What is a good makeup remover?
Wondering what the answer is to the above question? If so, then you have come to the right place! In this blog, we will explore the answer (and more) to the following question:
What is a good makeup remover for sensitive skin?
From defining sensitive skin to understanding the ingredients in makeup remover products, join NVS Pharmacy as we explore how you can choose the right makeup remover for sensitive skin.
Why Choosing the Right Makeup Remover is Crucial for Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, you may need a specific type of makeup remover to ensure that your skin is not irritated or inflamed after removing makeup.
As a result, it is crucial that you find a makeup remover that is gentle, effective, and designed for sensitive skin.
The Challenges of Sensitive Skin and the Importance of Gentle Makeup Removers
Those with sensitive skin can face a number of issues when it comes to any type of face product. This includes common issues such as:
- Dryness
- Irritation
- Redness
By using a gentle makeup remover for sensitive skin, the above issues can be mitigated, maintaining the skin’s natural barrier and preventing further skin irritation or inflammation.
Understanding Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is a skin type that is more vulnerable to irritation and other reactions compared to other skin types. This means that careful consideration must be taken when choosing certain skin products if you have sensitive skin.
What is Sensitive Skin?
As mentioned above, sensitive skin is one skin type that is prone to irritation. Otherwise known as cutaneous sensory syndrome, individuals with sensitive skin often experience dryness, redness, rashes, and irritation. This can be caused by a vast array of factors, including:
- Genetics: Certain allergies and even factors like stress and microbiome imbalance can cause sensitive skin reactions.
- Environmental factors: External variables like wind, UV radiation, pollution, the cold, and even clothes and jewellery can trigger sensitive skin and cause flare ups of redness and irritation.
- Skin conditions: Individuals with eczema, rosacea, contact dermatitis, and other skin conditions are more likely to have sensitive skin.
Common Symptoms and Triggers
The common symptoms experienced by individuals with sensitive skin include:
- Burning – A burning, stinging, and uncomfortable sensation on the skin.
- Dryness – Dry skin that is cracked with the potential for blistering and bleeding.
- Hives – Raised, itchy bumps or rashes on the skin.
- Itchiness – The neverending urge to itch your skin.
- Redness – Red and inflamed skin that can appear swollen.
The above can be caused by triggers such as:
- Environmental factors – As previously stated, external factors such as wind, the sun, and pollution can affect your skin.
- Lifestyle choices – Use of hot water, frequent showering or bathing, or even showering or bathing for too long can cause sensitive skin to become irritated.
- Skincare ingredients – Certain skincare ingredients, including alcohol, fragrance, and parabens, can dry out and irritate sensitive skin.
Challenges in Finding Suitable Products
If you have sensitive skin, it is essential that you carefully read the ingredient section when looking for skincare products. It may be difficult to find the right product for your skin, and in many cases, it can be a trial and error process.
However, the reward – a product that is finally appropriate for your skin – is worth it!
Irritation and Allergies
Sensitive skin is more prone to irritation and allergic reactions, which is why you need to avoid products that contain potential irritants and allergens.
By avoiding these products, not only do you protect your skin against possible allergens, but you also prevent your skin from being damaged by harmful products.
Common Ingredients that Cause Issues
There are specific ingredients that commonly cause problems for individuals with sensitive skin. This includes ingredients like:
- Artificial fragrances: From allergic reactions to irritation, fragrances can trigger symptoms and even cause the skin to become more sensitive to sunlight, compromising the skin barrier.
- Alcohol: SD alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and denatured alcohol can strip your skin of natural oils, causing dry and inflamed skin.
- Parabens: Evidence has shown that parabens can act as a skin toxicant, irritating the skin barrier, especially sensitive skin types.
- Sulphates: Like alcohol, sulphates like SLS and SLES can remove your skin’s natural oils, reducing its moisture and leading to dry and itchy skin.
Types of Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin
There are different types of makeup removers that can be used on sensitive skin. Let’s take a look at the types of makeup removers for sensitive skin below, including their features and benefits:
Micellar Water
Micellar water is a gentle makeup remover and cleanser that effectively removes impurities and makeup. The majority of micellar water products for sensitive skin have a minimal list of ingredients, removing makeup without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
With micellar water, your skin will feel hydrated and refreshed from just removing your makeup.
