Learning how to remove makeup properly will save you so many headaches in the long run. Sometimes, no matter how thoroughly you lather up, it seems like you just can’t get all your makeup off. We’ve been there. But trust us, the answer is not scrubbing harder. Below, dermatologists share their best tips to gently and effectively remove makeup, tailored to your skin type and concerns. Read on to learn how to get every last bit of makeup off your face without irritating your skin—plus, some common mistakes to avoid.
Why do you need to remove makeup every day?
We’re hoping that by this point, you’re well aware of why going to bed with your makeup on is a beauty no-no, but if you need a little tough love as motivation when you’re feeling lazy, we’ll let Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC, remind you why it’s a nonnegotiable. “Ultimately, if you don’t remove your makeup at night, you’ll start to see signs of premature aging,” she says. Not removing makeup leaves pollutants, dirt, and oils on the skin, which can lead to increased damage from free radicals. “This, in turn, can trigger acne (by blocking pores and trapping oil), irritation, and faster aging of the skin [read ‘more wrinkles, sagging, and laxity, and larger pores over time’],” she says. There is no upside to sleeping in your makeup, but plenty of consequences.
What is double cleansing?
Now that you know why you have to remove your makeup every night, here’s exactly how to do it most effectively, starting with a method known as double cleansing. “Removing makeup should be a two-step process,” says Dr. Nazarian. To double-cleanse, you must first start out with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water to break down and dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. “Oil-based cleansers act as a magnet to cling to makeup—but this is not fully sufficient on its own,” she says. After removing the bulk of your makeup with an oil-based cleanser, Dr. Nazarian says, go in with a gentle water-based cleanser to remove sweat and dirt. “Both steps are required to efficiently remove makeup and keep skin clean without leaving residue and excess oil on the skin,” she says.
How to remove makeup step-by-step, according to dermatologists
Ahead, we break down how to double cleanse step by step:
Step 1: Wash your hands.
No matter how thorough your cleansing process is, it’s all in vain if you’re not starting with clean hands. Scrub up before you touch your face to “avoid introducing more bacteria and grime to your skin,” says Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist.
Step 2: Use a cleansing oil or micellar cleanser.
Yes, we know makeup wipes are extremely convenient, but they’re not doing a great job of actually removing your makeup. It might feel a bit extra to apply two cleansers, but it’s the most effective way to ensure every trace of makeup is dissolved. According to Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, a cleansing oil or micellar water not only ensures skin is properly clean, these products can also protect it in ways that a makeup wipe can’t. “[Double cleansing] will help avoid unnecessary friction or dryness,” she says. These types of cleansers are also effective in removing residue from sunscreen, so they’re useful, even if you don’t typically wear a lot of makeup.
