Makeup residue on the face causes a host of skin problems including acne, rashes, itchiness, and even scars. Complete removal of makeup before going to sleep is necessary to maintain baby-soft, luminous skin.

The problem, however, is that some makeup removal routines are less thorough and still leave traces that lead to product buildup without you noticing.

The following 7 cleansing ways are proven to prevent pimples and increase your chances of achieving clear and glowing skin:

Double-cleanse

Korean skincare routines highly recommend double-cleansing which advocates the consecutive use of two different cleansing products — an oil-based cleanser first, then followed through by a water-based formula.

This makes sense as makeup removal consists of first breaking down the product then wiping off the excess. Avoid buying a 2-in-1 product that promises powerful cleansing properties as this may only irritate your skin.

Use Make-up Remover Solution

Makeup removers are specially formulated to effectively wipe off makeup chemicals from your face.

Heavy eye makeup, for instance, is hard to remove and using micellar cleansing water that gently yet effectively erases product particles is one perfect solution. Rubbing your skin roughly will only cause irritation and inflammation.

Break Down Makeup With Face Oils

A cheaper alternative to makeup removers is mineral oil. It softens stubborn makeup, making it easier to wipe the product off your face.

Try pouring an ample amount onto a cotton ball and applying it over your eyes, brows, lips, and cheeks. You’ll see the difference versus using plain water. Other face oils (e.g., jojoba, tea tree, coconut, etc.) work equally fine, too.

Apply Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly is primarily an occlusive capable of retaining skin moisture. Yet due to its combination of waxes and mineral oil, petroleum jelly is also another powerful alternative for makeup remover.

Apply with your fingertips, leave on for 5 minutes, and remove with clean cotton pads. People use it to avoid drying out their skin when using strong cleansers.

Clean With Wipes

Makeup wipes packed in handy pouches are on-the-go solutions for busy women. It is said that only very few makeup remover sheets can completely break down face oils and product residues.

While it is recommended that you double-cleanse after, specially-formulated makeup wipes, at the very least, take off the first layer of product on skin.

Do Warm Compress

Dabbing warm towels all over the face is a powerful, natural, and cheap way to remove makeup.

Warm temperature expands particles, helping the product components disintegrate. It is even better if you can do a DIY steaming process as it deeply unclogs the pores but this would take a longer time.

Get Creative With Kitchen Remedies

Whether you’re on a tight budget or you simply advocate clean living, you can remove stubborn makeup residue with kitchen remedies.

Milk hydrates and cleans the face. Baking soda plus honey exfoliates, cleans, and moisturizes the skin. Cucumber juice contains natural acids that help break down products and antibacterial properties that prevent pimples.

You may find other means in removing makeup from face from various beauty sites but remember to follow only those that gently and effectively wash the dirt and residue. Your goal is not only to have a clean face but a glowing complexion.

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Nicola is always on the lookout for the best beauty tools and skincare products. She believes in "prevention is better than cure" so she is always trying to perfect her beauty routine to avoid premature aging. Fun fact about Nicola: She owns a lot of sunscreens as she carries a mini sunscreen in each of her handbags and backpacks.