Why It's Time To Switch Out Your Makeup Wipes For Coconut Oil
So you took the time to apply your makeup perfectly and absolutely nailed it. You had an incredible evening and felt like a 15/10. All is fine and dandy, then comes arguably the worst part of the night — taking your makeup off before bed. And while it can feel like an entirely annoying task, it's one of the most crucial skincare elements. Founder of The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery, Dr. David E. Bank, told HuffPost, "Sleeping with makeup on can lead to acne breakouts, accelerate the aging process and make the skin look dull."
For many, makeup remover wipes are an easy way to finish the process quickly. But, unfortunately, these wipes are not recommended if you want to keep your skin in good shape. London-based aesthetic doctor Dr. Tijion Esho told Insider, "They are formulated to break down makeup ... The chemicals in some cases can be harsh to your skin, causing micro-tears, or push makeup and debris deeper into your pores leading to further problems." Luckily, there's an alternative that can effectively remove your makeup and even offer additional skin-healing properties – coconut oil.
How coconut oil compares to makeup wipes
It wasn't too long ago when coconut oil broke into the spotlight. People were adding it to every part of their life. There was a bit of a coconut craze from using it to whiten their teeth to adding it to their coffee. And while there is a long list of things that coconut oil can both do and can't do, one of its "cans" is removing makeup. It can even remove the toughest makeup types, according to Nydia Figueroa, a professional makeup artist and member of VaultBeauty. "Coconut oil is the best in my opinion to remove waterproof makeup," she told Byrdie.
Cosmetic chemist Joseph Cincotta described the science behind this to Allure: "Coconut oil solubilizes or breaks up water-resistant substances used in eye shadow and mascara, releasing them from the skin and lashes." In addition to its powerful removal powers, Dr. Luigi L. Polla, founder of Forever Institut, told Harper's Bazaar that coconut oil "... help[s] lock in moisture and help the skin's natural barrier function ..." Makeup remover on the other hand, "can irritate the skin and dry the skin out ... " dermatologist Robyn Gmyrek, M.D., explained to Shape.
How to use coconut oil as a makeup remover
Before you begin throwing coconut oil into your skincare routine, there are a few things you should know. In an interview with Byrdie, Holistic plastic surgeon Anthony Youn, MD, advised, " ... you only use purified, cold-pressed coconut oil in liquid form ... Ideally, it should be organic and minimally processed." Once you've applied trustworthy coconut oil to your face, Dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD, recommended to Byrdie, "Avoid using scrubbing or rough rubbing methods. Gentle dabbing and soft circular movements should be enough to lift the eye makeup off without traumatizing the skin."
According to the Youn, coconut oil can be a great option for sensitive skin. However, if you have oily or acne prone skin, coconut oil might not be the right option for you. In conversation with The Zoe Report, Celebrity esthetician Natalie Aguilar cautioned, "the mixture of lipids and excessive dead skin cells can produce a clogged pore and eruption of a comedone." If you are uncertain how your skin may react to coconut oil, consult a certified dermatologist before adding it to your skincare.