3 makeup removal benefits you didn’t know before

We are used to remove makeup by the end of the day, and the good news is that this routine has actually many benefits that remain unrecognized. All you have to do is follow the guidelines to benefit from makeup removal and make it more effective.

It is a habit that can be a constraint but definitely a must. Make-up removal is part of any good beauty routine and women should not skip it at all. However, not all of us know all its benefits when applied effectively. On the 10th anniversary of Abeille Royale and the launch of the cleansing oil, Sandrine Silvestre, international training director of Guerlain spas and institutes and quality director, discusses the benefits of this key beauty routine on the skin.

A relaxing routine

“It is a self-care routine: you take your time while taking care of yourself,” this is how the expert describes the makeup removal beauty routine, which is mostly done right before going to bed. To fully benefit from it, Sandrine Silvestre recommends first of all to take your time while removing makeup making it a relaxing experience. Speaking of the best way to do it: take the makeup remover, heat it then rub it on your hands, then put your hands in a cupola position in front of your mouth and inhale while closing your eyes.

“It's like a holistic method; you give yourself a minute of meditation to clear your head while getting rid of your makeup." It is therefore important to choose a treatment that satisfies us in terms of effectiveness and in terms of smell.

Anti-pollution barrier

Everyone knows that pollution damages the skin. Hence the importance of cleaning it well at the end of the day, even if you don’t wear makeup.

"Thanks to makeup removal, you will be able to remove dust, pollution, sweat and impurities off of the skin." The specialist recommends starting with a makeup remover for the eyes and lips, in order to dissolve the intense pigments of mascara as well as the resistant elements that cling to it.

"Be careful not to rub while removing it as you should rather dab it to avoid any irritations.”

Repeat the same process on the rest of the face with a specific makeup remover. The Guerlain expert recommends the now famous double cleansing with a foam that will gently remove make-up entirely, to be used after the makeup remover. “And don’t forget to include the neckline area in your makeup removal process.”

Anti-aging effect

Another unknown benefit of makeup removal is that of anti-aging effect. Sandrine Silvestre insists: Removing make-up is one of the first anti-aging habits. Just like the scrub, which needs to be done once a week to activate cell renewal.” Beside cleaning the skin from impurities and let it breathe, body language plays a major role in optimizing this anti-aging effect.

As the training director explains, you “slide your hands from the inside of the face then you go outwards, while placing your palms flat on your cheeks. Then, pass over the forehead, nose and around the mouth. Then finish the removal process by going through the neck, neckline and the shoulders with large circular motions.

The important thing is to work your way from the center going outwards, in an upward movement as if you’re lifting your face. Also, follow the lymphatic circuit to detoxify it.”

Finally, rinse your face while dabbing it to activate the blood microcirculation. "Don’t use hot water, since it will alter the natural skin barrier that is there to defend us,"warns the Guerlain expert. Instead, rinse your face with warm water.

Finish the makeup removal process with lotion, which should be applied in patting movement that stimulates the nerves. “Start from your chin, smile while going towards the lips’ corners then to the cheekbones. Draw the outline of your eyes, as if you’re drawing sunglasses, then finish with the forehead.” This should take you a minute, which is reasonable, even if you have a busy schedule. Your skin will be thankful.