What’s the difference between removing makeup and cleansing your skin?
After a long day at work, you probably want to rush through the makeup removal and cleansing steps. While some of you may only use a cleanser as a makeup remover, it’s important to know it only has one function: to cleanse! Residues of foundation, mascara and lipstick will remain on the surface of the skin, and will be very likely clogging pores, causing irritations and promoting blemishes.
On the other hand, a makeup remover may not be enough to rid your skin of all impurities. By distinguishing these two steps (each with a specific role), you’ll only add a minute to your skincare routine but will achieve much better results. Here’s everything you need to know.
Step 1: removing makeup
Makeup removal is essential in your skincare routine. Skipping this step means you’ll go to bed with small residues that prevent your skin cells from oxygenating properly. In the long run, this could even make your complexion dull, cause unsightly breakouts, and accelerate skin aging. A good makeup remover erases makeup traces and prepares the skin for cleansing, but it should never be harsh.
With the right techniques and combination of products, your skin will look fresher, more radiant, and ready for new makeup!
Which makeup remover should you choose?
It’s essential to choose a makeup remover suited to your skin’s mood. Dry, sensitive, and mature skin will love rich and hydrating milks, creams and oils that nourish the skin while removing makeup.
Our crème douce démaquillante contains Pracaxi oil (from the seeds of the Pentaclethra macroloba tree popular in Central America), St. John’s Wort extract, Neroli hydrosol, Witch Hazel and Coconut oil. It removes eye, face, and lip makeup while softening and regenerating the skin. On the other hand, if you have reactive, blemish-prone skin that needs balance, or you simply love all things makeup, then Baume Céleste, gel-in-oil makeup remover, will be perfect. It contains Blue Tansy essential oil, known for its soothing and balancing properties, and a blend of oils that are very effective to remove heavy makeup and even SPF.
For normal to oily skin, micellar water and gels are recommended! These lightweight formulas help remove makeup while regulating excess sebum. They don’t leave a greasy residue and provide a refreshing feeling. They are often formulated with purifying ingredients that help prevent acne without being harsh on the skin, such as our Eau soir et matin, a micellar water which micelles (particles of surfactants) act as cleansing agents to remove impurities, makeup, and sebum. You may find other micellar waters on the market are too drying for the skin: it’s because they contain too much micelles. Our Eau Soir et Matin contains just enough to remove makeup, but it is also packed with moisturizing and soothing ingredients, such as Aloe Vera, Cornflower and Witch Hazel hydrosol.
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Step 2: cleansing
You may wonder why cleansing is necessary after makeup removal! In reality, the first step doesn’t always clean the skin deeply.
Cleansers are formulated to eliminate remaining residues, purify the pores, and prepare the skin for following treatments. Double cleansing is especially recommended for people living in urban areas. Once your skin is free of makeup, the cleanser comes in to remove all the impurities and pollution particles accumulated throughout the day.
In the morning, we don’t recommend cleansing as your skin is not “dirty” and it could weaken your hydrolipidic film. Instead, opt for fresh water or your favorite hydrosol.
How to pick your cleanser?
Your choice of cleanser will depend on your skin mood!
Similar to makeup remover, dry skin should opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser in the form of milk, cream, or oil, while normal to oily skin will benefit from a purifying gel or foam to control excess sebum and reduce shine without drying out the skin.
Yet, our Nettoyant Pureté, purifying cleanser, is loved by all skin types thanks to the soothing and anti-redness properties of Roman chamomile, the nourishing effects of oats, and the blemish-regulating power of salicylic acid.
To sum it up for you, makeup removal and cleansing are simply the two most important steps in your ritual. They help preserve healthy skin while offering a moment of well-being that will undoubtedly show on your skin the next day!
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