Is Cleaning the Same as Removing Makeup? We Explain It to You
You may have wondered more than once if cleaning is the same as removing makeup and you don’t know if you are doing it right or wrong. Don’t worry because, in this post, we are going to help clear all your doubts.
Cleansing is one of the steps that should never be missing from your facial routine no matter how lazy you feel.
If you clean your face every day, not only will you improve the appearance of your skin and prevent premature aging, but you will also ensure that cosmetic treatments penetrate to the deepest layers.
That’s why it’s very important to clean your skin in the morning and at night: at night, to remove dirt, pollution, and makeup; and in the morning, to remove impurities and the oil that the dermis expels during its renewal process.
But, is cleaning the same as removing makeup? No, not at all. Although they may seem like very similar concepts, it is important to make a distinction between the two.
Below, we explain what they consist of and what the main differences are.
Is cleaning the same as removing makeup?
No, it is definitely not the same. Although they are two steps that complement each other, they are totally different and different products are used in each one to achieve a deeper clean.
While in the morning you can use a soapy product or a lotion to remove oil and accumulated dirt from the night, before going to bed you should thoroughly remove makeup; and, to do this, we are afraid you have to go the extra mile to remove even water-resistant products.
Once you have removed all makeup, then it is time to move on to the cleanser to leave the complexion completely clean and ready to receive and take advantage of all the benefits provided by facial treatments.
What is the difference?
It’s simple. Makeup removers are specially designed to remove makeup, such as eyeshadow, mascara, lipstick, or foundation, but they do not clean by themselves, and this is where facial cleansers come in.
This type of product attracts, drags, and removes dirt, thereby preventing it from accumulating in the pores and clogging them, causing acne and the appearance of the first signs of skin aging (wrinkles, expression lines, or sagging).
That’s why, although some brands have innovated today and offer “all-in-1” products capable of removing makeup and dirt, it is still recommended to use a product for each purpose.
What are the most recommended products in each case?
Removing makeup
It is the first step towards healthy skin. In fact, if you want to prevent its aging, you should never go to bed without having removed your makeup first. These are some of the most recommended products for this step.
Makeup removing oil
Without a doubt, it is one of the most effective. If you have combination or oily skin, you may be somewhat wary, but if you set aside prejudices and begin to enjoy the benefits that oil brings.
Believe it or not, cleansing oil is the best way to remove makeup, especially if it is water-resistant. It softens and removes cosmetic residue quickly and easily without damaging the dermis.
Biphasic makeup remover
You can also use a biphasic cleanser to remove mascara or lipstick. This product has an aqueous base and an oily base that effectively remove even the most resistant products.
These are the best options you have for removing makeup.
Cleansing milk
It is the most suitable, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. This cleanser has a creamier texture that removes makeup from the complexion without drying it out and leaves a feeling of lasting hydration.
If your skin is combination type, we recommend that you opt for lighter textures such as, for example, lotion. It performs the same action as the milk, but does not provide excess oil to the complexion.
Makeup remover wipes
It is not recommended to use them daily, but they can get you out of a jam. They remove makeup, but be careful: they are very aggressive on the skin and can drag away the lipids that cover the epidermis, leaving it unprotected.
It is better to save them only for specific moments.
Moreover, although some are also indicated for removing eye and lip makeup, be sure to pass them very gently to avoid irritating such delicate skin.
Micellar water
Micellar water is a wildcard that works for both cleaning and removing makeup, although, above all, it is perfect as the last step of cleaning to ensure that not a single trace remains.
It contains micelles, a set of molecules that attract dirt and impurities like a magnet.
It’s a very practical and easy-to-use product, and it can also be applied to the eyes and lips. I recommend the one I am currently using, Nezeni Cosmetics.
Cleaning
Without proper cleaning, there is no healthy and young skin. That’s why this step is so important and using the right products is key.
Soap or cleansing gel
It is one of the most used textures. It’s perfect if you don’t want to give up washing your face with water and soap as it has always been done.
However, make sure it does not contain sulfates or other chemical ingredients that strip away the lipid barrier that protects the dermis and excessively dry it out.
In this post, we make a selection with the best options for cleaning.
Foam or cleansing mousse
It is, without a doubt, one of the most revolutionary textures. Although it is suitable for all skin types, it is perfect especially for sensitive or reactive skin.
It gently removes impurities, maintaining the lipid barrier in perfect condition, and provides a pleasant sensation of freshness and well-being.
Micellar water
As we said earlier, micellar water is a wildcard that serves both purposes: cleaning and removing makeup. That said, at night, it is more appropriate as a second step after completely removing makeup.
You can also try these natural ingredients that do a good job of removing dirt. Or this recipe for homemade cleanser.
So, can you clean without removing makeup and vice versa?
Definitely, no. In the morning, just using a soapy cleanser or micellar water is enough to remove excess oil and impurities that the dermis has expelled during its regeneration.
But, at night, it is necessary to combine cleanser and makeup remover if you want to achieve a deeper clean that not only helps you remove makeup residues but also pollution, bacteria, and impurities that your complexion has been accumulating throughout the day. This is what is called double cleansing.