may notice more dryness, redness, irritation, and slower overnight recovery. Even when you get home late or feel tired, it’s worth taking a couple of minutes to cleanse and remove makeup (and the rest of the day) from your skin.
What Makes Long-Wear and Costume Makeup So Hard to Remove
Long-wear makeup, waterproof mascara, and theatrical makeup are designed to resist moisture, making them harder to remove than everyday makeup.
It’s easy to think stronger cleansers and more force are the solution, but harsh products and excessive rubbing can worsen skin conditions and damage the skin barrier.
Oil-based makeup remover, makeup remover balm, or micellar water makeup remover are popular options, but you may not need a separate product. Instead, you can turn to your trusted NassifMD® Facial Cleansers, designed to remove buildup without stripping the skin, while hydrating and nourishing the skin barrier.
How to Remove Makeup Properly Without Scrubbing or Stripping
Instead of scrubbing or using harsh products, you may need to cleanse twice, especially for long-wear makeup: first to loosen the makeup, and second to wash it away.
Begin with your favorite skincare face wash; we suggest either NassifMD® Pure Hydration Gentle Facial Cleanser or NassifMD® Purifying Glycolic Facial Cleanser.
NassifMD® Pure Hydration Gentle Facial Cleanser doubles as a gentle makeup remover, washing away makeup, oil, and dirt while infusing the skin with antioxidants from green tea and barrier-supportive squalane.
NassifMD® Purifying Glycolic Facial Cleanser combines gentle cleansing with glycolic acid exfoliation without drying out the skin. This option removes makeup, dirt, oil, and other impurities while promoting cellular turnover for smoother, brighter skin.
Use facial cleansing pads for step two. After cleansing, gently swipe the skin with NassifMD® Detox Pads – Original or NassifMD® Detox Pads – Gentle.
NassifMD® Detox Pads – Original are our best-selling pads designed for balanced exfoliation and skin prep. Use them after cleansing to remove all last traces of makeup and impurities, leaving the day behind. These facial cleansing pads feature bakuchiol, lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, ectoin, and vitamin C to smooth, brighten, and hydrate.
NassifMD® Detox Pads – Gentle are a gentle, sensitive-skin version of the original detox pads that double as makeup remover wipes. Use after cleansing to remove any residual makeup, dirt, or oils. These pads feature aloe, plant extracts, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, soothe, and support the skin.
This double-cleansing method, combining cleansing and detox pads, removes all traces of makeup while supporting the skin barrier and overall skin health.
How to Remove Eye Makeup Safely Around the Delicate Eye Area
Because eyelids are so delicate, excessive rubbing to remove makeup can cause irritation and discomfort. Choose the gentlest products for this area.
When cleansing your face, avoid exfoliation around the eye area because sensitive skin is more prone to microtears and irritation. It’s also important to avoid getting skincare products into the eyes.
For these reasons, one of the best eye makeup remover choices is NassifMD® Pure Hydration Gentle Facial Cleanser. Close your eyes and gently massage over eye makeup before rinsing.
A Gentle Nightly Cleansing Routine That Protects Your Barrier
Begin your nightly cleansing routine with a gentle facial cleanser, then use detox pads to remove makeup and support skin barrier health. Then continue with the rest of your skincare routine. Choose one cleanser and one pad formula, adjusting pad frequency to your skin type and tolerance. Nightly makeup removal does not require nightly exfoliation.
|
Cleansing and Makeup Removing Step |
Product |
How to Use + Notes |
|
Step 1 – Cleansing |
Apply a dime-sized amount to damp skin; gently massage. Close your eyes and gently massage over eye makeup. Rinse with warm water. |
|
|
Step 1- Cleansing |
Apply to damp skin and massage. Rinse with warm water. |
|
|
Step 2 - Cleansing + Balanced Exfoliation |
Gently swipe across your face after cleansing. Do not rinse off. Avoid the upper and lower eyelids. Use 2x weekly and up to daily, according to skin type and tolerance. |
|
|
Step 2 - Cleansing + Balanced Exfoliation |
|
Gently swipe across your face after cleansing. Do not rinse off. Use as tolerated, up to twice daily. |
After cleansing, follow with your serums and NassifMD® Skin Barrier Protection Cream to help retain moisture and support the skin barrier overnight. Layer with another moisturizer if needed.
With NassifMD® Skincare, you remove makeup completely without stripping or damaging the skin barrier. For many makeup routines, these multi-use facial cleansers and detox pads may eliminate the need for a separate facial makeup remover.
Makeup Remover FAQs
What is the best way to remove makeup at night?
Begin with a gentle cleanser (NassifMD® Pure Hydration Gentle Facial Cleanser or NassifMD® Purifying Glycolic Facial Cleanser) and follow with detox pads (NassifMD® Detox Pads – Original or NassifMD® Detox Pads – Gentle).
Do makeup wipes damage your skin barrier?
xcessive rubbing and harsh ingredients in makeup wipes can damage the skin barrier. Choose gentle products instead.
How do you remove waterproof eye makeup gently?
Use NassifMD® Pure Hydration Gentle Facial Cleanser and wash the eyelids with your eyes closed before rinsing.
Should you double cleanse after wearing heavy makeup?
Double cleansing with a gentle cleanser and detox pads will effectively remove heavy makeup.
Can leaving makeup on overnight cause breakouts?
Yes. Going to bed without cleansing allows makeup, sweat, dirt, and other impurities to remain on the skin, potentially contributing to clogged pores, breakouts, and irritation.
References
1. Rajkumar, J., Chandan, N., Lio, P., & Shi, V. (2023). The Skin Barrier and Moisturization: Function, Disruption, and Mechanisms of Repair. Skin pharmacology and physiology, 36(4), 174–185.
2. Hosokawa, K., Taima, H., Kikuchi, M., Tsuda, H., Numano, K., & Takagi, Y. (2021). Rubbing the skin when removing makeup cosmetics is a major factor that worsens skin conditions in atopic dermatitis patients. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 20(6), 1915–1922.