The skin on our faces is subjected to a lot of dirt and pollution daily, which can take a toll on its health and make it more susceptible to damage. Therefore, proper cleansing is crucial for maintaining healthy skin.
Skipping the makeup removal step and directly using a facial cleanser or face wash on a made-up face will only spread makeup and impurities all over.
Proper Makeup Removal
To save time, many people tend to scrub their faces vigorously with a cotton pad to remove makeup and dirt as quickly as possible. However, this can damage our skin and, over time, thin out the stratum corneum, compromising the skin’s protective barrier, leading to irritation and redness. Additionally, the habit of scrubbing the skin can promote the formation of wrinkles.

Always wash your hands before removing makeup, then pour the makeup remover onto a clean cotton pad.
Start by washing your hands, then pour some makeup remover onto a clean cotton pad. Begin with removing makeup from your lips, eyes, and eyebrows, and finally, move on to cleansing the rest of your face. Remember that the skin on your eyelids is very delicate and requires gentle care.
Place the soaked cotton pad on your eye for a moment to let the makeup dissolve, then gently swipe it outward from the inner corner of your eye to your temple. When removing foundation, always swipe the cotton pad from the center of your face outward.
Soak a new cotton pad with makeup remover and go over your entire face once more before moving on to the face washing step.
Over-cleansing can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and acne. A popular timing guideline for adequate cleansing is 5 minutes for makeup removal (including product application and facial massage) and 1-2 minutes for face washing.
Choosing the Right Makeup Remover
Oil-based makeup removers are ideal for breaking down waterproof makeup quickly. It is essential to follow up with a cleanser to ensure no residue is left behind, preventing breakouts.

Oil-based makeup removers are effective at breaking down waterproof makeup.
Additionally, there are milk-type makeup removers that are excellent at removing water-based makeup. Another option is a 3-in-1 product that combines cleansing, makeup removal, and skin-firming properties.
Keep in mind that even the best makeup removers can leave residue, so don’t skip the subsequent cleansing step with a facial cleanser to ensure your skin is thoroughly cleansed.