When it comes to removing makeup quickly at the end of a long day, many people rely on makeup remover wipes or micellar water, thinking it’s a fast way to cleanse their skin. However, if you have acne-prone skin, these products could be doing more harm than good. Here's why makeup wipes aren't the best option for keeping your skin clear—and how they could be making your acne worse.
Makeup Wipes: A Quick Fix with a Hidden Cost
Makeup wipes may seem convenient, but they’re not doing your skin any favors. Many popular wipes, like Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes, contain ingredients such as Isopropyl Isostearate, which is a known pore-clogging agent. For acne-prone skin, this can lead to more breakouts by blocking your pores instead of cleaning them.
Wipes can also leave behind a layer of residue, including makeup, dirt, and oil, which gets pushed deeper into your pores. Instead of removing impurities, you're essentially spreading bacteria and grime across your skin, leading to irritation and acne flare-ups.
Micellar Water: Acne-Safe, But Not a Substitute for a Full Cleanse
Micellar water is another popular choice for makeup removal, and while it is acne-safe, it’s not a substitute for a thorough cleanse. Most micellar waters are safe for acne-prone skin as long as their only ingredients are micelles and water. They range in price from affordable to high-end. For instance, La Mer's The Cool Micellar Cleanser sells for $160, while our favorite, Bioderma - Hydrabio H2O Micellar Water, is available for only $18.99. It’s our personal opinion that you don’t need to spend a large portion of your beauty budget on makeup remover.
Although micellar water helps break down makeup, it doesn’t provide the deep cleansing your pores need. Using it alone can leave behind residue, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. For the best results, follow up with a proper cleanser to remove all impurities from your skin.
The Difference Between Removing Makeup and Cleansing Your Skin
Removing makeup is just the first step in your skincare routine. To prevent breakouts, it's essential to deep clean your pores and remove all the dirt, oil, and residue left behind. Makeup wipes and micellar water only skim the surface—they don't give your skin the deep clean it needs to stay clear.
If you've been using makeup wipes to "cleanse" your skin at night, it's time for a change. Wipes are not a cleanser and won't deliver the pore-cleansing power you need to prevent acne and keep your skin healthy.
The Acne-Safe Alternative
At Online Acne Experts, we recommend using Suds, our gentle foaming cleanser, or Whip, our cream cleanser—both designed to remove makeup and cleanse acne-prone skin effectively. If you wear heavier makeup, start with Whip to remove makeup, then follow up with Suds for a second cleanse to ensure all impurities are washed away.
Your skin deserves more than a quick wipe—it deserves real care! If you're ready for personalized guidance on how to clear your skin, schedule a consultation with us today, and let's create a plan that works for you!