How to Remove Makeup the Right Way for Clean and Glowing Skin

Post by : Saif Nasser

Removing makeup before going to bed is one of the most important habits for healthy skin. After a long and tiring day, it may feel tempting to sleep with makeup on, but this small mistake can lead to clogged pores, acne, dull skin, and early ageing. Skincare experts agree that proper makeup removal helps the skin breathe, repair itself, and absorb skincare products better.

Gayetri Chakravarthy, National Creative Director at Lakme Salon, explains that makeup removal is not just about wiping the face. It is a careful process that should be done gently and correctly to protect the skin. According to her, following the right steps can make a big difference in how your skin looks and feels over time.

The first and most basic step is to start with clean hands. Before touching your face, washing your hands with soap and water is essential. Dirty hands can transfer bacteria and dirt onto the skin, which may cause irritation or breakouts. Clean hands help ensure that your cleansing products work properly and safely.

Choosing the right makeup remover is also very important. A proper remover helps break down makeup, dirt, and pollution much better than a normal face wash. Chakravarthy advises against using makeup wipes alone. She explains that wipes often push makeup around instead of removing it fully and can leave residue that blocks pores. She suggests using wipes only in emergencies, not as a daily habit.

Different skin types need different removers. Micellar water works well for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Oil cleansers are great for removing waterproof makeup and sunscreen and are safe even for oily skin. Cream or milk cleansers suit dry and mature skin because they add moisture. Balm cleansers are ideal for people who wear heavy or long-lasting makeup. Massaging the cleanser gently for at least a minute helps dissolve makeup fully and improves blood flow, which gives the skin a natural glow.

Eye and lip makeup needs extra care. The skin around the eyes is very delicate, and harsh rubbing can cause fine lines early. Using a separate eye makeup remover is the safest option, especially for mascara and kajal. Holding a cotton pad with remover on the eyes for a few seconds helps loosen makeup without pulling the skin. For liquid lipsticks, an oil-based remover works best and prevents dryness or cracking of the lips.

Double cleansing is another important step for deep cleaning. After using a makeup remover, washing the face with a gentle, water-based cleanser removes leftover residue and clears pores. This step prepares the skin to absorb moisturisers and serums better. Lukewarm water is recommended because hot water damages the skin barrier, while cold water does not clean effectively.

After cleansing, the skin should be dried gently. Rubbing the face with a rough towel can cause tiny tears and irritation. Using a soft towel or cotton pad and patting the skin dry is the safest method. Hydration after cleansing is equally important. Applying a toner helps balance the skin, a serum targets specific skin needs, and a moisturiser locks in moisture and keeps the skin soft.

Experts say that clean skin at night allows skincare products to work better and helps the skin repair itself while you sleep. Making proper makeup removal a daily habit can lead to clearer, healthier, and more glowing skin over time.