How to remove makeup without damaging the skin

Why it is so important to remove makeup every night

For healthy skin, it is essential to properly wash off makeup every night. The absolute worst thing you can do for your skin is to skip cleansing and sleep with makeup on. By not washing off the makeup, you suffocate the skin, the pores get clogged, and the skin cannot breathe or recover during the night. The result? You risk waking up with clogged pores, pimples, and dull skin. In the long run, poor cleansing can also accelerate skin aging, as makeup residue and dirt disrupt the skin's natural repair process and can lead to premature wrinkles. In short, makeup must be removed every day for the skin to remain clean, healthy, and radiant.

Why gentle makeup removal is important

Incorrect cleansing technique or overly strong products can damage the skin's protective barrier and have the opposite effect – dry, irritated skin and more breakouts. Korean skincare routines have become so popular largely thanks to their focus on gentle but effective cleansing. K-beauty products are known for deeply cleansing without compromising the skin's moisture balance. Neglecting makeup removal or rubbing too hard can lead to redness, surface dryness, and over time, worsen the skin's elasticity. By using the right products and techniques, you can completely remove makeup without damaging or drying out the skin. Below we go through how to remove makeup the right way with gentle methods.

How to remove makeup without damaging the skin

There are different methods for makeup removal, but the Korean double cleansing is considered the gold standard for clean skin. It involves first using an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup and oil-soluble impurities, and then following up with a water-based cleanser to remove residue and dirt deeply. Here we explain how to wash off makeup gently and effectively.

1. Start with an oil-based cleanser. A cleansing oil or balm is ideal as the first step, as oil dissolves oil – it binds to oil-based products like foundation, sunscreen, and sebum. Massage an oil-based cleanser over a dry face with light, circular motions. Focus on areas with a lot of makeup (e.g., around the nose and chin where foundation often sticks hard). The oil also breaks down waterproof makeup like mascara and eyeliner without needing to rub. Tip! Heimish All Clean Balm and BANILA CO Clean It Zero are popular Korean cleansing balms that effectively melt away stubborn makeup without drying out the skin. If you prefer liquid oil, you can try Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil , a light oil cleanser that also dissolves waterproof makeup and SPF while being gentle on the pores.
2. Remove the oil gently. After massaging the oil cleanser in for a minute (you can see the makeup “melt” and dissolve), add a little lukewarm water and continue massaging. The oil then emulsifies into a milky liquid that is easier to rinse off. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm (not hot!) water. Warm water helps dissolve the oil and dirt, but too hot water can dry out and irritate the skin, so stick to lukewarm to be gentle. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing hard; if any makeup remains, apply a little more oil and massage gently instead of scrubbing with a towel.
3. Be extra careful around the eyes. The skin around the eyes is thin and sensitive, so treat it gently. If you have a lot of eye makeup, you can start by spot-treating the eyes before the rest of the face: take a cotton pad, drip a few drops of micellar water or some of your cleansing oil, and hold it against the eye for ~10 seconds without rubbing. This dissolves the mascara and eyeliner, so you can then gently wipe it away in a downward motion. Repeat if necessary with a new cotton pad until all eye makeup is gone. By soaking the makeup first, you avoid having to scrub, which reduces the risk of irritation and lashes breaking. Note! Waterproof mascara often requires an oil-based remover, regular cleansing may not always be enough. Oil-based products are generally excellent for dissolving even heavy makeup without needing to rub the skin.
4. Continue with a water-based cleanser. Now that the makeup is dissolved and wiped away, it's time for the second step: a gentle, water-based facial wash to deeply cleanse the skin. This step removes any oil residues, sweat, and dirt particles that the oil might have missed. Here you should opt for a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that doesn't disrupt the skin's natural oils. A good example is COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, a super mild gel with a pH of about 5 that effectively cleanses the skin without drying it out or disturbing the barrier. It removes leftover makeup and oil residues, leaving the skin clean and soft. Lather a small amount of cleansing gel with water in your hands and massage into the face (the face should now be moist) for about 30 seconds. Then rinse off with lukewarm water.
5. Finish and moisturize the skin. Once all the cleansing is rinsed off, gently pat the face dry with a soft, clean towel. Do not rub; wet skin is more vulnerable and can easily become red if rubbed too hard. After cleansing, it's important to restore the moisture balance. Therefore, apply a moisturizing toner or Essence, followed by your serum and finally a good face cream suitable for your skin type. This way, you lock in the moisture and support the skin barrier you've just cleansed. Don't forget eye cream if you use it. The skin will now feel clean, cool, and ready for the next step in your routine or for a good night's sleep.

More tips for gentle makeup removal

1. Choose the right products for your skin type. If you have very dry or sensitive skin, opt for extra gentle cleansers without harsh sulfates (which can dry out the skin). Micellar water, for example, is a very gentle cleanser that gently lifts away dirt, bacteria, and makeup without drying out the skin, perfect for days when you only have light makeup. However, if you have oily and acne-prone skin, a foaming water-based cleanser with salicylic acid, for example, can help keep pores clean after you've first removed makeup with oil. Tailor your cleansing routine based on what your skin benefits from the most.
2. Avoid makeup removal wipes for everyday use. Sure, wipes can be practical in emergencies or when traveling, but try not to make them a habit. They often don't remove all makeup properly and you may need to rub a lot (which can irritate the skin). A proper cleansing with oil- and water-based cleansers cleans the skin much more effectively and gently. If you still use wipes, rinse your face with water afterward and follow up with a proper cleansing at home.
3. Be patient and thorough. The secret to healthy skin is consistent care. Even though it may feel tedious to go through a whole cleansing routine when you're tired at night, remember that it only takes a few minutes and your skin will thank you. Clean skin can breathe and renew itself overnight, and your subsequent skincare products (serum, night cream, etc.) will also penetrate better without layers of makeup in the way. So invest that time every night.

Proper makeup removal is fundamental for a healthy complexion. By using a mild oil-based cleanser first and then a water-based cleanser, you remove all traces of makeup without damaging the skin's natural barrier. Your skin becomes deeply clean but retains its moisture and suppleness, exactly what Korean skincare focuses on. With gentle products, lukewarm water, and a gentle hand, your cleansing routine will not only remove makeup effectively but also become an opportunity to care for your skin. Take care of your skin every night through thorough makeup removal, and you'll keep it clear, balanced, and radiant in the long run!