Cleansing Oils
Cleansing oils for sensitive skin are an oil-based makeup remover that dissolves makeup effectively. This type of makeup remover is made with skin-softening oils, meaning that your skin is left soothed and hydrated after removing makeup. If you suffer from sensitive, extremely dry skin, then a 100% natural cleansing oil is an excellent choice, with no need for a cotton pad.
Ideal oils to use for sensitive skin are:
- Rosehip – Has anti-ageing and antioxidant properties, perfect for sensitive skin.
- Jojoba – Deeply moisturising and has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe the skin.
- Olive – Locks in moisture and protects the skin against inflammation.
Cleansing Balms
Cleansing balms for sensitive skin are similar to cleansing oils, but they come in a balm format that also melts away impurities, dirt, and makeup with just your fingers. With a cleansing balm, your skin is thoroughly cleansed while also being nourished.
Gentle Wipes
If convenience is what you are after, gentle makeup remover wipes for sensitive skin are also available. These wipes can remove makeup with ease, but it is important that you choose wipes that are free from harsh chemicals and fragrances. Remember to read the ingredients list carefully.
Key Ingredients to Look For
While there are ingredients that you must avoid in makeup remover products, there are also ingredients that you may want to look for – especially if you have sensitive skin.
Soothing Agents
Soothing agents like aloe vera, chamomile, and calendula calm and protect the skin, helping to soothe itchiness and inflammation.
Hydrating Ingredients
Any form of makeup remover or cleanser is likely to strip away some amount of your skin’s natural oils and moisture, which is why it is key that your makeup remover also includes hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients help to maintain your skin’s moisture balance, ensuring that it remains hydrated after the makeup removal process.
Non-Irritating Surfactants
Surfactants (surface active agent) are used to degrease and emulsify oil, dirt, and contaminants, allowing them to be cleansed away. However, some surfactants can be irritating for sensitive skin, so you must look for non-irritating surfactants such as coco glucoside, lauryl glucoside, and decyl glucoside.
Ingredients to Avoid
For those with sensitive skin, there are several harmful ingredients in makeup removers that you need to avoid, particularly if you want to keep your skin free from irritation, redness, and itchiness.
Harsh Alcohols
Harsh alcohols in makeup removers can include ethanol, propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and more. These alcohols can cause a variety of issues for those with sensitive skin, including extreme dryness and sensitivity.
Alternatives to look for are cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol which are considered gentler and less likely to cause a reaction.
Fragrances and Essential Oils
Both fragrances and essential oils can cause potential allergic reactions, even if the fragrance or essential oil is diluted. Instead, fragrance-free products are often a better choice for those with sensitive skin, eliminating the risk of reactions.
Parabens and Preservatives
Parabens and other preservatives can have negative effects on individuals with sensitive skin, including inflammation, dryness, and allergic reactions. If you have sensitive skin, it might be wise to avoid parabens and preservatives altogether.
Recommended NVS Pharmacy Products
At NVS Pharmacy, we supply a wide selection of makeup removers and skincare products that are suitable for individuals with sensitive skin. This includes products such as:
- Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil– Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic cleansing oil that glides easily on the skin for effortless makeup removal.
- Sukin Sensitive Cleansing Gel– Effective at gently cleansing the skin from impurities, leaving the skin feeling soft and refreshed.
- La Roche-Posay Respectissime Eye Make-Up Remover– Gentle makeup remover that removes eye makeup on sensitive skin and eyes, with a minimal ingredient list.
Browse our full range of products for sensitive skin here.
Tips for Using Makeup Removers on Sensitive Skin
Aside from choosing suitable makeup removers for sensitive skin, you must also use makeup removers properly to minimise irritation. Here’s our practical tips and advice:
Proper Application Techniques
Use gentle motions and avoid excessive rubbing of the skin when removing your makeup. When using cleansing balms and oils, make sure to use the pads of your fingers, not your palms, to gently cleanse your skin.
Follow-Up Skincare Routine
After using a makeup remover, follow up with a gentle cleanser, moisturiser, and hydrating serums and toners to maintain skin health and prevent skin irritation. Make sure that these products are also designed for sensitive skin.
NVS Pharmacy has an extensive stock of high-quality makeup remover products for sensitive skin. Discover our full range of skincare products today, or alternatively, feel free to get in touch for more information about our products.