Dr. Marisa Garshick, a leading board-certified dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery and advisor of BioRepublic authored this story.
Why is it important to remove makeup before sleeping at night?
Removing makeup before bed helps to create a clean slate to subsequently apply other skincare products such as night serums and creams to ensure proper penetration and efficacy. Additionally, it is important to remove makeup and other buildup before sleeping at night to prevent clogged pores and irritation. If the makeup gets transferred to the pillowcase, this residue can contribute to breakouts if the pillowcase is not washed regularly.
After a long day, it is important to remove makeup because it can worsen skin conditions such as acne or eczema. When left on, makeup clogs pores and causes your skin to break out. Regularly taking off your makeup will prevent skin problems such as clogged pores and breakouts.
What You Need To Know About Makeup And Skincare Routines
Consistency is key.
While there will always be the occasional nights that you might be too tired to remove your makeup, if it becomes a habit and routine, just like brushing your teeth, then you will be less likely to forget. Be sure to commit to an evening skincare routine that gets rid of the buildup, oil, dirt, debris, bacteria, and makeup from the day.
While makeup wipes are not intended for daily use as they can be drying for certain individuals, it is better to use that than not remove your makeup at all. So if you are prone to forgetting to remove your makeup, you can always keep some by your bedside. If you are going to use a makeup removal wipe, be sure to choose one that is gentle on the skin like the CeraVe Makeup Removing Cloths.
When building a skincare routine, there are several key steps to consider.
Cleanser
Cleansing your face is an essential step in your skincare routine because it facilitates the removal of dirt, oil, and other unwanted debris. Throughout the day, the skin on your face is continually covered with bacteria, pollutants, dirt, and old (dead) skin cells. The right formula cleanses your skin without stripping essential, healthy oils and it varies based on your skin type.
For those who wear a lot of makeup, it might be best to consider a double cleanse. You can use an oil-based cleanser followed by a traditional water-based cleanser. You can try a cleansing balm such as Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm or Ponds Cleansing Balm, or micellar water, such as Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Water or Bioderma Micellar Water to help ensure the makeup is completely removed.
- Oily / acne-prone – Gel or foam cleansers helps break down dirt and excess sebum from pores, making it a good option for those with oily skin.
- Dry / red / eczema-prone – Cream or lotion cleansers are formulated with emollients such as glycerin or shea butter, that hydrate the skin while washing away impurities
- Sensitive – Those with sensitive skin may opt to only wash once daily, but it is best to make sure this wash occurs at night to rid the skin of daily buildup. It may also be good to avoid heavy fragrances. Cleansing oils keep your skin moisturized while purifying, and are less likely to irritate a sensitive face.
- Any skin type – Micellar water is a great option for gentle, effective cleansing and can be used by itself or part of a two-step double cleanse routine.
Toner
Toners should be done after cleansing and before putting on anything else. Toners deliver an extra shot of nutrients, helping the other products in your regimen absorb better, while still balancing your complexion. Here are some hero ingredients to look for:
- Alpha and beta hydroxy acids to gently remove dead skin cells that can clog pores, improve sun-damaged skin, and minimize dullness.
- Hyaluronic acid or glycerin to boost hydration, such as the Thayers Facial Toner which contains glycerin or the Charlotte Tilbury Glow Toner which contains hyaluronic acid.
- Rose water and green tea to calm irritation and reduce redness with an anti-inflammatory effect. One example includes Andalou Naturals Rosewater toner.
- Vitamin E and C to fight daily exposure to free radicals that can age your skin.
Moisturizer
Moisturizers hydrate and soften the skin. Using them regularly as part of a skincare routine can prevent the skin from drying out. This is especially important after cleansing to help retain moisture and prevent further moisture loss. An example is La Roche Posay Double Repair Toleraine Moisturizer.
Exfoliant
Exfoliating helps to keep your skin silky soft and smooth by buffing away and removing dead skin cells. You don’t need to exfoliate your skin more than twice a week. An example of an exfoliant is the Charlotte Tilbury Super Radiance Resurfacing Facial or the Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Exfoliating Pads. While it’s important to buff away dead skin cells, you also want to be careful that you don’t strip away too many of your skin’s natural oils. It is typically best to apply an exfoliant to already cleansed skin and avoid exfoliating if you have not already removed your makeup.
Mask
Face masks are great additions to any skincare routine to target specific skincare concerns. Masks can help hydrate skin, remove excess oils, and help improve the appearance of pores—while providing a relaxing, spa-like experience at home. The right mask type depends on your skin condition:
- Normal and Dry Skin – Cream-based masks are a good fit for normal to dry skin because they provide moisture and hydration, and softens your skin.
- Oily Skin – Clay masks are fantastic for oily skin because they can extract sebum (oil) and impurities from the pores, leaving the skin feeling refreshed.
- Anti-Aging – Vitamin E is an effective skincare vitamin. It’s an antioxidant by nature and helps prevent signs of premature aging. BioRepublic’s Multi-Peptide Therapy Mask uses a serum rich in peptides and Vitamin E that will slow the aging process.
- Dark Spots – To treat existing brown spots, it can help to use products containing ingredients like retinoids or exfoliating acids which can help to brighten the skin. Other key ingredients to consider include niacinamide, licorice root extract, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and antioxidants like Vitamin C. BioRepublic’s Bright and Glowing Mask contains orange juice and pomegranate extract to gently exfoliate and brighten.
